Our 5-day Gorilla Tracking Rwanda, Golden Monkeys, and Lake Kivu Tour takes you through the mist-shrouded slopes of Volcanoes National Park. You’ll have the incredible opportunity to see the majestic gorillas and golden monkeys in Volcanoes National Park while also delving into Rwanda’s poignant past with visits to significant sites like Ntarama Church and the Genocide Memorial. Enjoy a cultural tour in Gisenyi, including a relaxing boat ride on the stunning Lake Kivu to uplift your spirits.
Your 5-day Gorilla Tracking Rwanda experience unfolds against the backdrop of Rwanda's stunning landscapes, from the volcanic peaks of the Virunga Mountains to the serene shores of Lake Kivu. The itinerary seamlessly weaves together thrilling wildlife encounters with meaningful cultural exchanges, providing a deep understanding of Rwanda's rich heritage and remarkable conservation efforts.
Visit the moving Genocide Memorial sites in Ntarama and Nyamata
Gorilla tracking in Volcanoes National Park
Golden Monkey tracking through bamboo forests
Cultural Visit to the Iby Iwacu Cultural Village
School visits and interaction with local students
Exploration of the historic Imbabazi Orphanage
Lake Kivu's experience in Gisenyi
Kigali city tour and craft markets
Visit to Hotel Mille Collines (Hotel Rwanda)
Begin your Gorilla Tracking Rwanda journey with an early morning pickup from Kigali International Airport. The drive to Volcanoes National Park covers 116 kilometers through Rwanda's picturesque countryside, taking approximately 2.5 hours. En route, your Gorilla Tracking Rwanda experience includes powerful visits to Ntarama and Nyamata genocide memorial churches, located in the Bugesera District, about 30 kilometers south of Kigali. Your final Gorilla Tracking Rwanda stop of the day is the innovative Mayange Reconciliation Village in Bugesera District, before proceeding to your accommodation in Musanze, the gateway to Volcanoes National Park
Your Gorilla Tracking Rwanda adventure begins early at the Kinigi Park Headquarters, situated 12 kilometers from Musanze town. Today's Gorilla Tracking Rwanda expedition takes you deep into the Volcanoes National Park, where experienced trackers guide you through dense vegetation in search of these magnificent primates. This unforgettable Gorilla Tracking Rwanda experience typically starts at 7:30 AM with a briefing, and the trek can last between 2-6 hours, depending on the mountain gorilla family's location. You'll traverse altitudes ranging from 2,500 to 3,000 meters while tracking one of the twelve habituated gorilla families.
Complement your Gorilla Tracking Rwanda experience with another primate encounter in Volcanoes National Park. Today's Gorilla Tracking Rwanda adventure focuses on the playful golden monkeys in the bamboo forests. Your Gorilla Tracking Rwanda journey takes you through the lower slopes of the volcanic mountains, where these rare primates reside. The trek begins at 7:00 AM from Kinigi and typically lasts 2-3 hours. The afternoon cultural visit to Ibyiwacu Cultural Village, located in Nyabigoma, Kinigi sector, provides insight into traditional Rwandan life.
Continuing your Gorilla Tracking Rwanda journey, you'll head west to Lake Kivu, approximately 110 kilometers from Musanze. Your Gorilla Tracking Rwanda experience includes visiting a local school in the Musanze district, followed by exploring the historic Imbabazi Orphanage. The final Gorilla Tracking Rwanda destination of the day is Gisenyi, where you can enjoy water activities on Lake Kivu, including kayaking and swimming. The journey takes about 1.5 hours through scenic mountain roads.
Conclude your Gorilla Tracking Rwanda adventure with a morning departure from Gisenyi to Kigali, covering 155 kilometers in approximately 3 hours. Your final Gorilla Tracking Rwanda experience includes a comprehensive city tour of Kigali, visiting the Genocide Memorial, craft markets, and the historic Hotel Mille Collines. The last Gorilla Tracking Rwanda moments are spent exploring the vibrant capital before your departure.