Chimp and Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

 Rwanda hosts both mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park and chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest National Park • Gorilla permits cost $1,500 per person while chimp permits cost $90 per person for 2026 • Both activities require advance booking, with gorilla permits needing 6-12 months lead time • Physical fitness requirements differ between the two treks, with gorilla trekking typically more demanding • Combined itineraries allow visitors to track both species during a single Rwanda visit

Mountain Gorilla Tracking in Volcanoes National Park

Volcanoes National Park protects approximately one-third of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. The park contains 12 habituated gorilla families available for tourism, each named and monitored by researchers and guides.

Gorilla Family Groups Available for Tracking:

  • Susa Group (largest family with 33 members)
  • Karisimbi Group (located on Mount Karisimbi slopes)
  • Sabyinyo Group (easiest to reach for mobility-limited visitors)
  • Amahoro Group (peaceful family known for calm behavior)
  • Umubano Group (breakaway from Amahoro)

Each gorilla trek begins at park headquarters in Kinigi village. Visitors receive briefings about safety protocols, gorilla behavior, and conservation efforts before departing with armed rangers and trackers.

Chimpanzee Tracking in Nyungwe Forest

Nyungwe Forest National Park contains East Africa’s largest montane forest and houses approximately 400 chimpanzees across multiple communities. Two habituated groups are available for tourism activities.

The forest spans 1,019 square kilometers and sits at elevations between 1,600 and 2,950 meters above sea level. Chimpanzee tracking occurs in the Cyamudongo forest section, where one community has been habituated for visitor encounters.

Planning Your Chimp and Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda Experience

Permit Requirements and Costs

Gorilla Trekking Permits:

  • Cost: $1,500 per person (2026 rates)
  • Validity: Single day use only
  • Group size: Maximum 8 visitors per gorilla family
  • Age requirement: Minimum 15 years old
  • Booking window: Available 24 months in advance

Chimpanzee Tracking Permits:

  • Cost: $90 per person (2026 rates)
  • Validity: Single day use only
  • Group size: Maximum 8 visitors per chimp community
  • Age requirement: Minimum 12 years old
  • Booking window: Available 12 months in advance

We recommend securing gorilla permits first due to limited availability and higher demand. Chimp permits have greater availability but should still be booked several months ahead for peak season travel.

Best Time for Chimp and Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

Rwanda’s climate allows year-round primate tracking, but seasonal variations affect trekking conditions and wildlife behavior.

Dry Seasons (June-September and December-February):

  • Easier hiking conditions on drier trails
  • Better photography lighting
  • Higher visitor numbers and permit demand
  • Gorillas may travel further for water sources

Wet Seasons (March-May and October-November):

  • Muddy and slippery trail conditions
  • Lower visitor numbers and easier permit availability
  • Gorillas stay closer to lower elevations
  • Forest vegetation is most dense

Both species remain active throughout the year. Chimpanzees are more active during early morning hours regardless of season.

 

Combining Chimp and Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda Itineraries

Sample 5-Day Combined Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali, city tour, overnight in Kigali Day 2: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park, afternoon cultural visit Day 3: Gorilla trekking, afternoon at leisure Day 4: Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park Day 5: Chimpanzee tracking, afternoon departure to Kigali

This schedule allows adequate rest between activities while maximizing wildlife viewing opportunities.

Transportation Between Parks

The distance between Volcanoes National Park and Nyungwe Forest is approximately 280 kilometers, requiring 5-6 hours of road travel. Most visitors use private vehicles with driver-guides who provide information about Rwanda’s geography and culture during transfers.

Transportation Options:

  • Private 4WD vehicle with driver-guide (recommended)
  • Scheduled group transfers (limited availability)
  • Domestic flights to Kamembe Airport (near Nyungwe)

Road conditions are generally good on main routes, but some sections include winding mountain roads requiring experienced drivers.

Accommodation and Logistics

Lodging Near Volcanoes National Park

Luxury Options:

  • Bisate Lodge (eco-luxury with gorilla views)
  • Singita Kwitonda Lodge (ultra-luxury conservation focus)
  • Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge (community-owned luxury)

Mid-Range Options:

  • Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
  • Hotel Muhabura
  • Kinigi Guesthouse

Budget Options:

  • Gorilla Solution Lodge
  • Garden Place Hotel
  • Local guesthouses in Musanze town

Lodging Near Nyungwe Forest

Luxury Options:

  • One&Only Nyungwe House (forest edge location)
  • Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel

Mid-Range and Budget Options:

  • Nyungwe Forest Lodge
  • Gisakura Guest House
  • Peace Guest House

Accommodation should be booked simultaneously with permits due to limited options near both parks.