4 Days Rwanda Primates Tour

The 4 days Rwanda Primates Tour is recommended as a short guided primate tour in the renowned Volcanoes National Park. The Virunga Volcanoes Mountains span Uganda, the DRC, and Rwanda, featuring a striking, densely forested range that includes six dormant and three active volcanoes. Within Rwanda, the Volcanoes National Park encompasses this part of the Virunga Volcanoes range. Alongside its rich biodiversity in the rainforest, the park is home to 300 mountain gorillas. It is renowned for offering what is often considered the simplest gorilla trekking experience in Africa.

Dian Fossey dedicated 20 years of her life to studying gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, and largely due to her efforts, poaching was halted in time to save these creatures. The park gained international fame through the 1988 blockbuster ‘Gorillas in the Mist’, which was filmed on site and documented her life’s work.

Established in 1967 by Dr. Dian Fossey, the Karisoke Research Center is located in the breathtaking Virunga Mountains of Rwanda. Named after the two nearby volcanic peaks, Karisimbi and Bisoke, our center stands as a beacon of conservation and scientific inquiry. Through rigorous research, habitat preservation, and community engagement, the centre strives to ensure the survival of these majestic creatures for generations to come.

You will spend time with a gorilla-habituated family spending 1 hour viewing them. You will also get time to trek with the endangered golden monkeys among other primates within the forest canopy.

Safari Highlights of the 4 days Rwanda Primates Tour

Explore the vibrant Kimironko Market, where bustling stalls offer a kaleidoscope of Rwandan culture and local crafts.
Take on a breathtaking encounter with the majestic Mountain Gorillas, observing them in their untouched natural habitat, an experience of awe-inspiring wonder.
Indulge in the scenic beauty of Rwanda’s verdant landscapes, where lush valleys and mist-covered mountains create a picturesque backdrop at every turn.
Journey into the wild to trek the endangered golden monkeys, discovering their playful antics amidst the tranquil forests.
Pay homage to conservation pioneer Dian Fossey at the Karisoke Research Center and her final resting place, gaining insights into her groundbreaking work with mountain gorillas.
Midrange accommodations that support local communities and promote responsible travel.

Immerse yourself in the comfort and warm hospitality of the Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, where each moment is enriched by panoramic views and serene surroundings.

This best time to experience the Primate Tour is year-round, though the dry seasons from June to September and December to February are ideal for hiking.

Conservation and Community Impact

The 4 Days Rwanda Primates Tour supports conservation efforts and provides vital income for local communities. The presence of tourism encourages the protection of natural habitats and raises awareness about the importance of preserving these unique primates.

Book Your 4 Days Rwanda Primates Tour Today!

Experience the thrill of encountering Rwanda’s majestic primates up close, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and the comforts of luxury accommodation! Mountain Gorilla View Lodge is located amidst the volcanic mountains of Rwanda’s renowned Volcanoes National Park, and just a brief drive from its entrance gate, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge offers a superb option for straightforward and cozy accommodation right in the midst of the transformative 4 Days Rwanda Primates Tour.

Day 1: Arrive in Kigali – Volcanoes National Park

Upon your arrival in Kigali, Rwanda, a company representative will warmly welcome you to embark on your 4 days Rwanda Primates Tour. If time permits, you will have the opportunity to visit the bustling Kimironko Market, where you can immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere and explore a wide variety of local goods. Additionally, you can experience the colorful array of handmade arts and crafts at Caplaki Craft Village, a perfect place to find unique souvenirs.

After enjoying a delightful lunch, you will journey to Volcanoes National Park. Nestled among the forested slopes of the Virungas, this park offers a dramatic and awe-inspiring backdrop for one of the most unforgettable wildlife experiences of a lifetime: gorilla trekking. This adventure provides a unique opportunity to observe the primates in their natural habitat. Your accommodation and meals will be provided at the Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, ensuring a comfortable and memorable stay.

Throughout the tour, you will not only witness the incredible biodiversity of Rwanda but also gain insights into the rich culture and history of this remarkable country. Each day promises new adventures and experiences that will leave you with lasting memories of your time in Rwanda.

Day 2: Gorillas in the Mist – Gorilla Trekking

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at the Mountain Gorilla View Lodge. After that, head to the Volcanoes National Park (Parc National des Volcans) Headquarters to meet your expert gorilla trekking guides and fellow trekkers.

Have a Pre-Trek Briefing at the Park Headquarters. During the briefing session, you will be assigned to a trekking group, each with a maximum of 8 people, and thereafter head to the trailhead to start the ultimate primate expedition with your packed lunch.

As you hike through the jungle, the length of the trek can range from 4 to 8 hours, depending on the location of the gorillas. The journey will take you through open fields, terraced slopes, and into the dense bamboo forests and thick undergrowth that characterize the park.

Upon sighting the Mountain Gorillas, due to conservation regulations, you will have the incredible opportunity to spend one hour observing and photographing the gorillas. This limited time helps to protect these primates and their habitat. This is a major highlight of the 4 Days Rwanda Primates Tour.

Later head back to the trailhead after your unforgettable gorilla encounter proceeding back to the lodge. Enjoy a well-deserved rest at the Mountain Gorilla View Lodge.

Accommodation and Meals at Mountain Gorilla View Lodge

Day 3: Golden Monkey Trekking and Dian Fossey Project

Start your day with a hearty breakfast before heading out to the briefing point for an unforgettable golden monkey trekking experience. Golden monkeys are charming primates that inhabit the Virunga regions of Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. In Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, there are two habituated troops of these delightful creatures, with the larger troop, residing in the Sabyinyo volcano area, boasting 80 to 100 members and being the most popular among visitors.

These golden monkeys are relatively easy to locate as they dwell at the base of the volcanoes in the lush bamboo forests. Trackers follow the trail of fresh leftovers from bamboo shoots and leaves to pinpoint their exact location. Once found, visitors are granted a precious hour to observe these stunning primates up close, witnessing their playful and intriguing behaviors as they go about their daily routines.

After this exhilarating experience, enjoy a leisurely lunch before embarking on a visit to the Dian Fossey Project. This excursion typically lasts between 3 to 4 hours and includes a poignant visit to the graveyard where several of Dian Fossey’s beloved gorillas and Fossey herself are buried. This solemn yet inspiring site offers a deep connection to the legacy of conservation champion Dian Fossey.

During the visit, take the opportunity to explore the facility’s labs and research center. Here, you can meet the dedicated researchers and staff who continue Dian Fossey’s important work in gorilla conservation.

Accommodation and meals at the Mountain Gorilla View Lodge.

Day 4: Transfer Back to Kigali – Departure Back Home

Start your day with a delicious breakfast and take a final moment to soak in the breathtaking scenery. After a calm and picturesque transfer back to Kigali, you’ll arrive just in time for lunch. This marks the conclusion of your incredible 4 Days Rwanda Primates Tour.

For those with an afternoon or evening international flight, we ensure a timely drop-off at Kigali International Airport, providing a seamless end to the 4 Days Rwanda Primates Tour.

Included in the 4 days Rwanda Primates Tour

Ground transportation in a safari customized 4WD Toyota Land cruiser with gasoline/fuel,
Accommodation and Meal
Refillable water bottle / drinking water
Gorilla Trekking permits
Golden Monkey Hike,
Dian Fossey Project