5-Day Rwanda Self-Drive Safari | Primates: Golden Monkeys, Gorillas & Chimps

A 5-Day Rwanda Self-Drive Safari | Primates: Golden Monkeys, Gorillas & Chimps. This 5-day Rwanda self-drive safari features chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe Forest National Park and mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. Ideal for independent travelers, this itinerary includes a canopy walk, cultural visits, and Kigali city tour, starting and ending in Kigali. A rental vehicle is essential for navigating the scenic, mountainous terrain. This intriguing 5-Day Rwanda Self-Drive safari explores Rwanda’s cultural and natural wonders. Try your negotiating skills at a bustling market, see Kigali’s art and historical monuments, and learn about traditional living at Ibyi Iwacu Cultural Village. Finish your tour by trekking deep into Nyungwe Forest National Park to meet wild chimps in their native habitat.

This 5-Day Rwanda Self-Drive safari gives the finest of Rwanda’s primate adventure. The vacation begins with a chimp tracking excursion in Nyungwe National Park in the southwest of the country. The park features around 12 primate species, with chimpanzees serving as the main draw for tourists.

From Nyungwe, you will travel to Volcanoes National Park in the northwest of the country for an exciting gorilla trekking experience. The park is home to about 350 mountain gorillas, some of which have been successfully habituated into twelve groups. You will have the opportunity to meet and interact with one of the habituated gorilla groups for at least an hour, observing how they feed, play, and rest.

5-Day Rwanda Self-Drive Safari Highlights

  • Explore Kigali’s hospitality, visit the genocide memorial, and see local art
  • Visit Ibyi Iwacu village to learn about rural life and traditions from locals
  • Trek in Nyungwe Forest National Park to see a chimpanzee family up close
  • Try your hand at haggling in bustling Kimironko Market

A Detailed 5-Day Rwanda Self-Drive Safari

  • Day 1: Kigali to Nyungwe National Park – Pick up your 4×4 and drive south (approx. 5-6 hours), enjoying scenery and a stop at the Royal Palace Museum.
  • Day 2: Chimpanzee Tracking & Canopy Walk – Morning trek in Nyungwe Forest (13 primate species) followed by the Afternoon Canopy Walk.
  • Day 3: Nyungwe to Volcanoes National Park – Scenic drive (approx. 6-7 hours) north to Kinigi, visiting Lake Kivu en route.
  • Day 4: Gorilla Trekking & Cultural Experience – Early morning trekking in Volcanoes National Park to see endangered Mountain Gorillas, followed by an evening at the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village.
  • Day 5: Golden Monkey Tracking or Hike & Return – Option for a final, short hike or Golden Monkey tracking before driving back to Kigali for your flight.