4-Day Rwanda Gorilla and Golden Monkey Tour – Rwanda is a roller coaster of wonder, sensation, and utter astonishment. This 4-Day Rwanda Gorilla and Golden Monkey Tour includes up to three nights in Parc National des Volcans (Volcanoes National Park).
Here, you’ll track two important primate species: mountain gorillas as well as the endangered golden monkeys. A stop at the beautiful twin lakes gives you an unforgettable idea of what Africa’s great scenery looks like.
A city tour in Kigali is another reward from this short tour. Explore historical places, a craft market, genocide memorial site, all typical of the “land of a thousand hills.”
4-Day Rwanda Gorilla Tour Highlights
- Day 1: Travel to Volcanoes National Park
- Day 2: Gorilla Trekking Encounter
- Day 3: Golden Monkey Trekking
- Day 4: Transfer to Kigali & Departure
Detailed 4-Day Rwanda Gorilla Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Travel to Volcanoes National Park
After arrival at the airport for your 4-Day Rwanda Gorilla and Golden Monkey Tour, meet and greet one of our experienced driver/guides at Kigali International Airport – proceed to a restaurant for a relaxed cup of coffee as the guide briefs you about the safari and what to expect.
Drive leisurely to the northern-based Volcanoes National Park. This famous park is notable for sheltering the endangered mountain gorillas and lies within the Virunga region.
Take an evening walk to explore the amazing Iby’iwacu Cultural Village. This living museum on the outskirts of Volcanoes National Park unveils the typical lifestyle and traditions of Rwandan people, both ancient and present.
It’s an encounter that will completely immerse you, and you will love the joy and excitement that Rwandan culture brings. Overnight stay at your pre-booked lodge located on the periphery of Volcanoes National Park.
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking Encounter
Enjoy an early breakfast, join your driver/guide, and drive to the headquarters of the beautiful Volcanoes National Park. Here you will attend a briefing session conducted by one of the ranger guides who will explain the rules and regulations pertaining to gorilla trekking in this park.
During this briefing session, specific gorilla families are allocated to groups of eight trekkers each, accompanied by armed rangers, trackers, and porters who can be hired separately.
The trek begins immediately after the briefing, moving first through farmlands and then into the impenetrable jungles. The nature of the hike will generally depend on the gorilla family being trekked, ranging between 1500-2000m above sea level.
After approximately 2 hours, you will come across a magnificent group of gorillas with the gigantic silverback looking on with his red eyes to ensure there’s no threat to his family. You are allowed only one hour to be in their midst, take pictures, enjoy their dramatic lifestyle, and then descend back to the starting point. Join your guide and transfer back to your lodge.
Spend the rest of the afternoon resting and refreshing, or take an optional tour to the Musanze caves or trek to explore the historical Karisoke Centre and Dian Fossey’s Grave to learn more about her efforts in conserving mountain gorillas in the Virunga region.
Day 3: Golden Monkey Trekking
Have breakfast and head out for a magical experience of Golden Monkey trekking within Volcanoes National Park. Besides gorilla trekking, encountering the shy golden monkeys is another highlight in Volcanoes National Park.
Scientifically known as Cercopithecus Mitis Kandti, the Golden Monkey is an indigenous subspecies of the Blue Monkey, which inhabits the afro-montane forests of the Virunga region, primarily dwelling in Uganda’s Mgahinga National Park and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda.
Trekking these rare primate species begins at 8:00 am with a briefing session, after which you proceed into the jungles to begin the search. The trek may take between 2-7 hours, but upon encountering a troop of golden monkeys, you are allowed only one hour to enjoy their presence.
After this trekking adventure, return to the trailhead and immediately to the lodge for lunch and relaxation. This afternoon is dedicated to visiting the Twin Lakes – Ruhondo and Bulera; two scenic lakes lying at the foothills of the Virunga Mountains.
Day 4: Transfer to Kigali & Departure
Have breakfast at the lodge and depart from the foothills of the Virungas on a scenic drive back to Kigali city. Take an optional city tour to explore Rwanda’s unique attractions, including the Genocide Museum in Gisozi, historical monuments, the Presidential Palace Museum, and some shopping at Kigali Craft Market.
Drive back to Kigali Airport for your onward flight. An evening flight after 1800 hrs is recommended.
End of 4-Day Rwanda Gorilla and Golden Monkey Tour.
