3 Days Rwanda Gorilla and Golden Monkey Trekking Safari
The 3 Days Rwanda Gorilla and Golden Monkey Trekking Safari is an unforgettable primate adventure that takes you into the beautiful landscapes of northern Rwanda. This short but rewarding safari combines two of Rwanda’s most remarkable wildlife experiences: mountain gorilla trekking and golden monkey tracking in the spectacular Volcanoes National Park.
Your journey takes you to Volcanoes National Park, home to the endangered mountain gorillas and the endemic golden monkeys of the Virunga region. Surrounded by the magnificent Virunga volcanoes, the park offers a remarkable combination of montane forests, bamboo vegetation, volcanic landscapes, and diverse wildlife.
The safari begins with a scenic journey from Kigali to Musanze, the gateway to Volcanoes National Park. Along the way, you will have opportunities to appreciate Rwanda’s famous rolling hills, rural communities, cultivated landscapes, and beautiful countryside. Upon arrival in the Musanze area, you will check into your lodge and prepare for the exciting trekking experiences ahead.
The first major highlight of the safari is gorilla trekking. After an early breakfast, you will proceed to the park headquarters for a briefing before being assigned to a gorilla trekking group. Accompanied by experienced park guides and trackers, you will enter the forest in search of a habituated mountain gorilla family.
The trek can involve hiking through dense vegetation and varying terrain, and the duration depends on the location and movements of the gorilla family on the day. Once you encounter the gorillas, you will have a memorable opportunity to observe their behavior and social interactions in their natural habitat while following the park’s wildlife-viewing guidelines.
On the following day, you will experience golden monkey trekking, another fascinating activity in Volcanoes National Park. Golden monkeys are an endangered primate species found in the Virunga mountain region. During the trek, you will explore the bamboo forest in search of these active and distinctive primates. Golden monkeys are known for their energetic movements, social behavior, and striking appearance, making the experience different from gorilla trekking.
Beyond the trekking activities, this safari allows you to experience the natural beauty and cultural character of northern Rwanda. Depending on your travel schedule, additional experiences can be arranged, including a cultural visit, Musanze Caves, or an optional community experience.
The 3 Days Rwanda Gorilla and Golden Monkey Trekking Safari is ideal for travelers who want to experience two of Rwanda’s most famous primate encounters within a short itinerary. With comfortable accommodation, professional guiding, transportation, and carefully planned activities, Tukumbe Tours and Travel can customize the safari according to your travel dates, accommodation preferences, and budget.
Whether you are visiting Rwanda for the first time or adding a primate adventure to a wider East African itinerary, this safari offers an opportunity to explore Volcanoes National Park and encounter two remarkable species in their natural environment.
Gorilla Trek Guide[]
Planning a golden monkey trek? Find out about golden monkey permitts]Day 1: Transfer from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park
Your 3 Days Rwanda Gorilla and Golden Monkey Trekking Safari begins with a morning pickup from Kigali International Airport or your hotel by a professional Tukumbe Tours and Travel safari guide. After meeting your guide and receiving a briefing about the safari, you will begin your scenic journey toward Musanze and Volcanoes National Park in northern Rwanda.
The drive takes you through Rwanda’s beautiful countryside, characterized by rolling hills, cultivated farmland, local communities, and picturesque landscapes. Along the way, you may have opportunities to stop for photographs and refreshments before continuing to Musanze.
Upon arrival in the Volcanoes National Park area, you will check into your lodge and have lunch. Depending on your arrival time and energy levels, you may have an opportunity to relax at the lodge or participate in an optional cultural or nature experience.
You will then have dinner and spend the night at your selected lodge, preparing for the exciting gorilla trekking experience the following day.
Accommodation: Selected lodge in Musanze/Volcanoes National Park
Meal Plan: Lunch and Dinner
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
After an early breakfast, you will prepare for one of the most memorable experiences of your Rwanda safari: mountain gorilla trekking.
You will proceed to the Volcanoes National Park headquarters for a pre-trekking briefing. Park officials will provide information about trekking guidelines, safety procedures, and responsible gorilla viewing. You will then be assigned to a gorilla trekking group and accompanied by experienced park guides and trackers into the forest.
The trek takes you through the montane forest in search of your assigned gorilla family. The duration and difficulty of the trek can vary depending on where the gorillas are located and how far they have moved from their previous location.
Once you locate the gorillas, you will have a memorable opportunity to observe them in their natural habitat. You may see adults feeding, juveniles playing, mothers caring for their young, and other fascinating social interactions. Your guide will provide information about the gorillas and their environment while ensuring that the park’s viewing guidelines are followed.
After the trek, you will return to the park headquarters and then transfer back to your lodge for relaxation. You can spend the rest of the afternoon enjoying the beautiful surroundings of Musanze or simply resting after the trek.
In the evening, you will have dinner and spend another night at your lodge.
Accommodation: Selected lodge in Musanze/Volcanoes National Park
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 3: Golden Monkey Trekking and Transfer to Kigali
You will have an early breakfast before heading to the park headquarters for your golden monkey trekking experience.
After a briefing from the park authorities and guides, you will enter the forest in search of the endangered golden monkeys. These distinctive primates are found in the Virunga mountain region and are known for their golden-orange fur, energetic behavior, and active social groups.
The trek takes you through bamboo forests and other sections of the park as you search for the golden monkey troop. Once you find them, you will have time to observe and photograph them while following the park’s wildlife-viewing regulations.
After completing the golden monkey trek, you will return from the forest and meet your safari guide. Depending on your onward travel arrangements, you will have lunch before beginning the journey back to Kigali.
Your guide will drive you to Kigali International Airport or your preferred hotel in Kigali. This marks the end of your 3 Days Rwanda Gorilla and Golden Monkey Trekking Safari with Tukumbe Tours and Travel.
Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch
End of Safari
Safari Inclusions
- Airport or hotel pickup and drop-off
- Private 4×4 safari vehicle
- Professional English-speaking safari guide
- Transportation throughout the safari
- Gorilla trekking permit
- Golden monkey trekking permit
- Accommodation for 2 nights
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary
- Volcanoes National Park activities
- Park guide and tracker services where applicable
- Drinking water during the safari
- All applicable government taxes and service charges
Safari Exclusions
- International flights
- Rwanda entry visa
- Travel and medical insurance
- Personal expenses
- Alcoholic and soft drinks
- Tips for guides, drivers, trackers, and lodge staff
- Porter services
- Souvenirs and personal shopping
- Optional activities not included in the itinerary
- Any services not specifically mentioned under inclusions