3 Days Gorilla Trekking Rwanda and Golden Monkeys
This short 3 Days Gorilla Trekking Rwanda and Golden Monkeys will take you to Rwanda's iconic mountain gorillas, a Kigali city tour, and a visit to the playful golden monkeys in this three-day itinerary. Perfect for those with limited time, this tour showcases the best of Volcanoes National Park. It includes your gorilla tracking permit and offers a comprehensive Rwandan adventure, combining wildlife encounters and city exploration.
Your gorilla trekking Rwanda expedition includes encounters with both endangered mountain gorillas and the playful golden monkeys, offering a comprehensive primate experience. The journey begins in Rwanda's clean and vibrant capital city of Kigali before traversing the stunning countryside known as "The Land of a Thousand Hills" en route to Musanze (formerly Ruhengeri), the gateway to gorilla country.
This intimate gorilla trekking Rwanda tour is designed to provide maximum wildlife encounters while supporting conservation efforts that have brought mountain gorillas back from the brink of extinction. Throughout your journey, expert guides share their knowledge of these fascinating primates and the delicate ecosystem they inhabit, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Tour highlights
Up-close encounter with endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat
Golden monkey tracking in the bamboo forests of Volcanoes National Park
Scenic drive through Rwanda's dramatic volcanic landscapes
Expert guides and trackers with extensive knowledge of primate behavior
Comfortable accommodations with views of the Virunga Mountains
Support for local conservation initiatives and communities
Optional visit to the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International
Opportunity to learn about Rwanda's remarkable conservation success story
Price Includes:
- Gorilla and golden monkey tracking permits
- All Park entrance fees
- Ground transport in a custom 4x4 safari vehicle
- Bottled water during transfers and treks
- Full board accommodation as specified in the itinerary
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide and park rangers
- Driver allowances and park fees
- All mentioned activities (excluding optional experiences)
Price Excludes:
- Rwanda Visa (where applicable)
- International and internal flights
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
- Laundry services
- Travel insurance
- Beverages beyond provided water
- Tips for staff, guides and porters
Itinary in details
- Day1Pick up in Kigali and transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Your gorilla trekking Rwanda adventure begins with a morning pickup from your Kigali accommodation or the airport, followed by a scenic two-hour drive (approximately 116km) northwest to Musanze, the second-largest city in Rwanda. This gorilla trekking Rwanda journey takes you through the picturesque countryside, offering breathtaking views of terraced hillsides and volcanic peaks that form the dramatic backdrop of the Virunga Conservation Area. Upon arrival at your gorilla trekking Rwanda base camp near Volcanoes National Park, you'll check into your accommodation, receive a comprehensive briefing about tomorrow's gorilla encounter, and enjoy dinner while overlooking the majestic volcanoes that serve as home to the endangered mountain gorillas.
- Day2Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
The highlight of your gorilla trekking Rwanda experience begins early with a 6:00 AM breakfast before transferring to Kinigi Park Headquarters, located just 15 minutes from most lodges, for a 7:00 AM briefing by park rangers. Your gorilla trekking Rwanda adventure continues as you traverse the slopes of the Virunga volcanoes, hiking 2-6 hours (depending on gorilla movements) through bamboo forests and alpine meadows known locally as "uruhindu." The culmination of your gorilla trekking Rwanda journey is an awe-inspiring hour with a habituated gorilla family, where you'll observe their intimate social interactions from a respectful distance of about 7 meters, witnessing firsthand how these remarkable creatures, who share 98% of our DNA, live in their natural habitat.
- Day3Golden Monkey Trekking and Departure
The final day of your gorilla trekking Rwanda tour focuses on another endangered primate species with an early morning departure for golden monkey tracking in the bamboo zone of Volcanoes National Park, approximately a 30-minute drive from your lodge. This gorilla trekking Rwanda expedition typically involves 1-3 hours of hiking through the beautiful landscapes of "Nyungwe ya Birunga" (the bamboo forests) to locate the playful troops of golden monkeys (Cercopithecus kandti). Your gorilla trekking Rwanda experience concludes after lunch with a 2-hour return journey to Kigali, arriving by late afternoon with plenty of time for your evening flight or to explore Rwanda's clean, vibrant capital before your onward travels.