4 Day Gorilla Trekking Safari with Golden Monkey in Rwanda
Classic Gorilla Trekking Safari with Golden Monkey in Rwanda
Embark on a four-day odyssey through Rwanda’s wild and storied landscapes, from the vibrant streets of Kigali to the misty heights of Volcanoes National Park. This safari immerses you in the awe-inspiring world of mountain gorillas, the playful charm of golden monkeys, and the rich cultural heritage of the region. Trek through bamboo forests to meet the gentle giants of the Virungas, witness Rwanda’s resilience at the Kigali Genocide Memorial, and connect with local traditions—all framed by the rugged beauty of volcanic peaks. It’s a compact yet profound journey into the heart of Rwanda’s primate paradise.
Key information
- Private safari
- Minimum group size: 2 people
- Maximum group size: 28 people
- Children from the age of 15 years old are allowed to participate under the supervision of a parent or guardian
- Starting point and ending point: Kigali
- English-speaking tour guide
- All park fees are included
Highlights
- Gorilla and Golden Monkey trekking
- Tourist vehicle Land cruiser car hire
- A professional English-speaking tour guide
- 3 nights accommodation
- Daily breakfast
- Bottled water and refreshment during the trip
- Gorilla trekking fee and Golden Monkey trek permit
Styles
Accommodation
Guests stay in comfortable accommodations during this safari. On day 1, Urban by City Blue in Kigali offers cozy rooms with views, Wi-Fi, and on-site dining on bed and breakfast basis. On days 2 and 3, Da Vinci Lodge in Volcanoes National Park provides rustic rooms with balconies and mountain vistas on bed and breakfast basis.
Program
Experience Rwanda’s iconic wildlife and heritage with this 4-day safari, featuring a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, mountain gorilla trekking and a cultural experience in Volcanoes National Park, and golden monkey trekking before returning to Kigali.
Perfect for those seeking an intimate encounter with Rwanda’s primates and a taste of its cultural soul, this itinerary blends thrilling treks with poignant history and vibrant traditions in a seamless, unforgettable adventure.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival at Kigali International Airport
Welcome to Rwanda! Touch down at Kigali International Airport, where the city’s warm energy greets you as your guide from Hope Tours Africa welcomes you with a smile as bright as Rwanda’s sun. Depending on your arrival time, step out into the bustling capital, its hills alive with the hum of motorbikes and the chatter of markets.
Their friendly guide will warmly greet you and provide an overview of your exciting journey ahead. Your guide whisks you away in a Land Cruiser to Urban by City Blue, a chic retreat perched amid Kigali’s rolling skyline. Check in, the scent of fresh linens mingling with the promise of adventure, and take in the panoramic views from your window—emerald slopes stretching beneath a sky streaked with dusk.
Unwind with a cool drink or a warm tea, the city’s pulse fading into a quiet evening as you rest up for the journey ahead, anticipation simmering for Rwanda’s wild wonders.
- Accommodation: Urban by City Blue
- Meal plan: Bed and breakfast
Day 2: Kigali Genocide Memorial and transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Awaken to breakfast at the hotel, the aroma of Rwandan coffee stirring your senses as Kigali’s morning buzz filters through the windows. Depart for the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a short drive away, where the weight of Rwanda’s past meets its resilient spirit.
Wander through its hushed gardens and poignant exhibits, the air thick with the echoes of 1994—stories of loss etched in photographs and artifacts, softened by the hope of renewal. Your guide shares insights into the nation’s journey, the silence broken only by the rustle of leaves and distant city sounds, leaving you with a deeper connection to Rwanda’s soul.
Enjoy a delicious lunch before embarking on a scenic drive through lush hills to Musanze, the gateway to Volcanoes National Park. Climb back into your Land Cruiser for the 2-3 hour drive to Volcanoes National Park, the road winding northwest through Rwanda’s iconic hills. The scenery shifts from urban sprawl to pastoral beauty—terraced fields glowing green, villages dotted with red-roofed homes, and the Virunga volcanoes rising like ancient guardians on the horizon.
Arrive at Da Vinci Lodge by early afternoon, a cozy haven nestled amid bamboo groves and volcanic slopes. Check in, the crisp mountain air carrying whispers of gorillas as mist curls around the peaks. Spend the afternoon relaxing on your balcony or strolling the lodge grounds, the serene stillness fueling your excitement for tomorrow’s trek as you settle in for a restful night.
