4 Days Mountain Gorillas and Golden Monkey Trekking Safari

Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our experienced driver-guide who will brief you about your safari and assist with your transfer. Depending on your arrival time, you will embark on a guided Kigali City Tour, offering an introduction to Rwanda's vibrant capital city, renowned for its cleanliness, safety, and remarkable transformation.

The city tour includes a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, one of Rwanda's most important historical and educational sites. Here, you will gain insight into the country's history, resilience, and journey toward reconciliation. You may also explore local craft markets, art galleries, and cultural centers where you can interact with local artisans and discover Rwanda's rich cultural heritage.

After lunch in Kigali, begin your scenic drive northward to Volcanoes National Park, located in the foothills of the magnificent Virunga Mountains. The journey takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours and offers spectacular views of Rwanda's rolling hills, rural villages, terraced farmlands, and breathtaking countryside landscapes that have earned Rwanda the nickname "The Land of a Thousand Hills."

Upon arrival in Musanze (Ruhengeri), the gateway to Volcanoes National Park, check in at your lodge and enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding volcanoes. Spend the rest of the evening relaxing and preparing for the exciting gorilla trekking adventure scheduled for the following day.

Accommodation: Volcanoes National Park (Musanze)

After an early breakfast, transfer to the Volcanoes National Park headquarters for a briefing by park rangers on gorilla trekking guidelines and safety procedures. You will then be assigned to a gorilla family group and begin your trek through the lush rainforest and bamboo-covered slopes of the Virunga Mountains.

The duration of the trek varies depending on the location of the gorilla family and may take anywhere from a few hours to most of the morning. Along the way, enjoy the stunning scenery and diverse wildlife that make Volcanoes National Park one of Africa's premier conservation areas.

Once the gorillas are located, you will be allowed to spend up to one hour in their presence. This extraordinary encounter offers a rare opportunity to observe these gentle giants as they feed, interact, groom one another, and care for their young in their natural habitat. It is an unforgettable wildlife experience and one of the highlights of any visit to Rwanda.

After the trek, return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation.

In the afternoon, you may choose to visit the Gorilla Guardians Village (formerly Iby'Iwacu Cultural Village) for an authentic cultural experience, where you will learn about traditional Rwandan customs, music, dance, and local ways of life. Alternatively, you may enjoy a guided nature walk around the lodge or simply relax and take in the spectacular views of the surrounding volcanoes.

Accommodation: Volcanoes National Park (Musanze)

After an early breakfast, transfer to the Volcanoes National Park headquarters for a briefing by park rangers on the golden monkey trekking experience and park regulations. Following the briefing, enter the lush bamboo forests at the foothills of the Virunga Mountains in search of the endangered golden monkeys, one of Rwanda's most unique and fascinating primate species.

The trek is generally less strenuous than gorilla trekking and offers excellent opportunities to observe these energetic and playful monkeys in their natural habitat. Watch them leap through the bamboo vegetation, forage for food, and interact within their groups while enjoying the beautiful scenery of Volcanoes National Park.

You will spend up to one hour observing and photographing the golden monkeys once they are located. The experience provides a wonderful insight into the conservation efforts that protect these rare primates and their habitat.

After the trek, return to the lodge for refreshment and check-out before beginning your scenic drive back to Kigali. Along the way, enjoy the spectacular views of Rwanda's rolling hills, rural communities, and picturesque countryside.

Upon arrival in Kigali, you will be transferred to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight or to your hotel if you have additional arrangements in the city.

End of Safari

After breakfast, check out of your lodge and enjoy a final glimpse of Rwanda's breathtaking landscapes as you depart for Kigali.

Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time for last-minute shopping or a brief stop at local craft markets to purchase souvenirs and handmade products. Thereafter, you will be transferred to Kigali International Airport in time for your departure flight.

As your safari comes to an end, take with you unforgettable memories of Rwanda's incredible wildlife, stunning scenery, vibrant culture, and the remarkable encounters with mountain gorillas and golden monkeys in Volcanoes National Park.

End of Services