How to combine gorilla trekking with chimp trekking in Rwanda?

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How to Combine Gorilla Trekking with Chimp Trekking in Rwanda

Rwanda, known as The Land of a Thousand Hills, is a country of stunning beauty, vibrant culture, and extraordinary wildlife encounters. It’s one of the few places on Earth where you can stand face-to-face with two of humanity’s closest relatives in the wild — mountain gorillas and chimpanzees.

While gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park is Rwanda’s most famous attraction, chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe National Park offers an equally thrilling and immersive experience. Combining the two makes for the ultimate primate adventure — a journey that connects you with the very heart of Africa’s biodiversity.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to combine gorilla trekking with chimp trekking in Rwanda, including travel logistics, the best itineraries, permit details, and insider tips to make your experience smooth, memorable, and deeply rewarding.

1. Why Combine Gorilla and Chimp Trekking in Rwanda?

Combining gorilla and chimp trekking gives you two completely different encounters with primates — both emotionally powerful, but unique in behavior and setting.

  • Gorilla Trekking is serene and humbling. You hike through the misty volcanic slopes of northern Rwanda to find a family of mountain gorillas peacefully feeding or playing. The experience is quiet, slow-paced, and deeply moving.

  • Chimpanzee Trekking, on the other hand, is energetic and dynamic. You’ll follow the excited calls of chimps as they swing through the forest canopy, run on the ground, and communicate with each other in surprisingly human-like ways.

Both experiences reveal different sides of primate life — the calm strength of gorillas and the playful intelligence of chimpanzees. Together, they offer a complete window into the fascinating world of our evolutionary cousins.

2. Where Do These Activities Take Place?

Gorilla Trekking – Volcanoes National Park

Located in Rwanda’s Northern Province, Volcanoes National Park lies about 2.5 hours from Kigali. It’s part of the greater Virunga Conservation Area, shared with Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The park is home to around 12 habituated gorilla families, including famous groups like Sabyinyo, Amahoro, and Kwitonda. Each group can be visited by a maximum of eight tourists per day.

Volcanoes National Park is also known for its dramatic volcanic landscape, featuring the towering peaks of Mount Karisimbi, Mount Bisoke, and Mount Sabyinyo — a breathtaking backdrop for your trek.

Chimpanzee Trekking – Nyungwe National Park

In Rwanda’s southwestern region, about 5–6 hours from Kigali, lies Nyungwe National Park, one of Africa’s oldest and most pristine rainforests.

Covering over 1,000 square kilometers, Nyungwe is a lush world of ancient trees, waterfalls, and mist-covered hills. It’s home to 13 primate species, including chimpanzees, black-and-white colobus monkeys, and L’Hoest’s monkeys.

There are two habituated chimp groups for trekking:

  • Uwinka Group: The main group located within the central part of Nyungwe.

  • Cyamudongo Group: A smaller group in the Cyamudongo Forest, about an hour from Gisakura.

Each provides a unique, thrilling experience in one of the most biodiverse ecosystems in East Africa.

3. How Far Apart Are Volcanoes and Nyungwe National Parks?

The distance between Volcanoes National Park (north) and Nyungwe National Park (southwest) is approximately 320 kilometers (200 miles).

The drive between the two parks takes about 7–8 hours, but it’s one of the most scenic routes in Rwanda. You’ll travel through rolling hills, tea plantations, and traditional villages, with opportunities to stop at Lake Kivu — one of Africa’s Great Lakes — for relaxation along the way.

Most travelers break up the long journey by spending a night in Gisenyi (Rubavu) or Kibuye (Karongi), two beautiful lakeside towns on Lake Kivu’s shores.

4. Sample Itinerary: Combining Gorilla and Chimp Trekking

Here’s a sample 6-day Rwanda itinerary that combines both gorilla and chimp trekking while allowing time to enjoy Rwanda’s natural and cultural highlights.

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali

Arrive at Kigali International Airport and meet your driver-guide from Muhiga Safaris. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a Kigali city tour, visiting the Kigali Genocide Memorial, local markets, or the Inema Arts Center.

Dinner and overnight in Kigali.

Day 2: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

After breakfast, begin your scenic drive north to Volcanoes National Park (approximately 2.5 hours). The journey takes you through Rwanda’s iconic rolling hills and rural landscapes.

Arrive in Musanze (Ruhengeri) or Kinigi for lunch, and spend the afternoon at leisure or visit the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village for a taste of traditional Rwandan life.

Dinner and overnight near the park.

Day 3: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

Wake up early for a hearty breakfast before heading to the Kinigi Park Headquarters for a briefing. You’ll be assigned a gorilla family based on your fitness level and interest.

The trek can last anywhere from 1 to 6 hours, depending on the gorillas’ location. When you finally meet them, you’ll have one unforgettable hour to watch, photograph, and connect with them as they go about their daily lives.

After the trek, return to your lodge for lunch and relaxation. Optionally, you can visit Dian Fossey’s Research Center or Lake Ruhondo in the afternoon.

Dinner and overnight near Volcanoes National Park.

Day 4: Transfer to Lake Kivu (Gisenyi)

After breakfast, drive to Gisenyi (Rubavu) on the northern shore of Lake Kivu, just 2–3 hours away.

Enjoy a relaxed afternoon by the lakeside — take a boat ride, visit coffee islands, or simply unwind with a view of the shimmering water.

