Virunga Gorilla & Volcanoes Golden Monkey Trekking- 5 Days
Experience gorilla trekking in Virunga National Park in Congo and discover the captivating Golden Monkeys in Volcanoes in Rwanda in 5 Days. This short safari adventure offers the chance to encounter majestic gorillas in their natural habitat and observe the playful Golden Monkeys up close.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and Transfer to Congo
On Day 1, your journey begins as you convene in Kigali at 8 am to embark on your adventure to Congo. Your designated driver-guide will be waiting at your specified pickup point. From there, you’ll travel for approximately 5 hours, crossing into Congo at the Grande Barrier border. Upon arrival at the Goma border, you’ll check in for your Virunga gorilla tour package.
After completing the check-in process, you’ll obtain your gorilla permits for the following day’s hike. Depending on your chosen accommodation, you’ll join a convoy headed to either Kibumba Tented Camp, Bukima Tented Camp, or Mikeno Lodge. Lunch can be enjoyed either at the lodge or in Goma. The evening offers a chance to unwind and plan for the exciting day ahead. Dinner and overnight stay will be at your chosen accommodation.
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Virunga National Park
Day 2 is dedicated to the exhilarating experience of gorilla trekking in Virunga National Park. Start your day with a simple yet hearty breakfast served at your lodge. Then, meet your driver and guide who will transfer you to Bukima police post, the starting point for all treks in the park.
At Bukima, you’ll meet ranger guides who will provide a briefing on what to expect during the trek and how to conduct yourself in the forest. The gorilla treks in Virunga are relatively shorter, lasting about 2 and a half hours, but the actual duration may vary depending on the gorillas’ location. Upon encountering your habituated gorilla family, you’ll have a precious hour to observe, photograph (without flash), and appreciate these magnificent creatures from a safe distance.
After the trek, return to your accommodation for lunch and relaxation. Optional activities for the evening include a community visit or a trip to see the Senkwekwe gorilla orphans (for guests at Mikeno Lodge). Return to your camp for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 3: Return to Rwanda
On Day 3, after breakfast at your camp, join the security convoy for the journey from Virunga National Park back to the Grande Barrier border. Here, you’ll go through border procedures, including renewing your Rwanda VISA as it becomes invalid upon entering the DRCongo. After crossing into Rwanda, meet your Rwanda driver-guide for a lunch stop at Lake Kivu.
Later, continue your journey to Ruhengeri in Volcanoes National Park, where you’ll check into your chosen accommodation. Options include Muhabura Hotel for budget travelers, Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge for midrange, or 5 Volcanoes Gorilla Lodge for luxury. Dinner and overnight stay will be at your selected accommodation.
Day 4: Golden Monkey Trek
Day 4 presents an opportunity to embark on a golden monkey trek in Volcanoes National Park. Enjoy an early breakfast before heading to the park for a briefing. The golden monkey hike is a bit more challenging than gorilla trekking and may take up to 7 hours in the forest, so ensure you have packed lunch with you.
Set out into the forest in search of these remarkable primates. Once you’ve observed the golden monkeys, exit the forest and return to your hotel to relax. Dinner and overnight stay will be at your accommodation.
Day 5: Return to Kigali
On the final day, indulge in a leisurely breakfast before checking out of your accommodation. Meet your driver-guide for the 4-hour drive back to Kigali. If time permits, consider visiting the Dian Fossey Museum in Ruhengeri or exploring Kigali with a brief city tour.
You’ll be dropped off at your preferred location in Kigali, marking the end of your 5-day Virunga Gorilla & Volcanoes Golden Monkey Trekking adventure.
