Day-by-day itinerary
9 Days Rwanda Chimps, Gorillas, Golden Monkeys & Wildlife Safari
Pricing
Price per person sharing
Rates below are per person for this 9-day itinerary and depend on how many of you travel together. Every safari is private and tailor-made — final pricing is confirmed with your dates and chosen lodges.
How many travellers?
Your price
3.590 $per person sharing
7.180 $ total for 2 travellers (USD)
Route map
Where you'll travel
Tap any stop to jump to that day in the itinerary.
Trip highlights
- Nyungwe chimp trek
- Volcanoes gorilla trek
- Golden monkey trek
- Akagera big five
Day 1
Arrival in Kigali →Transfer to hotel and orientation.
Full day details →Day 2
Kigali to Nyungwe →Long scenic drive south through tea country.
Full day details →Day 3
Nyungwe chimp trek →Early chimp trek; afternoon canopy walkway.
Full day details →Day 4
Nyungwe to Lake Kivu →Drive along the Congo-Nile Trail.
Full day details →Day 5
Kivu to Musanze →Scenic drive to Volcanoes NP base.
Full day details →Day 6
Volcanoes gorilla trek →Mountain gorilla trek.
Full day details →Day 7
Golden monkey trek →Bamboo forest trek.
Full day details →Day 8
Musanze to Akagera →Long drive east; afternoon game drive.
Full day details →Day 9
Akagera game drive & depart →Morning game drive; drive to Kigali airport.
Full day details →
From the trail
Moments from this safari
Before you book
What to know about travelling in Rwanda
Visas, permits, health requirements, seasons, money and tipping — everything specific to this destination.
Before you book · Rwanda
Travelling in Rwanda
- Visas & entry
- Visa on arrival for all nationalities (USD 50, 30 days) or apply via Irembo in advance; many African and Commonwealth passports enter visa-free. The East Africa Tourist Visa (USD 100) covers Rwanda, Uganda and Kenya. Yellow fever certificate required if arriving from an endemic country.
- Arrival gateway
- Kigali International Airport (KGL) — most parks are a 2–4 hour drive on excellent tarmac.
- Permits
- Rwanda gorilla permits are USD 1,500 per person (golden monkey USD 100, Nyungwe chimpanzee USD 150). Only 8 trekkers per gorilla family per day; permits are non-refundable and sell out for June–September, so book early.
- Best time to travel
- June–September (long dry season) and mid-December–February are best for trekking and game drives. March–May is the long rains — lush, atmospheric and quieter.
- Health & vaccinations
- Malaria prophylaxis recommended, particularly for Akagera and Lake Kivu. Rwanda has excellent private clinics in Kigali. Trekkers must be symptom-free of respiratory illness on the day of the trek.
- Money & payments
- Rwandan Franc (RWF). Cards and mobile money are widely used in Kigali; carry USD or RWF cash for rural markets, tips and community visits.
- Weather & climate
- Temperate 'land of a thousand hills' climate: 22–27°C by day in Kigali, 10–15°C nights at Volcanoes National Park (2,500 m+), regular afternoon showers in the green seasons.
- Connectivity
- One of the best-connected countries in Africa — fast 4G nationwide and Wi-Fi in nearly every lodge.
- Tipping guideline
- USD 15–20 per guest for the tracking team after a gorilla trek, USD 15–20 for a porter, USD 10–15 per day for your driver-guide, and 5–10% in Kigali restaurants.
- What to pack
- Waterproof hiking boots, long trousers and sleeves, gaiters, gloves, rain shell, warm layer for the volcano slopes, daypack, and 2 litres of water for trekking days.
- Local etiquette
- Plastic bags are banned nationwide. Rwanda is exceptionally clean and orderly — photography of government buildings, airports and military sites is not permitted. Genocide memorials require quiet, respectful dress.
Requirements and fees change. We reconfirm current visa, permit and health rules in writing before you pay any balance.