Overnight in Gisenyi, preparing for the next day’s journey to Nyungwe.

Day 5: Drive to Nyungwe National Park

Set off early for the scenic drive along Lake Kivu’s shoreline to Nyungwe National Park. The journey (approximately 5–6 hours) passes through breathtaking landscapes, including tea plantations and hillsides dotted with villages.

Arrive at your lodge in Gisakura or near Uwinka Visitor Center, ready for the next morning’s chimpanzee adventure.

Dinner and overnight near Nyungwe National Park.

Day 6: Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe Forest

Rise before dawn for your chimpanzee trek. The experience begins early because chimps are most active in the morning. After a briefing at Uwinka or Gisakura, you’ll follow expert guides into the forest, tracking the sound of chimp calls and movements.

Once found, you’ll spend up to one hour observing them as they play, groom, and feed. The energy and intelligence of these primates are captivating.

After the trek, you can add an optional activity such as:

  • The Nyungwe Canopy Walk, a thrilling suspension bridge 70 meters above the forest floor.

  • A tea plantation tour at Gisakura Tea Estate.

Dinner and overnight near Nyungwe, or transfer to Kamembe Airport for your return flight to Kigali.

5. Gorilla and Chimp Trekking Permits

Gorilla Trekking Permit (Volcanoes National Park)

  • Cost: USD 1,500 per person (as of 2025)

  • Issued by: Rwanda Development Board (RDB)

  • Includes: Park entry, ranger guides, and one hour with a habituated gorilla family

Chimpanzee Trekking Permit (Nyungwe National Park)

  • Cost: USD 90 per person (as of 2025)

  • Includes: Park entry, ranger guides, and one hour with the chimps

Permits should be booked well in advance, especially during Rwanda’s peak travel seasons (June–September and December–February).

Booking through a reputable tour operator like Muhiga Safaris ensures your permits are secured and your itinerary is perfectly coordinated.

6. Best Time to Combine Gorilla and Chimp Trekking

Both gorilla and chimpanzee trekking are available year-round, but the best time to visit Rwanda for these activities is during the dry seasons:

  • Long Dry Season: June to September

  • Short Dry Season: December to February

During these periods, forest trails are less slippery, and hiking conditions are more comfortable. Wildlife visibility also improves as vegetation thins slightly.

That said, the rainy seasons (March–May and October–November) bring lush, green landscapes and fewer tourists — perfect for photographers and those seeking solitude.

7. What to Pack

Both gorilla and chimp trekking take place in dense forests, often with unpredictable weather. Here’s what to bring:

  • Sturdy hiking boots with good grip

  • Waterproof jacket or poncho

  • Lightweight long pants and long-sleeved shirts (for protection against nettles and insects)

  • Gloves for holding vegetation during steep climbs

  • Reusable water bottle

  • Insect repellent and sunscreen

  • Camera with extra batteries (no flash allowed)

  • Gaiters or long socks (to keep ants out)

8. How Difficult Are the Treks?

Both gorilla and chimpanzee treks require a moderate level of fitness.

  • Gorilla trekking can involve steep climbs, mud, and long distances depending on the gorilla family’s location.

  • Chimpanzee trekking is usually faster-paced, as chimps move quickly and cover larger areas.

Hiring a porter is highly recommended for both experiences. Not only will they assist with carrying your gear, but you’ll also be supporting local livelihoods.

9. Why Rwanda Is Perfect for Both Treks

Rwanda is the only country in East Africa where you can easily combine both gorilla and chimpanzee trekking within one short trip. Here’s why:

  • Compact Size: Distances between parks are manageable, and roads are excellent.

  • Efficient Logistics: Organized permits, professional guides, and clear infrastructure make travel smooth.

  • Safety and Cleanliness: Rwanda is one of Africa’s safest and cleanest countries.

  • Stunning Landscapes: The route between the two parks — from volcanoes to rainforests to lakes — showcases Rwanda’s natural diversity.

It’s no wonder Rwanda has become a top destination for luxury and eco-conscious travelers seeking meaningful wildlife experiences.

10. Extend Your Adventure

If you have extra days, consider adding these experiences:

  • Lake Kivu Relaxation: Ideal for unwinding between the two treks.

  • Kigali City Tour: Learn about Rwanda’s culture, history, and transformation.

  • Akagera National Park: For a Big Five safari — lions, elephants, rhinos, buffalo, and leopards.

These additions create a perfect balance between wildlife, culture, and relaxation.

11. Travel with Muhiga Safaris

Planning a trip that combines gorilla trekking and chimpanzee trekking requires expert coordination — and Muhiga Safaris makes it effortless.

With years of experience organizing tailor-made safaris across Rwanda and East Africa, Muhiga Safaris ensures every detail is handled: permits, transfers, accommodations, guides, and activities. Their local expertise and personalized service guarantee a seamless, safe, and enriching experience.

Whether you want a luxury gorilla-chimp combo or a more adventurous itinerary through Rwanda’s scenic routes, Muhiga Safaris can design the perfect trip — connecting the misty volcanoes to the ancient rainforests of Nyungwe.

Embark on the journey of a lifetime, meet both gorillas and chimps in their natural homes, and discover the wild heart of Rwanda — with Muhiga Safaris, your trusted companion for unforgettable adventures.

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