3 Days Golden Monkey Trekking Rwanda and Bwindi Gorilla Trek
This 4 Days Golden Monkey Trekking Rwanda and Bwindi Gorilla Trek starts from Rwanda the land of a thousand hills with a pick up from Kigali International Airport or your hotel followed with a Kigali city tour of the Kigali genocide memorial, city tour before driving out of the city to Uganda via the Cyanika or Katuna border posts. We have the Gorilla tracking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, and travel back to Rwanda for the Golden Monkey tracking before heading to Kigali for other engagements or your onward flight back home.
The highlight of your golden monkey trekking Rwanda expedition is undoubtedly the opportunity to observe the playful and rare Cercopithecus kandti, known locally as "inkima z'izahabu" (golden monkeys), in their natural bamboo forest habitat in Volcanoes National Park. These endangered primates, with their distinctive golden-orange fur, are endemic to the Virunga Mountains that span Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Your golden monkey trekking Rwanda experience is complemented by an equally extraordinary gorilla tracking adventure in Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, creating a perfect primate-focused itinerary. Expert guides accompany you throughout this journey, sharing their profound knowledge of the ecosystems and wildlife while ensuring your safety and maximizing your chances of intimate encounters with these remarkable creatures.
Tour highlights
Golden monkey trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Mountain gorilla tracking in Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Kigali city tour including the Genocide Memorial
Scenic cross-border journey through the Virunga Mountains
Cultural immersion in both Rwandan and Ugandan communities
Professional wildlife photography opportunities
Expert naturalist guides throughout your journey
Price Includes:
- Park fees for Volcanoes and Bwindi National Parks
- Golden monkey and gorilla tracking permits
- Ground transport in a custom 4x4 safari vehicle
- Bottled water during transfers and treks
- Full board accommodation as mentioned in the itinerary
- Service of an English-speaking driver-guide
- Driver allowances and park fees
- Kigali city tour and Genocide Memorial entrance
- All mentioned activities except for the optional ones
Price Excludes:
- Rwanda and Uganda Visas
- International and Internal Flights
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Optional activities
- Laundry fees
- Tips for guides and lodge staff
- Travel insurance
- Beverages beyond provided water
Itinary in details
- Day1Arrival in Rwanda at Kigali International Airport
Your golden monkey trekking Rwanda adventure begins with arrival at Kigali International Airport, where you'll be greeted by your expert guide for a brief orientation of the upcoming journey. This golden monkey trekking Rwanda expedition starts with a short 15-minute transfer to your accommodation in Kigali's Kiyovu neighborhood, where you'll enjoy panoramic views of the city's famous rolling hills. Your golden monkey trekking Rwanda guide will accompany you to check in at your boutique hotel, where you'll have dinner and rest before tomorrow's cultural exploration and border crossing to Uganda.
- Day2Kigali City Tour and Cross Border to Bwindi Forest, Uganda
After breakfast, your golden monkey trekking Rwanda experience continues with a moving visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial in Gisozi, where you'll spend approximately 2 hours learning about Rwanda's tragic history and remarkable reconciliation. Your golden monkey trekking Rwanda journey then takes you through downtown Kigali to explore the vibrant Kimironko Market before departing for the 4–5-hour (approximately 220 km) drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda. The final stage of your golden monkey trekking Rwanda day includes crossing at the Gatuna/Katuna border post, followed by a scenic drive through Kabale's terraced hillsides before arriving at your lodge near Bwindi's Rushaga sector.
- Day3Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi and Cross Back to Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
Wake before dawn to prepare for your gorilla tracking adventure, departing your lodge at 7:00 AM for the short 20-minute drive to Rushaga tracking headquarters. While not directly part of your golden monkey trekking Rwanda itinerary, this complementary wildlife experience involves a 2–5-hour trek through Bwindi's dense forest, known locally as "Ishyamba ry'Impenetrable," to spend a magical hour with endangered mountain gorillas. After this unforgettable experience, your golden monkey trekking Rwanda journey resumes with a 3–4-hour (approximately 180 km) cross-border drive to the Kinigi area near Volcanoes National Park, where you'll check into your lodge with stunning views of the Virunga volcanoes.
- Day4Golden Monkey Tracking and Transfer to Kigali Airport
The pinnacle of your golden monkey trekking Rwanda adventure begins with an early 5:30 AM breakfast before a 20-minute drive to Kinigi Park Headquarters for your 7:00 AM briefing on golden monkey tracking protocols. Your golden monkey trekking Rwanda experience involves a moderate 1–3-hour hike through the bamboo forests of the Volcanoes National Park (known locally as "Parc des Volcans"), where you'll spend approximately one hour observing the playful troops of golden monkeys. The final day of your golden monkey trekking Rwanda expedition concludes with lunch at your lodge, followed by a 2-2.5 hour (approximately 100 km) drive back to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight.