9-Day Primates & Big Five Expedition
Nine days across Rwanda's wildest heart: mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, chimpanzees, canopy walks in Nyungwe, and a full Big Five safari in Akagera. An extraordinary odyssey from misty Virunga peaks to sunlit savannah.
Tour Overview
Prepare yourself for an extraordinary nine-day odyssey that weaves together the quiet magic of Rwanda's emerald rainforests with the raw adrenaline of the African savannah. This Primates & Big Five Expedition is more than a tour. It is a soulful immersion into nature, where you will look into the eyes of mountain gorillas and witness the untamed power of lions and elephants in Akagera National Park.
Your journey begins in the mist-veiled peaks of Volcanoes National Park, where the humbling presence of mountain gorillas will leave you breathless. From the playful energy of golden monkeys to the rhythmic calls of chimpanzees in the ancient Nyungwe Rainforest, every moment is a masterclass in biodiversity. The adventure then transitions into the golden plains of Akagera, where the "Big Five" roam freely against a backdrop of shimmering wetlands and acacia-dotted horizons.
At Inland Africa Safaris, we curate more than just logistics; we craft life-changing memories. With expert local guides and seamless, personalized care, we invite you to step deep into Rwanda's extraordinary wilderness. Join us for an intimate, high-end experience that honors the spirit of Africa and the resilience of its people.
Highlights
- Spend one hour with a mountain gorilla family in Volcanoes National Park
- Track playful golden monkeys through vibrant bamboo forest
- Follow chimpanzees deep into Nyungwe's montane rainforest
- Walk high above the canopy on Nyungwe's suspended walkway
- Full-day Big Five game drive across Akagera's southern and northern plains
- Boat safari on Lake Ihema spotting hippos, crocodiles, and birdlife
- Reflect at the Kigali Genocide Memorial
- Scenic RwandAir flight from Kamembe to Kigali on Day 7
- Unwind by the tranquil shores of Lake Kivu at Cormoran Lodge
- Eight nights across Kigali, Volcanoes, Lake Kivu, Nyungwe and Akagera
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrival in Kigali
Your adventure begins the moment you touch down in Kigali. Our team greets you warmly and transfers you to your hotel. Settle in, breathe in the fresh highland air, and enjoy a restful evening as anticipation builds.
Kigali Genocide Memorial and Drive to Volcanoes National Park
Begin with a profoundly moving visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial. Afterward, we leave the city for the majestic Volcanoes National Park, with the towering Virunga Mountains on the horizon. Relax at your lodge as the sounds of the forest build anticipation.
Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
This is the day the trip is built around. After a morning briefing, step into the cool rainforest guided by people who work in these mountains every week. Trek through dense bamboo and moss-covered trees for one hour with the gorilla family you are assigned.
Golden Monkey Trekking and Transfer to Lake Kivu
Begin with a golden monkey trek through the bamboo forest. After the trek, drive to the shores of Lake Kivu and check in at Cormoran Lodge for the evening.
Transfer to Nyungwe National Park
After breakfast overlooking Lake Kivu, journey to Nyungwe National Park, home to montane rainforest. The landscape changes as the road climbs. Settle into your forest lodge and prepare for tomorrow's chimpanzee adventure.
Chimpanzee Tracking and Canopy Walk
Follow the echoing calls of chimpanzees deep into Nyungwe's ancient forest. These intelligent primates offer a fascinating display of social behaviors. Afterward, experience the Canopy Walk, suspended high above the forest floor with sweeping panoramic views of the vast rainforest.
Scenic Flight to Kigali and Transfer to Akagera
Depart early and catch a scenic RwandAir flight back to Kigali. Your guide meets you at the airport for the drive to Akagera National Park. Stop at Imigongo Art Cafe for a packed lunch. Arrive for a park briefing, a short game drive on the southern plains, and a tranquil boat safari on Lake Ihema.
Full Day Big Five Safari in Akagera National Park
Set off on an exhilarating full-day Big Five safari across Akagera's southern and northern plains. Lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, buffalos, giraffes, zebras, hippos, and rich birdlife await. Break at Mihindi Cafe midway. Exit through the northern gate and return to Kigali.
Departure from Kigali
Your final morning in Rwanda. Transfer to Kigali International Airport for your onward flight, carrying memories of mountain gorillas, ancient rainforests, and the golden plains of Akagera. A journey that will remain with you forever.
What's Included
- Private 4x4 safari vehicle with experienced driver-guide
- 8 nights in mid-range lodges and hotels (full board during national park stays, breakfast in Kigali)
- Gorilla trekking permit (1 per person)
- Golden monkey trekking permit (1 per person)
- Chimpanzee tracking permit (1 per person)
- Full-day Big Five game drive in Akagera National Park
- Lake Ihema boat safari in Akagera National Park
- Nyungwe Canopy Walk permit
- Kigali Genocide Memorial entrance
- All national park entry fees
- Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
- Expert local guides and park rangers throughout
Permits are priced for international guests. Rwandans, East African Community residents and other African nationals enjoy discounted rates on gorilla, chimpanzee and golden monkey permits. Inquire for a customized quotation.
What's Not Included
- International and domestic flights (including Kigali-Kamembe scenic flight)
- Personal expenses, gratuities, and tips
- Travel insurance and visa fees
- Optional activities (spa treatments, extended stays, second gorilla trek)
- Last night in Kigali after Akagera (available on request)
Luxury accommodation upgrades and extra nights near Volcanoes National Park, Lake Kivu or Nyungwe are available at an additional cost.
