About the 6-Day Rwanda Gorillas, Chimpanzees and Lake Kivu Safari
This 6-day safari brings together three of Rwanda’s highlights: a mountain gorilla trek in Volcanoes National Park, chimpanzee tracking in the forest, and time beside Lake Kivu, one of Africa’s Great Lakes, to relax after the treks.
It suits travellers who want to see two kinds of primates and finish with a calmer lakeside stop. Gorilla treks are moderate to strenuous, and the minimum age is 15. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.
Planning tips: see our guide to gorilla trekking in Rwanda, and check entry requirements on the official Rwanda immigration site. The gorilla permit and the park fees for the activities in the itinerary are included. Request a free quote and we will reply by email.
Read more: Rwanda gorilla permit cost, our Nyungwe National Park guide and where to stay in Musanze.
Read the full trip guide: 6-Day Rwanda Gorillas, Chimpanzees and Lake Kivu Safari
Table of Contents
Last updated October 2026. Planned by Victoria Kayaga, founder of Afraeka Adventures, with over 7 years in East African tourism.
6 day Rwanda gorillas chimpanzees safari: quick answer
This 6 day Rwanda gorillas chimpanzees safari brings together a mountain gorilla trek in Volcanoes National Park, chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe Forest and time beside Lake Kivu, one of Africa’s Great Lakes.
It suits travellers who want two kinds of primates and a calm lakeside stop to finish. The minimum age for gorilla trekking is 15.
Day-by-day route of the 6 day Rwanda gorillas chimpanzees safari
Day 1: pick-up in Kigali and drive to Musanze for a relaxed first evening near Volcanoes National Park.
Day 2: gorilla trek. You trek to your assigned family and spend one hour with the gorillas, then rest or visit the twin lakes.
Day 3: drive west to Lake Kivu, with optional kayaking or a boat ride.
Day 4: continue south along the lake and through tea country to Nyungwe Forest.
Day 5: chimpanzee trekking, with one hour spent with a habituated community, followed by a nature walk or the canopy walk.
Day 6: drive back to Kigali, about 5 to 6 hours.
What to expect on a 6 day Rwanda gorillas chimpanzees safari
The route moves from volcano country to the lake and then to the rainforest, so you see three landscapes.
The lakeside night gives your legs time to recover after the gorilla trek.
Nyungwe is a long drive from Kigali, so expect time on the road at the end.
Read our Nyungwe National Park guide and the Rwanda gorilla permit guide to prepare.
What is included
Included are airport pick-up and drop-off in Kigali, the gorilla trekking permit arranged by us, the chimpanzee trekking permit, a 4×4 safari vehicle with an experienced driver-guide, meals as specified and accommodation for 5 nights.
International flights, visa fees, insurance, tips and personal expenses are not included.
How Afraeka plans your primate and lake safari
We start with your dates and fitness, then request the gorilla and chimpanzee permits for your travel dates. Permits are date-specific and paid in full at booking.
Your driver-guide stays with you throughout.
Send us your questions and we will reply by email with a personal quote.
Who this safari suits
Primate lovers, honeymooners and families with teenagers aged 15 or older who like a calmer end to a trekking trip.
6 day Rwanda gorillas chimpanzees safari FAQ
Which primates do I see?
Mountain gorillas and chimpanzees.
Where do I stay at Lake Kivu?
By the lake, with optional kayaking or a boat ride.
How long is the drive back to Kigali?
About 5 to 6 hours.
Is the chimpanzee permit included?
Yes.
Related guides and sources
Check destination information on the official Visit Rwanda website, compare more options on our Rwanda safaris page, or request a free quote for this 6 day Rwanda gorillas chimpanzees safari.
The 6 day Rwanda gorillas chimpanzees safari in more detail
Day 1: Kigali to Musanze
The 6 day Rwanda gorillas chimpanzees safari starts with a pick-up in Kigali and a drive to Musanze for a relaxed first evening near Volcanoes National Park. Arriving the day before the trek means you are rested for it.
Day 2: the gorilla trek
On day 2 you trek to your assigned gorilla family and spend one hour with the gorillas. The trek is moderate to strenuous on steep forest trails, and the minimum age is 15. Afterward you can rest or visit the twin lakes.
Day 3: Lake Kivu
Day 3 takes you west to Lake Kivu, one of Africa’s Great Lakes, with optional kayaking or a boat ride. The lakeside night gives your legs time to recover after the gorilla trek.
Day 4: tea country to Nyungwe
On day 4 you continue south along the lake and through tea country to Nyungwe Forest. The route moves from volcano country to the lake and then to the rainforest, so you see three different landscapes.
Day 5: chimpanzee tracking
Day 5 is chimpanzee trekking, with one hour spent with a habituated community, followed by a nature walk or the canopy walk. Tracking can involve long walks on uneven forest trails, and sightings are never guaranteed. Read our Nyungwe National Park guide for more on the forest.
Day 6: return to Kigali
On the last day you drive back to Kigali, which takes about 5 to 6 hours. Nyungwe is a long drive from Kigali, so expect time on the road. Tell us your flight time so we can plan the departure.
Permits and planning
We request the gorilla and chimpanzee permits for your travel dates. Permits are date-specific and paid in full at booking. Both permits, the 4×4 vehicle with an experienced driver-guide and five nights of accommodation are included. See the Rwanda gorilla permit guide.
Who it suits
The safari suits primate lovers, honeymooners and families with teenagers aged 15 or older who like a calmer end to a trekking trip. Compare more routes on our Rwanda safaris page, and send us your questions for a personal quote by email.
Travel across Rwanda’s western highlands for mountain gorillas, Lake Kivu and Nyungwe’s chimpanzees. This 6-day route follows the scenic Lake Kivu shoreline and offers a relaxing mid-trip break by the water before the forest.
We arrange your driver-guide, accommodation and park permits, and every itinerary can be adjusted to your dates, interests and budget. Contact us for a personal quote.
Highlights
- One hour with a mountain gorilla family in Volcanoes National Park
- Optional afternoon at the twin lakes, Burera and Ruhondo
- A relaxing break on the shores of Lake Kivu
- Scenic drive through tea country to Nyungwe Forest
- Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe, plus a nature walk or canopy walk
- Gorilla and chimpanzee trekking permits included
