3 Days Rwanda Gorilla Safari and Golden Monkey Trekking

Morning: Half-Day Kigali City Tour

Your journey begins with an early morning pickup in Kigali, where your guide will introduce you to the vibrant Rwandan culture and history through a half-day city tour.

Late Morning: Departure to Volcanoes National Park

After your city tour, you’ll start your scenic 2.5-hour drive from Kigali to Musanze, home to Volcanoes National Park. The drive offers stunning views of Rwanda’s “Thousand Hills” and lush countryside landscapes. Along the way, your guide will provide insights into the region’s geography, culture, and history.

Afternoon: Arrival and Hotel Check-in in Musanze

Upon arrival in Musanze, you’ll check in to your hotel near the park. After settling in, you can relax and enjoy the tranquil surroundings, with the Virunga Mountains as a backdrop.

• Recommended Hotels: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Virunga Lodge, or Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel.

Evening: Relax and Prepare for Tomorrow’s Gorilla Trek

Spend your evening at leisure, perhaps enjoying a warm meal at your lodge and preparing for the gorilla trekking adventure. Your guide will provide tips for the trek, including necessary gear and what to expect.

Early Morning: Head to Park Headquarters for Briefing

Start your day early with breakfast at the lodge before heading to the Volcanoes National Park headquarters by 7:00 AM. Here, park rangers will brief you on gorilla trekking rules, safety, and gorilla behavior. You’ll also be assigned to a specific gorilla family based on your fitness level and preferences.

Morning: Gorilla Trekking Adventure Begins

Once ready, you’ll begin your trek into the forest with a knowledgeable guide leading the way. The trek can take between 1 to 4 hours, depending on the gorilla family’s location. Along the way, you’ll enjoy the lush scenery of Volcanoes National Park, with chances to spot other wildlife and fascinating plant species.

Midday: Return to Park Headquarters

After your time with the gorillas, you’ll make your way back to the park headquarters, where you can rest, enjoy a snack, and reflect on your experience. You’ll also receive a certificate for completing the gorilla trek, a memento to remember this special day.

Afternoon: Return to Hotel and Free Time

Return to your lodge in Musanze to relax and recharge after the trek. Many lodges offer scenic views of the Virunga Mountains, ideal for a peaceful evening. You might choose to unwind with a warm meal, enjoy a spa treatment, or simply share stories with fellow travelers about your adventure.

Early Morning: Golden Monkey Trek in Volcanoes National Park

Start your final day with an early breakfast before heading back to the park headquarters. Today’s trek will be focused on Rwanda’s famous golden monkeys, an endangered species known for their vibrant golden fur and playful behavior. Like gorilla trekking, you’ll be briefed by rangers on the do’s and don’ts of golden monkey trekking.

Morning: Golden Monkey Trekking Experience

The golden monkey trek usually takes around 1-2 hours and is generally easier than the gorilla trek, as the monkeys are typically found in lower elevations. Following your guide, you’ll venture into bamboo forests, where you’ll see golden monkeys leaping from tree to tree, foraging, and interacting in their natural habitat. The playful nature of these monkeys makes for an entertaining and delightful experience.

Midday: Return to Hotel and Checkout

After the golden monkey trek, head back to your hotel to freshen up and pack your belongings. Enjoy a final meal at the lodge before saying goodbye to the beautiful Musanze region.

Afternoon: Transfer Back to Kigali

In the afternoon, your guide will begin the journey back to Kigali. Take in the scenic landscapes one last time as you travel through Rwanda’s lush hills and valleys. You’ll arrive in Kigali in the late afternoon or early evening, marking the end of your 3-day gorilla and golden monkey safari.