Experience the best of Rwanda’s primate adventures with this 3 Days Gorilla Trekking & Golden Monkeys safari in Volcanoes National Park. This tour combines a mountain gorilla trekking experience, a golden monkey trek, and scenic travel through Rwanda’s beautiful highlands for a short but unforgettable wildlife holiday.
Trip Overview
Duration: 3 days (Kigali → Volcanoes National Park → Kigali)
Distance: Approx. 250 km round trip
Activity level: Moderate to challenging, with forest trekking, steep trails, and possible muddy conditions
Best time to go: Year-round, but dry seasons (June–September and December–February) offer easier trekking conditions
Highlights: Gorilla trekking, golden monkey trekking, scenic drive through the Virunga highlands, views of the volcanoes, and an overnight stay near Volcanoes National Park
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Kigali to Volcanoes National Park
Your safari begins with pick-up from Kigali International Airport or your hotel. After a short briefing, you drive northwest through Rwanda’s rolling hills, terraced farms, and scenic countryside toward Musanze, the gateway to Volcanoes National Park. On arrival, check in at your lodge and enjoy lunch and relaxation. Depending on arrival time, you may visit a nearby cultural site, take a village walk, or simply rest before dinner and overnight stay near the park.
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking Experience
After an early breakfast, head to the park headquarters for briefing by the rangers. You will be assigned a gorilla family and given trekking guidelines before beginning the hike into the forest. The trek can take a few hours depending on the movement of the gorillas, but the reward is unforgettable. Once you find the gorilla family, spend one magical hour observing them as they feed, groom, play, and interact in their natural habitat. After the trek, return to your lodge for lunch, relaxation, and overnight stay.
Day 3: Golden Monkey Trekking and Return to Kigali
After breakfast, proceed to the park headquarters for your golden monkey trekking experience. This trek is usually shorter and lighter than gorilla trekking, but it is equally exciting. Follow the golden monkeys through the bamboo forest as they jump from branch to branch and play in lively groups. After the trek, return to your lodge or have lunch, then drive back to Kigali for hotel drop-off or airport transfer, arriving in the afternoon or early evening.
What’s Included
- Airport or hotel pick-up and drop-off in Kigali
- Transport in a 4×4 safari vehicle
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide
- Accommodation near Volcanoes National Park
- Gorilla trekking permit
- Golden monkey trekking permit
- Meals as stated in the itinerary
What’s Excluded
- International and domestic flights
- Visa fees
- Personal travel insurance
- Tips and gratuities
- Alcoholic drinks and extra soft drinks
- Optional activities not listed in the package
- Personal expenses such as laundry and souvenirs
Optional Add-Ons (Upgrade Options)
- Kigali city tour
- Cultural village visit
- Extra night near Volcanoes National Park
- Luxury lodge upgrade
- Private vehicle upgrade
What to Bring
- Hiking boots
- Rain jacket
- Insect repellent
- Reusable water bottle
- Camera and passport