Combining Gorilla Trekking with Golden Monkey Trekking in Rwanda

In Rwanda, one of the most unique wildlife experiences is the combination of Gorilla Trekking and Golden Monkey Trekking. Both activities take place in Volcanoes National Park, a protected area located in the northwestern part of the country. The park covers 160 square kilometers of rainforest and includes five of the eight volcanoes that form the Virunga Mountain range: Karisimbi, Bisoke, Muhabura, Gahinga, and Sabyinyo.

Volcanoes National Park is famous for being home to around 30% of the remaining mountain gorilla population in the world. This makes it a crucial location for their conservation. Studies have shown that the park hosts about 36 species of mammals. In addition to the mountain gorillas, you can also find the endangered golden monkeys, which are only found in the Virunga region. Other animals that live in the park include forest elephants, buffaloes, bush pigs, giant forest hogs, black-fronted duikers, and spotted hyenas. However, because of the rugged terrain and thick forest, these larger animals are more difficult to see.

Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park is a remarkable experience that starts early in the morning. At the park headquarters, visitors are divided into groups, and each group is assigned a specific gorilla family to track. Some of the popular gorilla families include the Susa group, the Agashya group, and the Kwitonda group.

The trek itself takes between 30 minutes and several hours, depending on where the gorillas are located that day. Once the gorillas are found, trekkers are allowed to spend one hour observing them in their natural habitat. This is a rare opportunity to watch these majestic creatures up close and see how they interact with each other.

The cost of a gorilla trekking permit is $1,500 per person, which may seem high but goes towards important conservation efforts and community development. Permits must be booked well in advance due to high demand, and the number of visitors allowed each day is limited to protect the gorillas.

Golden Monkey Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

Golden Monkey trekking is another exciting activity in Volcanoes National Park. Like gorilla trekking, this adventure also begins early in the morning with a briefing at the park headquarters. However, golden monkey trekking is less physically demanding than gorilla trekking, making it more accessible to a broader range of visitors.

Golden monkeys are small primates with distinctive golden fur and lively personalities. They live in large groups and are fun to watch as they swing through the bamboo forests, play, and search for food. The trek can take between 30 minutes and a few hours, depending on the location of the monkeys. Once the monkeys are located, trekkers can spend one hour observing them.

A permit for golden monkey trekking costs $100 per person. This activity offers a great opportunity for photography and allows visitors to witness the monkeys’ energetic behavior up close.

Suggested Itinerary for Gorilla and Golden Monkey Trekking in Rwanda

Day 1: Kigali City Tour and Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

Your journey begins with a pickup from your hotel or the airport in Kigali. The day starts with a city tour of Kigali, where you will visit several key sites such as the Kigali Genocide Memorial, the main city market, the Presidential Palace Museum, and artisan shops. After the city tour, you will have lunch at a suitable restaurant before beginning the three-hour drive to Volcanoes National Park.

The drive to the park offers beautiful views of Rwanda’s mountainous landscape and vast tea plantations. You will soon understand why Rwanda is known as “The Land of a Thousand Hills.” Upon reaching the park, you will check into your hotel to rest and prepare for the next day’s activities.

Accommodation options include:

• Luxury: Virunga Lodge
• Mid-range: Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge
• Basic: Kinigi Guesthouse

Day 2: Gorilla Trekking and Visit to Gorilla Guardians Village

The day begins with a 7:00 AM briefing at the park headquarters in Kinigi. During the briefing, park officials will give you information about what to expect during the gorilla trekking experience. You will also be assigned to a specific gorilla family based on your fitness level. The trek can last between 2 and 6 hours, depending on how far the gorillas have traveled.

Once you find the gorillas, you will have one hour to observe them. Be sure to follow the instructions of your guide and avoid making any sudden movements, as the silverbacks may become protective of their family.

After the trek, you will return to your hotel for lunch and relaxation. In the afternoon, you will visit the Gorilla Guardians Village, formerly known as the Iby’iwacu Cultural Village. This village was initially set up to help former poachers by allowing them to sell souvenirs to tourists. It has since evolved into a major cultural center where visitors can enjoy performances and even take part in traditional activities.

Accommodation remains the same as on Day 1.

Day 3: Golden Monkey Trekking and Visit to Lake Burera and Ruhondo

After breakfast, you will head back to the park headquarters for another briefing, this time for golden monkey trekking. During the briefing, you will have the opportunity to hire a porter to help carry any heavy gear you may have.

The golden monkey trek usually lasts about two hours. Once you find the monkeys, you will spend one hour watching them as they jump through the trees and interact with one another. Golden monkeys are more comfortable with flash cameras than gorillas, making this a perfect opportunity for photography.

After the trek, you will return to the starting point and meet your driver for lunch. In the afternoon, you will visit the twin lakes of Ruhondo and Burera, where you can enjoy activities like island hopping, canoeing, nature walks, and bird watching.

Accommodation options remain the same as on the previous days.

Day 4: Return to Kigali

After a late breakfast, you will check out of the hotel and begin your drive back to Kigali. Depending on your flight schedule, the driver will either take you to the airport or drop you off at your hotel.

What’s Included in the 4-Day Tour

• Professional guide and driver with a vehicle
• Bottled drinking water during travel and at the lodge
• Gorilla trekking permit
• Golden Monkey trekking permit
• Airport pickup and drop-off
• Visit to the Gorilla Guardians Village
• Visit to the twin lakes (Ruhondo and Burera)
• Kigali city tour
• Accommodation for three nights

What’s Not Included

• Personal insurance
• Air flights
• Visas
• Personal expenses

Accessibility and How to Get to Volcanoes National Park

Volcanoes National Park is located 110 kilometers from Kigali, about a two-hour drive. The park’s main entry point is in Musanze (formerly Ruhengeri). While there are public transport options connecting Kigali, Gisenyi, and Musanze, there is no direct transport to the park’s headquarters in Kinigi. From Kinigi, visitors must use motorbike taxis or hire a vehicle for the final three kilometers to the park office.

Once at the park, visitors need their own transport to access different entry points as public transport is unavailable. Hiring a 4WD vehicle is recommended due to the rough terrain.

Best Time to Visit Volcanoes National Park

The best time to visit Volcanoes National Park depends on your activities. The ideal time for gorilla trekking is during the dry seasons, from June to mid-September and December to February. These months have less rain, making the trails easier to navigate. Daytime temperatures range from 25°C to 27°C, while nights can be cooler at 13.5°C to 15°C.

However, visiting during the rainy seasons (March to May and October to November) can also be rewarding. Rain tends to fall in short bursts, and activities can still proceed during these periods.