9 Days Rwanda Gorilla Tour – Chimps & Big 5 Safari

9 Days Rwanda Gorilla Tour – Chimps & Big 5 Safari

The 9 Days Rwanda Gorilla Tour – Chimps & Big 5 Safari by Wild Planet Safaris delivers an unforgettable journey through Rwanda’s most iconic wildlife destinations. This expertly crafted safari combines mountain gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, golden monkey encounters, scenic hiking, and a classic Big Five game drive. You will explore lush rainforests, volcanic mountains, rolling hills, and savannah plains—all within one compact yet diverse country known as the “Land of a Thousand Hills.”

Wild Planet Safaris designs this itinerary to give you a complete Rwandan wildlife experience. You will begin with a cultural immersion in Kigali, track primates in ancient montane forests, hike volcanic mountains, cruise along scenic lakes, and search for Africa’s most famous wildlife species in Akagera National Park. The tour starts and ends in Kigali, ensuring smooth logistics and maximum comfort throughout your adventure.

Overview of the 9 Days Rwanda Safari

This Rwanda safari allows you to:

• Track mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park
• Track chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest
• Hike Mount Bisoke
• Enjoy a canopy walk in Nyungwe
• Cruise on Lake Ihema in Akagera
• Search for the Big Five on a game drive
• Explore Kigali’s history and culture

Wild Planet Safaris ensures professional guiding, comfortable accommodation, reliable transport, and seamless coordination of all permits and park activities.

Trip Summary – 9 Days Rwanda Safari

• Day 1: Arrival in Kigali & City Tour
• Day 2: Colobus Monkey Trekking & Canopy Walk – Nyungwe
• Day 3: Chimpanzee Tracking & Transfer to Kibuye
• Day 4: Scenic Drive to Volcanoes National Park
• Day 5: Gorilla Trekking & Twin Lakes Visit
• Day 6: Mount Bisoke Hike
• Day 7: Transfer to Akagera National Park & Boat Cruise
• Day 8: Big Five Game Drive
• Day 9: Return to Kigali & Departure

Detailed 9 Days Rwanda Gorilla Tour Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali & City Tour

Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, your Wild Planet Safaris guide welcomes you and transfers you to your hotel for a safari briefing.

We then take you on a comprehensive Kigali city tour. You will visit the powerful Kigali Genocide Memorial, where you gain deep insight into Rwanda’s history and resilience. This moving experience helps you understand the country’s transformation and unity.

Next, you explore Kimironko Market, where vendors sell fresh produce, colorful fabrics, and handcrafted goods. You may also visit Nyamirambo Old Town, local craft centers, and artisan workshops.

After lunch at a selected restaurant, Wild Planet Safaris transfers you to Nyungwe Forest National Park, located in Rwanda’s southwestern highlands.

Day 2: Colobus Monkey Trekking & Canopy Walk – Nyungwe Forest

After breakfast, we lead you into Nyungwe Forest for an exciting colobus monkey trek. Nyungwe hosts one of Africa’s largest troops of Angolan colobus monkeys. As you walk through the dense forest, your expert guide explains the ecosystem, plant species, and birdlife.

The forest walk becomes an educational experience as you learn about medicinal plants, endemic bird species, and the relationships between different primates.

Later, you enjoy the famous Nyungwe Canopy Walk. Suspended above the forest floor, this elevated walkway offers breathtaking views across the rainforest canopy. You may spot monkeys, birds, and butterflies from above while enjoying panoramic scenery.

You return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.

Day 3: Chimpanzee Tracking & Transfer to Kibuye

Wild Planet Safaris begins the day early to maximize your chimpanzee tracking experience. At dawn, you enter Nyungwe Forest with trained trackers to locate chimpanzee troops.

You listen carefully for vocal calls echoing through the forest before approaching the chimps. Once you find them, you observe their energetic movements, grooming interactions, and feeding habits. Watching chimpanzees leap through the treetops creates a thrilling wildlife encounter.

After lunch, we drive to Kibuye (Karongi) along the scenic shores of Lake Kivu. This beautiful lakeside town offers peaceful views and a relaxing atmosphere.

Dinner and overnight in Kibuye.

Day 4: Scenic Drive to Volcanoes National Park

After breakfast, Wild Planet Safaris drives north toward Volcanoes National Park. The journey takes you through Rwanda’s breathtaking terraced hills and tea plantations.

