Gorilla & Golden Monkey Trekking in Rwanda – 3 Days
Embark on a thrilling 3 Day Gorilla & Golden Monkey Trekking adventure to Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, where you’ll encounter majestic mountain gorillas and captivating golden monkeys in their natural habitats. Situated in northwestern Rwanda, this park is renowned for its primate trekking experiences, making it a must-visit destination.
Your journey begins with guided gorilla treks, offering you the chance to meet one of the ten habituated gorilla families residing in Volcanoes National Park. Many travelers consider this encounter to be the best wildlife experience in the world. To participate, you’ll need a valid gorilla permit, which costs $1500 per person. During the trek, you’ll spend an hour observing these endangered creatures in their family groups.
Volcanoes National Park spans 160 square kilometers and is expanding to accommodate the growing mountain gorilla population. Among the habituated gorilla groups you may encounter are Agashya, Umubano, Kwitonda, and Susa A, to name a few.
In addition to gorilla trekking, your itinerary includes a golden monkey trekking experience. With two habituated golden monkey communities in the park, it’s an ideal location to observe these endangered primates. A permit to see golden monkeys costs $100, making it affordable for budget-conscious travelers.
Your adventure also includes a brief tour of Kigali city, where you’ll visit the genocide memorial center, explore local markets, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.
Volcanoes National Park offers a variety of other activities, including hiking to Dian Fossey’s Graveyard, bird watching, exploring Musanze Caves, nature walks, and cultural tours to the Gorilla Guardian Village. You can also enjoy a boat cruise on the picturesque Bulera and Buhondo twin lakes.
The park is conveniently located just a three-hour drive from Kigali International Airport, making it easily accessible compared to other gorilla national parks in Africa.
Before setting out on your adventure, remember to pack essential items such as hiking boots, long pants, long-sleeved shirts, gardening gloves, bottled water, a first aid kit, energy snacks, rain jackets, a hat, sunglasses, and warm sweaters for chilly evenings. Hiring a walking stick and porter can also enhance your trekking experience.
Iconic Africa Safaris will be your guide for this unforgettable 3-day, 2-night Rwanda gorilla tour. Get ready for an experience of a lifetime in the Land of a Thousand Hills!
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Exploring Kigali and Heading to Volcanoes National Park
Early in the morning, our company representative will pick you up from your hotel or Kigali International Airport. Then, embark on a fascinating tour of Kigali City. You’ll visit significant places like the Gisozi Genocide Memorial Site, the National Museum, and other exciting tourist spots in the city. Afterward, we’ll hit the road for a journey to Volcanoes National Park. Dinner and overnight stay options include The Garden Place for budget travelers, Davinci Gorilla Lodge for midrange comfort, or the luxurious Mountain Gorilla View Lodge.
Day 2: Mountain Gorilla Trekking and Cultural Experience at Iby’wacu
Start your day with an early breakfast and gather at the Kinigi park headquarters by 7:00 am for a briefing on the guidelines for gorilla trekking. Then, embark on your adventurous journey. It might take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours to find the mountain gorillas. Once you encounter them, you’ll have a magical hour observing and learning about these magnificent creatures before heading back to the starting point to receive your Certificates of Participation. In the afternoon, immerse yourself in the Rwandese culture with a visit to the Iby’wacu Cultural Center. Enjoy dinner and spend the night at your chosen accommodation.
Day 3: Golden Monkey Tracking and Departure
Begin your day with an early breakfast and return to the Kinigi park offices by 7:00 am for a briefing on the golden monkey tracking guidelines. Unlike mountain gorillas, golden monkeys live in large families and can be seen leaping from one tree branch to another, playing and searching for food. You’ll have an hour to observe these playful creatures before returning to your lodge. Later, depart for Kigali for your departure flight.
End of the 3-Day Rwanda Tour
Tour Price Inclusions
- Gorilla trekking permit
- Golden monkey trekking permit
- Full-time English-speaking guide
- Accommodation and meals
- Ground transport
- Miscellaneous expenses
- Government taxes
- Cultural tour
- Kigali city tour
- Bottled drinking water
- All activities mentioned in the itinerary
Tour Price Exclusions
- Alcoholic beverages
- Porter’s fees
- Tips
- Additional activities not listed in the itinerary
- Personal expenses
