Can I Combine Chimpanzee Tracking with Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda?

Many travelers dream of witnessing Africa’s great primates in their natural habitat. If you are planning a trip to the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” you likely wonder: Can I combine chimps and gorillas in one trip? The answer is a resounding yes. Rwanda offers a unique, compact geography. This makes it one of the few places on earth where you can track mountain gorillas and chimpanzees within the same week.

Combining these two experiences provides a complete look at the diversity of primate behavior. While the gorillas offer a soulful, quiet encounter in the mist, the chimpanzees bring high-octane energy to the ancient rainforest. This guide explores the logistics, locations, and life-changing moments that occur when you combine chimps and gorillas for your 2026 safari adventure.

The Two Pillars: Volcanoes vs. Nyungwe

To understand how to merge these adventures, you must look at the two distinct ecosystems. Mountain gorillas live in the Volcanoes National Park in the northwest. This park features high-altitude bamboo forests and dramatic volcanic peaks. In contrast, chimpanzees reside in Nyungwe Forest National Park in the southwest. Nyungwe is one of the oldest rainforests in Africa. It boasts an incredible canopy of ancient mahogany and ebony trees.

The drive between these two parks takes approximately five to six hours. The journey follows the scenic shores of Lake Kivu. This drive offers breathtaking views of the “Emerald Lake” and its many islands. This travel day serves as a perfect transition. It allows you to see the changing Rwandan landscape, from the terraced hills of the north to the dense, tropical depths of the south.

Chimpanzee Tracking in Nyungwe: The Wild Chase

Chimpanzee tracking offers a starkly different experience from gorilla trekking. While gorillas are terrestrial and relatively sedentary, chimpanzees spend much of their time high in the canopy. They move with incredible speed and agility. Tracking them feels like a true expedition. You will often hear them before you see them. Their “pant-hoots” echo through the forest, creating a sense of thrilling anticipation.

In Nyungwe, you will typically track one of two habituated groups. The main group lives in the heart of the forest. A smaller group resides in the Cyamudongo forest patch. Because chimps move constantly, the trek remains unpredictable. You might follow them through the undergrowth for several hours as they swing from branch to branch. When they finally descend to the forest floor to feed or socialize, the proximity feels electric. Seeing our closest biological relatives interact, solve problems, and care for their young is a profound experience.

The Gorilla Encounter: A Moment of Stillness

After the adrenaline of the chimpanzee trek, the gorilla encounter feels almost meditative. Volcanoes National Park houses several habituated gorilla families. Each family maintains its own social hierarchy and personality. The trek through the bamboo can be physically demanding, but the reward is unparalleled.

When you finally reach a family, time seems to stop. Unlike the noisy chimps, gorillas remain generally peaceful. You might watch a massive silverback keep a watchful eye over his family. Meanwhile, mischievous juveniles somersault through the foliage nearby. The connection you feel when a gorilla looks directly at you is difficult to put into words. This silence and stillness create the perfect emotional balance to the high-energy chimpanzee experience. When you combine chimps and gorillas, you truly appreciate the vast spectrum of primate life.

Quick Comparison: Chimps vs. Gorillas

Feature	Chimpanzee Tracking	Gorilla Trekking
Location	Nyungwe Forest National Park	Volcanoes National Park
Terrain	Dense Rainforest / Canopy	Bamboo Forest / Volcanic Slopes
Pace of Trek	Fast-paced / High energy	Steady / Methodical
Permit Cost (2026)	$250 USD	$1,500 USD
Proximity	Often high in trees	On the ground / Close range
Group Size	Up to 8 people per group	Up to 8 people per group

Sample 6-Day Itinerary: The Primate Odyssey

This itinerary ensures you combine chimps and gorillas without feeling rushed, allowing for travel and relaxation.

• Day 1: Arrival in Kigali – Meet your Jackal Adventures guide. Overnight in Kigali to rest.

• Day 2: Drive to Nyungwe Forest – A scenic 5-hour drive through the southern provinces. Afternoon tea plantation visit.

• Day 3: Chimpanzee Tracking & Canopy Walk – Early morning chimp trek in Nyungwe. Afternoon walk on the suspended canopy bridge.

• Day 4: Lake Kivu Transfer – Drive north along the shores of Lake Kivu. Relax at a lakeside lodge in Rubavu.

• Day 5: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes NP – The highlight of the trip. Spend one hour with the mountain gorillas.

• Day 6: Golden Monkeys & Departure – Morning golden monkey trek. Afternoon drive back to Kigali for your flight.

  

  Combine chimps and gorillas

Logistics and Planning for 2026

Planning a combined itinerary requires careful attention to permits and timing. Rwanda has streamlined its tourism infrastructure for 2026, but demand remains high.

1. Securing Permits

You must book your permits well in advance. Gorilla permits are limited to 96 per day for the entire country. Chimpanzee permits are also restricted to ensure the animals do not become overstressed. We recommend booking at least six months ahead for peak seasons.

2. Physical Preparation

Both treks require a moderate level of fitness. Nyungwe’s terrain can be slippery and steep. Volcanoes National Park sits at a high altitude, which makes breathing more difficult during the climb. Start a walking routine a few weeks before your trip to prepare your lungs and legs.

3. Packing Essentials

Pack for two different climates. Nyungwe is humid and hot, while the Volcanoes can be quite cold, especially in the mornings. Bring waterproof hiking boots, long gaiters to keep ants out, and sturdy gardening gloves.

The Conservation Connection

When you combine chimps and gorillas, you contribute twice to Rwanda’s conservation success story. Your permit fees fund the salaries of the rangers who protect these forests 24/7. In Nyungwe, tourism helps prevent illegal logging and poaching. In Volcanoes, it funds community projects that provide alternatives to forest exploitation.

Rwanda’s “Revenue Sharing Program” ensures that 10% of all tourism income goes back into local communities. This money builds schools, hospitals, and clean water systems. By visiting both parks, you double your positive impact on the ground.

The Ultimate Journey with Jackal Adventures

Rwanda is a rare destination where the world’s most fascinating primates live within reach of each other. By choosing to visit both Nyungwe and the Volcanoes, you gain a deep understanding of Africa’s biodiversity. The contrast between the energetic chimps and the gentle gorillas creates a travel narrative that stays with you forever.

At Jackal Wild Adventure, we specialize in these complex, multi-destination itineraries. We handle every detail, from securing your permits to arranging private transfers along the scenic Lake Kivu route. Our expert guides ensure you stay in the right place at the right time to witness the best of Rwanda’s wildlife. We believe that when you combine chimps and gorillas, you experience the very best of what Africa has to offer. Join us in 2026 for a primate safari that balances adventure, conservation, and luxury. Your journey into the heart of the forest starts with us.