Day 1: Arrival at Kigali Airport - Nyandungu Eco-Park
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be greeted by your guide and transferred to your hotel in Kigali, where you'll check in for an overnight stay at the start of the 5-Day Rwanda Gorilla and Golden Monkey Safari.
Depending on the time of arrival, you will explore Nyandungu Eco-Park for urban conservation photography. Highlight restored wetlands
as a solution to urban flooding and biodiversity loss. The restoration of the 121-hectare park Nyandungu Wetland and the creation of an eco-tourism park saw the planting of 17,000 trees made up of 55 indigenous species, and about 100 bird species.
This park features a medicinal garden, a Pope’s Garden, five catchment ponds, three recreation ponds, an information center, and a restaurant.
Accommodation Options
Mid-range Level: Lemigo Hotel | Luxury Level: The Retreat by Heaven
Day 2: Kigali - Volcanoes National Park
After breakfast, enjoy a 3-hour drive to Volcanoes National Park. Passing through Musanze lively town blends modern amenities with traditional Rwandan charm. Amidst the forested slopes of the Virungas, forming a dramatic setting for the most poignant and memorable wildlife experience of a lifetime, gorilla trekking awaits you.
Situated in the far northwest of Rwanda, Volcanoes National Park protects the steep slopes of this magnificent mountain range and is home to the endangered mountain gorilla and a rich mosaic of montane ecosystems, which embrace evergreen and bamboo forest, open grassland, swamps, and heath.
Volcanoes National Park is named after the chain of dormant volcanoes making up the Virunga Massif: Karisimbi – the highest at 4,507m, Bisoke with its verdant crater lake, Sabinyo, Gahinga, and Muhabura.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation Options
Mid-range Level: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge | Luxury Level: Volcanoes Virunga Lodge
Day 3: The Ultimate Gorilla Trekking Experience
After breakfast at the lodge, your adventure begins with a drive to the headquarters of Volcanoes National Park. Here, you’ll meet your expert ranger guides and fellow explorers, all buzzing with anticipation.
Following a briefing on trekking etiquette and conservation efforts, you’ll be grouped with up to 8 trekkers and assigned to a specific gorilla family, ensuring an intimate and respectful wildlife encounter.
Your trek begins as you venture through diverse landscapes, from open fields and terraced hillsides to dense bamboo forests and lush undergrowth. The duration of the trek varies from 4 to 8 hours, depending on the gorillas’ location within the park.
Then, the moment of awe arrives—face-to-face with a mountain gorilla family in their natural habitat. You’ll have one magical hour to observe their interactions, from playful juveniles to nurturing mothers and dominant silverbacks.
After this life-changing encounter, you’ll trek back to the park’s base and return to your lodge, where you can relax and reflect on the day’s extraordinary experiences.
Joining this 3-Day Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari, you’re supporting local communities and contributing to sustainable tourism efforts that protect these magnificent creatures for generations to come.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation Options
Mid-range Level: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge | Luxury Level: Volcanoes Virunga Lodge
Day 4: Golden Monkey Hike and Dian Fossey Project
Begin your day with breakfast before heading to the briefing point for an unforgettable golden monkey trekking experience. These charming primates are native to the Virunga regions of Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. In Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, two habituated troops reside, with the larger troop in the Sabyinyo volcano area boasting 80 to 100 members, making it a popular attraction for visitors.
Golden monkeys are relatively easy to locate as they dwell at the base of the volcanoes within lush bamboo forests. Trackers follow the trail of fresh bamboo shoots and leaves to pinpoint their exact location. Once found, you’ll have a precious hour to observe these vibrant primates up close, witnessing their playful antics and intriguing behaviors in their natural habitat.
After this exhilarating encounter, enjoy a leisurely lunch before continuing your adventure with a visit to the Dian Fossey Project. This enriching excursion typically lasts 3 to 4 hours and includes a visit to the graveyard where Dian Fossey and several of her beloved gorillas are buried, offering a poignant connection to her remarkable legacy of conservation.
During the visit, explore the research center and labs where Dian Fossey’s vision continues through dedicated conservation efforts. Here, you’ll have the chance to learn about ongoing projects and meet the researchers who are committed to protecting Rwanda’s mountain gorillas.
This inspiring experience not only honors the memory of Dian Fossey but also deepens your understanding of the critical work being done to ensure the future of these majestic creatures.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation Options
Mid-range Level: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge | Luxury Level: Volcanoes Virunga Lodge
Day 5: Gorilla Guardian Village and Transfer back to Kigali Airport
Today, visit the Gorilla Guardian Village (formerly Iby’Iwacu) for cultural performances, including the iconic Intore dance, and explore the king’s palace. Experience a unique ceremony where you can briefly take on the king’s role, guided by local elders. You’ll also have the chance to learn Rwandan drumming, visit a traditional healer, or interact with the Batwa community.
Thereafter head back to Kigali arriving in time for lunch at the end of the Rwanda Gorilla and Golden Monkey Safari. Depending on the time of your international flight, you will be dropped at Kigali International Airport or make use of the day room for refreshments before departure
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch