The 4-Day Rwanda Gorilla Trekking & Golden Monkeys Safari takes you to the breathtaking Volcanoes National Park, a true sanctuary for the magnificent Mountain Gorillas and vibrant golden monkeys. Renowned for its exceptional Mountain Gorilla Trekking, Volcanoes National Park is also the ultimate destination for golden monkey trekking, featuring stunning evergreen bamboo forests, grasslands, swamps, and heath. Prepare to be captivated by the spectacular views and incredible landscapes of the Virunga Mountains as you embark on this unforgettable journey.
Volcanoes National Park, officially known as Parc National de Volcans (PNV), is one of Africa’s oldest parks, established in 1925 to protect the endangered Mountain Gorillas. Spanning approximately 162 square kilometers, it is strategically located in Musanze, Northern Province of Rwanda. The park is part of the Great Virunga Volcano Conservation region. It boasts a rich diversity of wildlife, including buffaloes, forest elephants, bush pigs, duikers, forest hogs, spotted hyenas, and an array of primates such as the endangered Mountain Gorillas, Golden Monkeys, and chimpanzees. Additionally, the park is home to about 178 bird species, including 29 endemic to the Rwenzori Mountains and Virunga region, making it a vital area for biodiversity.
Day 1: Pick up from Kigali International Airport or your Hotel – Drive to Volcanoes National Park – IBY ‘lwacu Community Encounter
Your 4-Day Rwanda Gorilla Trekking & Golden Monkeys Safari begins with a warm pickup from Kigali International Airport or your hotel by our professional driver guide from Gorilla Page Safaris. You’ll receive a comprehensive briefing about your exciting safari before we embark on a scenic 2-hour drive to Volcanoes National Park. Upon arrival, you’ll check into your accommodation for a delicious lunch and a well-deserved chance to relax after your journey.
In the afternoon, we’ll head to Iby’lwacu Community, where you’ll immerse yourself in the rich local culture and connect with the Indigenous community. Here, you’ll discover the unique stories of most men who have transitioned from poaching to participating in vital conservation projects within the park. Engage in various activities, including the opportunity to be crowned King or Queen for the day, as you enjoy vibrant music and dance. In the evening, you’ll return to your accommodation for a delightful dinner and a restful overnight stay. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure!
Location: Volcanoes National Park
Accommodation Option:
Luxury | One&Only Gorilla’s Nest |
Meals Plan: Breakfast and Lunch as well as Dinner, a selection of drinks, laundry, activities at the lodge
Drinking Water and Fruits Throughout the journey
Day 2: Volcanoes National Park – Gorilla Trekking – Relaxation at Leisure
As you awaken to the enchanting melodies of birds singing, you’ll confidently kick off Day 2 of your exhilarating 4-Day Rwanda Gorilla Trekking & Golden Monkeys Safari with a hearty breakfast. Dress appropriately for the day in a long-sleeved shirt, comfortable khaki or jean trousers, a round cap, and waterproof boots. These will protect you from falling branches and prepare you for unpredictable weather. Don’t forget to pack snacks and plenty of water to stay energized throughout the trek.
Next, head to the park’s headquarters in Kinigi for a comprehensive briefing on the essential do’s and do n’ts of interacting with the majestic mountain gorillas. You will be assigned an experienced park ranger to guide you and a specific gorilla family to track down. Be prepared for a dynamic search that could take 2 to 8 hours, depending on the gorillas’ movements and feeding habits.
During your adventure, watch for various stunning bird species, including the Long-Crested Eagle, Stonechat, Cinnamon-Breasted Bee Eater, and many others. Once you locate the gorillas, you’ll have the incredible opportunity to spend up to 1 hour observing these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. Capture unforgettable memories as you watch them interact—young gorillas playing with each other, mothers nurturing their young, and the family engaged in their daily routines. Feel free to ask questions and take as many photos as you like before returning to your accommodation for lunch. The rest of the day is yours to relax and reflect on the unforgettable experiences of the day.
Location: Volcanoes National Park
Accommodation Option:
Luxury | One&Only Gorilla’s Nest |
Meals Plan: Breakfast and Lunch as well as Dinner, a selection of drinks, laundry, activities at the lodge
Drinking Water and Fruits Throughout the journey
Day 3: Volcanoes National Park – Golden Monkey Trekking
Upon waking up, you’ll begin day 3 of the incredible 4-day Rwanda Gorilla Trekking & Golden Monkeys Safari with a hearty breakfast. Dress appropriately for the adventure ahead—opt for a long-sleeved shirt, a pair of khaki or jean trousers, a round cap, and waterproof boots to safeguard yourself against falling tree branches in Volcanoes National Park and any unpredictable weather. Don’t forget to pack some snacks and water to stay hydrated during the trek.
Next, you’ll head to the Kinigi Visitor Center, where a briefing on the Do’s and Don’ts with the Golden Monkeys awaits. You’ll be assigned an experienced park ranger who will guide you throughout the trek, and you’ll be matched with a Golden Monkey group you’ll observe. Then, it’s time to search the jungle for these magnificent creatures.
This thrilling search through the bamboo forests will last about 3 to 4 hours as these delightful monkeys reside at the base of the Volcano Mountains. Along the way, you’ll likely encounter various mammal species, such as buffaloes, forest elephants, bush pigs, duikers, forest hogs, spotted hyenas, and numerous bird species. If luck is on your side, you may even spot chimpanzees! Once you find the Golden monkeys, you’ll have the unparalleled opportunity to spend 1 hour with them, learning about their lifestyle, feeding habits, nurturing behaviors, and communication methods. Capture as many pictures as you can to document this unforgettable experience.
After this remarkable encounter, you’ll return to your accommodation for a delicious lunch and some well-deserved relaxation. Enjoy every moment of your adventure!
Location: Volcanoes National Park
Accommodation Option:
Luxury | One&Only Gorilla’s Nest |
Meals Plan: Breakfast and Lunch as well as Dinner, a selection of drinks, laundry, activities at the lodge
Drinking Water and Fruits Throughout the journey
Day 4: Transfer to Kigali International Airport or your Hotel with a City Tour and Visit the Genocide Memorial Center
You’ll enjoy a delightful breakfast before leaving the lodge on your final safari day. You’ll drive to Kigali International Airport or your hotel, making a meaningful stop at the Genocide Memorial Site. Here, you’ll gain insight into the harrowing history of the Rwandan genocide that took place between April 7 and July 15, 1994, during the Rwandan Civil War. In just around 100 days, over 800,000 members of the Tutsi minority, along with some moderate Hutu and Twa, were brutally killed by armed Hutu militias.
After this impactful visit, you’ll savor a delicious lunch and embark on a captivating City Tour of Rwanda’s vibrant capital, Kigali, which includes a visit to the Museum. Thank you for choosing Gorilla Page Safaris for the unforgettable 4-Day Rwanda Gorilla Trekking & Golden Monkeys Safari. We look forward to welcoming you back in the future!
Quote for this Tour
Number of Persons | 1 Person | 2 Pax (1 Room) | 4 Pax (2 Rooms) | 6 Pax or More (Room Sharing) |
Price in USD | 24,420 | 17,040 | 16,500 | 16344 |
Our Safari Vehicles Seating Plan - 4x4 Safari Land Cruiser Extended
All our Safari vehicles are Toyota Land-cruiser 4×4 with pop-up roofs. The vehicles are serviced and maintained to a very high standard before, during and after every safari. Paradise Adventure Vacations Ltd offering all-wheel drive safari vehicles suitable for off-road driving, which enable travelers to discover the magical areas of East Africa in a pleasant and reliable manner.
Our fleet consists of 4×4 Toyota Land cruisers with a hinged roof and skylights above the front seats. The hinged roof offers two main advantages: it provides shade without restricting the view, so that you can enjoy your safari even in the very sunny hours of the day. It also allows a 360-degree all-round view.
Our Vehicles Are Equipped With:
- Adjustable comfortable seats
- Electric refrigerator for drinks
- High-performance shock absorbers
- Tool & first aid kit
- Adapters and battery chargers
Due to the difficult ground and road conditions inside and outside the national parks and wildlife reserves, a four-wheel drive vehicle is not only recommended, but also crucial for an eventful safari.