Your Accommodation
Eight nights spanning Kigali, Volcanoes National Park, Lake Kivu, Nyungwe National Park and Akagera National Park. Mid-range full board throughout; luxury upgrades available on request.
Mid-range hotel in Kigali
1 NightA comfortable Kigali hotel with modern amenities and warm Rwandan hospitality - the perfect first night before the adventure begins.
Lodge near Volcanoes NP
2 Nights, Full BoardA cozy lodge near Volcanoes National Park with views of the volcanic peaks, warm service and full-board dining before and after your gorilla and golden monkey treks.
Cormoran Lodge, Lake Kivu
1 Night, Full BoardRest and reflect on the tranquil shores of Lake Kivu, with views over the lake and the surrounding hills.
Lodge near Nyungwe NP
2 Nights, Full BoardAt the edge of Nyungwe's montane rainforest, this lodge provides full-board comfort for chimpanzee tracking and the canopy walk.
Akagera Game Lodge
1 Night, Full BoardRwanda's premier safari lodge inside Akagera National Park, perfectly positioned for your full-day Big Five safari and Lake Ihema boat experience.
Luxury upgrade available
OptionalUpgrade any or all lodge stays to luxury options. We recommend the best available lodges for your dates. The upgrade supplement is quoted separately.
Know Before You Go
Physical Fitness
Active fitness required. Gorilla and chimpanzee treks cover uneven, sometimes steep rainforest terrain and last 3 to 6 hours. Full-day safari game drives are also physically engaging.
Age Requirement
Gorilla trekking and chimpanzee tracking are restricted to ages 15 and above. Golden monkey tracking is open to ages 12 and above. Ask us about alternatives for younger children.
Trek Difficulty
Difficulty varies by gorilla family and chimpanzee group location. Share your fitness level in your quotation request and rangers will assign a suitable group where possible.
Recommended Packing
Hiking boots with ankle support, neutral safari clothing, waterproof jacket, hat, sunglasses, light gloves, camera (no flash), binoculars for game drives, and a reusable water bottle.
Photography
Cameras and smartphones welcome throughout. Flash photography is strictly prohibited during all primate encounters. Telephoto lenses are recommended for both forest and savannah wildlife.
Dietary Requirements
Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and other dietary needs can all be accommodated when communicated in advance of your trip.
Best Time to Visit
Dry Season
June to September & December to February
Best trekking and safari conditions with clearer trails and firmer ground. Permits are in highest demand, so book early.
Wet Season
March to May & October to November
Lusher scenery, fewer tourists, and the rainforest at its most vibrant. Trails can be muddy and some roads challenging, but wildlife viewing remains excellent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Destinations on this journey
Kigali
Kigali is often treated as the place where a Rwanda journey begins. It deserves more time than that.
Volcanoes National Park
The approach to Volcanoes National Park is part of the experience: Rwanda's mountain-gorilla country and far more.
Lake Kivu
Lake Kivu is not simply where a Rwanda itinerary pauses: kayaking, coffee, trail stages and lakeside rest.
Nyungwe National Park
Nyungwe is a forest of steep gradients, shifting light and layered sound: chimpanzees, canopy walks and Albertine Rift biodiversity.
Akagera National Park
Akagera changes the visual language of a Rwanda journey: Rwanda's savannah park and its principal Big Five destination.
Experiences included
Kigali City Experiences
A Kigali experience should not be a generic sequence of monuments, markets and souvenir stops.
Gorilla Trekking
Mountain-gorilla trekking in Rwanda begins before the forest walk: an encounter that cannot be predicted precisely.
Golden Monkey Trekking
Golden-monkey tracking brings a different energy to the Virunga forest: fast-moving, mobile and rewarding.
Chimpanzee Trekking
Chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe is a pursuit through sound, movement and dense forest. Sightings are never guaranteed.
Canopy Walk
Nyungwe's canopy walkway changes how the forest is perceived: from the ground to the treetops above a ravine.
Big Five Safari
Akagera offers Rwanda's principal savannah safari. The Big Five title is useful shorthand, but it does not fully describe the park.
Helpful travel guides
Best Time to Visit Rwanda
How Rwanda's seasons can influence trekking, wildlife viewing, birding and road travel.
Last reviewed 2026-07-01
Rwanda Gorilla Permits Explained
How Rwanda gorilla permits work and why availability must be confirmed before travel.
Last reviewed 2026-07-01
Rwanda Visa Information
A planning checklist for verifying Rwanda entry requirements before travel.
Last reviewed 2026-07-01
Getting to Rwanda
Planning international arrival, airport transfers and onward travel from Kigali.
Last reviewed 2026-07-01
What to Pack for Rwanda
A practical packing framework for trekking, safari drives and changing Rwanda conditions.
Last reviewed 2026-07-01
Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda: The Complete Guide
Prepare for a mountain-gorilla trek in Rwanda with clear expectations about permits, terrain and responsible viewing.
Last reviewed 2026-07-01
Ready to plan a nine-day Rwanda expedition?
Every journey is shaped around your dates, fitness and interests. Extra nights, a second gorilla trek, or a luxury upgrade are all possible.