4 Day Rwanda Gorilla and Golden Monkey Tracking

Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport or after breakfast at your hotel in Kigali, our driver-guide will meet you and brief you about your safari. You will begin with a short city tour of Kigali, one of Africa’s cleanest and most organized cities. Depending on your arrival time and interests, you may visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre to learn about Rwanda’s moving history or explore local markets and craft shops. After the city tour, you will embark on a scenic drive north towards Volcanoes National Park. The journey takes approximately two and a half hours and is filled with stunning views of Rwanda’s rolling green hills, farmlands, and rural villages. You will arrive at your lodge near the park in the late afternoon, where you can relax and enjoy dinner as you prepare for the exciting day ahead.

The day begins early with breakfast at your lodge before heading to the park headquarters for a briefing on gorilla tracking. Here, you will be assigned to one of the habituated gorilla families based on your fitness level and preference. Accompanied by experienced guides and trackers, you will then venture into the dense rainforest in search of the gentle giants. The trek can last anywhere from one to six hours, depending on the movement of the gorillas. Along the way, you will walk through bamboo forests, climb volcanic slopes, and pass through thick undergrowth, while soaking in the sounds and sights of the forest. Once you locate the gorillas, you will spend up to one unforgettable hour observing them in their natural habitat. You will have the rare chance to watch as they feed, groom, interact, and care for their young, while under the watchful eye of the silverback. It is a humbling and awe-inspiring wildlife experience that leaves a lasting impression. After the trek, you will return to your lodge for lunch and spend the rest of the day at leisure, enjoying the views of the Virunga Volcanoes.

After an early breakfast, you will return to the park headquarters for your next adventure, tracking the playful golden monkeys. These rare and charismatic primates are unique to the Virunga mountain range and are known for their striking golden-orange fur. The golden monkey trek is generally considered less strenuous than gorilla tracking, often taking two to three hours, with plenty of opportunities to observe the monkeys as they leap from tree to tree and forage in the bamboo forest. Watching these lively primates in their natural environment is both entertaining and educational. After the trek, you will have the option to visit a nearby cultural village where you will learn about Rwandan traditions, music, dance, and local life. It is a wonderful way to engage with the local community and gain insight into the cultural heritage that makes this region so special. Later, you will return to your lodge to relax and enjoy your final evening in the Volcanoes region.

After a leisurely breakfast at your lodge, you will check out and begin the return journey to Kigali. The drive back takes you once again through Rwanda’s beautiful countryside, with opportunities to stop for photos along the way. Your driver-guide will transfer you to Kigali International Airport for your outbound flight, bringing your unforgettable Rwandan adventure to a close.