- Accommodation: Da Vinci Lodge
- Meal plan: Bed and breakfast
Day 3: Mountain gorilla trekking and cultural experience
Rise before dawn, the mountain air sharp and invigorating, and savor breakfast as the first light brushes the volcanic peaks. Drive to Volcanoes National Park headquarters for a briefing, your heart racing as guides outline the trek ahead.
Set off on a 2-8 hour journey through dense bamboo forests and rugged trails, boots sinking into the earth as your guide tracks the gorilla families—pointing out broken twigs and fresh prints in the undergrowth. The forest hums with life—birds chirping overhead, the rustle of leaves underfoot—until you reach them: mountain gorillas, their dark fur glistening in the dappled light.
Spend an unforgettable hour in their presence, watching as they forage with gentle hands, juveniles tumble in playful heaps, and silverbacks survey their domain with soulful eyes. The stillness, broken only by their soft grunts, binds you to this primal moment. Each encounter is a rare and transformative experience.
After your trek, dive into a cultural experience at the nearby Gorilla Guardians Village (Iby’iwacu Cultural Village). Ex-poachers turned guardians welcome you with rhythmic drumming and vibrant dances, their voices rising in traditional songs that echo through the hills. Step into a replica village, the scent of woodsmoke curling from thatched huts, and try your hand at weaving baskets or grinding sorghum as locals share tales of their heritage.
Return to your lodge for lunch and a restful evening.
- Accommodation: Da Vinci Lodge
- Meal plan: Bed and breakfast
Day 4: Golden Monkey trekking and transfer back to Kigali
Greet the morning with breakfast, the mist still clinging to the volcanoes as you fuel up for your final adventure. Head back to the park headquarters for a briefing, then embark on a 2-4 hour trek through the bamboo forests to find the golden monkeys.
Their golden fur flashes like sunlight through the canopy as you approach, their playful leaps and chattering calls filling the air with childlike glee. Watch them nibble bamboo shoots with dainty paws, somersaulting through the branches in joyful abandon, and spend an hour captivated by their antics—a lighter, livelier counterpoint to yesterday’s gorilla encounter.
Afterward, savor an early lunch at the lodge. Climb aboard your Land Cruiser for the 2-3 hour drive back to Kigali, the volcanic peaks fading into the rearview as Rwanda’s hills roll past once more—pastoral villages and terraced fields painting a familiar farewell. Arrive in Kigali by mid-afternoon, where your guide can drop you off at the airport for your departure flight or at a hotel of your choice.
End of the tour.
Location
This safari spans Kigali and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. Kigali offers clean streets and emerald hills. Visit Kimironko Market for crafts or Kigali Convention Centre for views. Volcanoes National Park, a 2-3 hour drive northwest, is in the Virunga Mountains. It’s home to gorillas and golden monkeys.
Food
You will be served bed and breakfast basis during your stay at all accommodations. Reusable Hope Tours Rwanda bottled water and refreshments are also included.
The following meals are included:
- Breakfast
- Drinks
The following drinks are included:
- Water
The following dietary requirement(s) are served and/or catered for:
- Regular (typically includes meat and fish)
Things to do (optional)
- Ellen DeGeneres Campus of Dian Fossey
What's included
- Gorilla trekking permit (Gorilla trek is 1500 USD per person per trek)
- Golden Monkey trek permit
- Kigali city tour and Kigali Genocide Memorial visit
- Airport transfers
- 3 nights accommodation
- Daily breakfast
- Tourist vehicle Land Cruiser hire with a professional English-speaking guide
- Reusable Hope Tours Africa bottled water
- Refreshments during the trip
- All taxes
What's not included
- Extra meals and drinks not mentioned in the package
- Souvenirs and tips
- Visa fees
- Personal expenses
- Deposit transfer charges
How to get there
Recommended Airports
Kigali International Airport (Kanombe Airport)
6 km
Transfer included
Cancellation Policy
- A reservation requires a deposit of 30% of the total price.
- The deposit is non-refundable, if the booking is cancelled.
- The rest of the payment should be paid 30 days before arrival.
For this organizer you can guarantee your booking through BookAllSafaris.com. All major credit cards supported.