Encounter mountain gorillas and wild chimpanzees in Rwanda's emerald forest highlands
Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park is the birthplace of gorilla conservation — where the legendary Dian Fossey lived and died protecting mountain gorillas. Today, the park's 12 habituated gorilla families receive visitors in strictly limited groups of 8. This 5-day expedition combines a mountain gorilla trek in the Virunga volcanoes with a chimpanzee tracking experience in Nyungwe Forest — Africa's oldest montane rainforest — giving you encounters with two of our closest evolutionary relatives.
Kigali city tour: the immaculate capital city with its memorable Genocide Memorial. Afternoon drive to Musanze through terraced hillsides and volcanoes. Briefing at camp.
Whether you prefer a budget tented camp, a mid-range lodge, or a luxury safari camp inside the reserve — we work with vetted partners across the full range.
Both gorilla and chimp permits included — the total permit cost alone exceeds $1,500. Comfortable guesthouse accommodation. Exceptional value for genuine primate encounters.
Boutique lodge rooms at Volcanoes with volcano views and quality lodge at Nyungwe. Private vehicle, excellent meals, and a community experience at a women's weaving cooperative.
Rwanda's finest mountain retreat at Volcanoes and exclusive treehouse suites at Nyungwe. Second gorilla trek option. Helicopter over the Virungas available. The ultimate primate safari.
1-hour mountain gorilla family encounter in the Virungas
Chimpanzee tracking in ancient Nyungwe Forest
Visit Dian Fossey's grave and Karisoke Research Centre
Golden monkey trekking option in bamboo forests
Kigali city tour and Genocide Memorial
Canopy walk in Nyungwe — hanging bridges above the rainforest
Ranger briefing at 7am. Trek into the Virunga volcanoes through bamboo zones and dense Hagenia forest. Find your assigned gorilla family — Gorilla Mountain is covered in mist and magic. Spend your 1 permitted hour watching these extraordinary creatures interact, play, and go about their lives. Transformative.
Morning golden monkey trek in bamboo forests — these brightly coloured primates move in troops through the bamboo and are remarkably approachable. Afternoon: optional hike to Karisoke Research Station and Dian Fossey's grave at 3,000m.
Scenic transfer south through tea plantations to Nyungwe Forest. Afternoon chimpanzee habituation walk in the forest margins.
Pre-dawn chimp tracking when the forest echoes with hoots and drumming. 1-hour encounter with habituated chimp community. Optional: Nyungwe canopy walk (suspension bridges). Return to Kigali for evening flights.
