Embark on an unforgettable 6-day primate safari in Rwanda with Nomad Touring Company Ltd, designed for travelers eager to encounter gorillas, chimpanzees, and golden monkeys in their natural habitats. This journey combines wildlife tracking with cultural immersion, exploring both Volcanoes National Park in the north and Nyungwe Forest National Park in the southwest. Along the way, visit historic and cultural landmarks including the Royal Palace of Nyanza and the Ethnographic Museum in Butare.

This tour begins and ends in Kigali, offering seamless access to Rwanda’s most captivating wildlife and scenic regions. Expect rich encounters with rare primates, guided forest hikes, and opportunities to learn about Rwanda’s culture and history — all while staying at comfortable eco-lodges with panoramic views of mist-covered hills.

Itinerary

Cost

Day 01 :

Arrival in Kigali – City Welcome & Rest

Accommodation: Park Inn by Radisson (4-star, city hotel)
Meals: Dinner

Upon your arrival at Kigali International Airport, a representative from Nomad Touring Company Ltd will greet you and escort you to your hotel. After check-in, relax and recover from your flight. Depending on your arrival time, optional city walks or dinner at a local restaurant can be arranged. Your overnight stay is in a modern, centrally located hotel that offers great access to Kigali’s shops and restaurants.

Day 02 :

Kigali – Cultural Stops en route to Nyungwe Forest

Accommodation: Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel (mid-range lodge)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, begin your scenic drive southward towards Nyungwe National Park. En route, stop in Nyanza to visit the King’s Palace, a reconstruction of a traditional monarch’s compound. Continue to Butare, home to Rwanda’s oldest university and the National Ethnographic Museum, which offers an in-depth look into the country’s culture. Enjoy a Rwandan-style lunch in town before proceeding to Nyungwe. Your evening is spent at a hillside lodge with panoramic views of the surrounding rainforest.

Day 03 :

Chimpanzee Trekking & Nyungwe Canopy Walk

Accommodation: Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Rise early for your chimpanzee trekking expedition inside the montane rainforest of Nyungwe. Led by expert trackers, follow the sounds of hooting and rustling through thick forest to encounter these intelligent primates in their natural habitat. Later in the day, explore the Nyungwe Canopy Walk, a high suspension bridge offering sweeping views across the treetops and deep valleys. A perfect opportunity for birdwatching and photography. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.

Day 04 :

Nyungwe – Lake Kivu – Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

Accommodation: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge (mid-range eco-lodge)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning, opt for a Colobus monkey trek or a waterfall hike, depending on your energy and interest. Afterwards, depart Nyungwe and stop at Lake Kivu for a lakeside lunch and scenic break. This large freshwater lake is one of Africa’s Great Lakes and is known for its serene beauty. From there, continue the journey north to Volcanoes National Park, where towering volcanoes rise from verdant landscapes. Upon arrival, check into your forest lodge with views of the Virunga Mountains.

Day 05 :

Gorilla Trekking Adventure in Volcanoes National Park

Accommodation: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Prepare for an exhilarating mountain gorilla trekking experience. After a briefing at the park headquarters, join your group and guides on a hike through the forest in search of one of the habituated gorilla families. The trek may range from 1 to 6 hours depending on their location. Once found, spend a powerful hour observing them — an awe-inspiring moment and often an emotional one. The rest of the day is yours to relax at the lodge or explore the local community nearby.

Day 06 :

Golden Monkey Trek – Return to Kigali – Departure

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

On your final day, choose between golden monkey trekking, a second gorilla trek, or a visit to the Dian Fossey Tomb & Research Center. Golden monkeys are energetic, beautiful primates found only in this region. After the morning activity, enjoy lunch at the lodge and freshen up before starting your drive back to Kigali. Depending on your flight time, you may visit the Dian Fossey Foundation in Musanze before continuing to the airport for your departure.