We pass through Gisenyi (Rubavu), where you enjoy stunning views of Lake Kivu and the Congolese border. The drive continues through Ruhengeri (Musanze) to Kinigi, the gateway to Volcanoes National Park.

Upon arrival, you relax at your lodge near the park headquarters and prepare for the next day’s gorilla trekking adventure.

Day 5: Gorilla Trekking & Twin Lakes Visit

Today marks the highlight of your Rwanda safari.

After an early breakfast, Wild Planet Safaris transfers you to the park headquarters for briefing. Rangers assign you a gorilla family and explain trekking guidelines.

You then hike into the forested slopes of the Virunga Mountains. Trekking may take between 2 to 5 hours depending on the gorillas’ movements. Once you locate the family, you spend one magical hour observing them at close range.

You watch silverbacks assert dominance, mothers nurture infants, and juveniles play energetically. This intimate wildlife encounter remains one of Africa’s most powerful safari experiences.

In the afternoon, we visit the scenic twin lakes—Lake Burera and Lake Ruhondo—located at the foothills of the volcanoes. The lakes provide spectacular photography opportunities and tranquil scenery.

Dinner and overnight near Volcanoes National Park.

Day 6: Mount Bisoke Hike

Wild Planet Safaris organizes an early start for your Mount Bisoke hike. Bisoke stands as one of the Virunga volcanic mountains and features a stunning crater lake at its summit.

The trail passes through lush rainforest inhabited by golden monkeys and mountain gorillas. The hike takes approximately 3 hours uphill and 2 hours downhill, depending on your pace.

At the summit, you admire the beautiful crater lake surrounded by misty volcanic slopes. After descending, you return to your lodge for relaxation and reflection.

Day 7: Transfer to Akagera National Park & Boat Cruise

After breakfast, we drive east across Rwanda’s rolling hills toward Akagera National Park. The landscape gradually transforms into savannah plains and wetlands.

Upon arrival, you enjoy a boat cruise on Lake Ihema. During the cruise, you observe hippos, Nile crocodiles, and abundant birdlife including African fish eagles and herons.

Akagera hosts over 525 bird species, making it a paradise for bird enthusiasts.

Dinner and overnight at your lodge in Akagera.

Day 8: Big Five Game Drive in Akagera

Wild Planet Safaris begins your morning with an early game drive in Akagera National Park. The park now hosts the Big Five: lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, and rhinos.

During the drive, you may encounter:

• Elephants grazing in woodlands
• Lions resting in tall grass
• Giraffes browsing acacia trees
• Zebras and impalas roaming open plains
• Leopards hidden in dense thickets

Your guide uses expert tracking skills to locate wildlife and explain animal behavior.

After lunch, you relax at the lodge while reflecting on your safari experiences.

Day 9: Return to Kigali & Departure

After breakfast, Wild Planet Safaris transfers you back to Kigali. You may enjoy last-minute shopping at craft markets or visit local art galleries before heading to Kigali International Airport for departure.

We ensure timely airport transfer based on your flight schedule.

End of the 9 Days Rwanda Gorilla Tour.

Tour Inclusions

Wild Planet Safaris includes:

• Gorilla trekking permit
• Chimpanzee permit
• Golden Monkey trekking permit
• Nyungwe canopy walk
• Park entrance fees
• Accommodation and meals as per itinerary
• Full-time English-speaking professional guide
• 4×4 safari vehicle with fuel
• Bottled drinking water
• Government taxes

Tour Exclusions

• International airfare
• Alcoholic beverages
• Personal shopping expenses
• Tips and gratuities
• Optional activities not listed
• Travel insurance

Why Choose Wild Planet Safaris for Your Rwanda Safari?

Wild Planet Safaris provides personalized, professionally guided, and responsibly managed safari experiences. We coordinate all permits, accommodations, transfers, and activities to guarantee a seamless journey.

Our experienced guides understand Rwanda’s ecosystems, wildlife behavior, and cultural heritage. We prioritize conservation, support local communities, and promote sustainable tourism practices.

This 9 Days Rwanda Gorilla Tour – Chimps & Big 5 Safari offers a complete and immersive exploration of Rwanda’s primates, landscapes, and savannah wildlife. When you travel with Wild Planet Safaris, you experience Rwanda with expertise, comfort, and authenticity.

Book your Rwanda safari today with Wild Planet Safaris and discover the extraordinary beauty of Africa’s most remarkable destinations.