Group Size

Suitable for solo travelers and groups
Departure from

This tour begins and finishes in Kigali
Accomodation

Extra accommodation before the tour and at the end of the tour can be arranged at an extra charge
Transportation

Hiking/walking
Arrival on

Can start any day
Tour type

Mid-range, private tour
Meals

All meals included
Language

English
Minimum Age

15

Overview

Get on an unforgettable 4-day Rwanda Gorilla and Golden Monkey Trekking Tour, exploring the lush Volcanoes National Park. Encounter majestic gorillas in their natural habitat and observe playful golden monkeys. Experience Rwanda’s breathtaking wildlife, stunning landscapes, and unforgettable moments in this once-in-a-lifetime adventure

This tour starts and ends in Rwanda’s capital city of Kigali. The first day will entail arrival at Kigali International Airport and transfer to Volcanoes National Park for an overnight stay. For the second day you will be able to go for a full day tracking of the mountain gorillas. On the third day of your safari, the next animal that you will be privileged to see is the golden monkey which is also a species facing extinction. And on the last day, on the fourth day, you will finally be taken back to Kigali International Airport for your onward journey.

Highlights

Can start any day
Private tour
Can start any day
Can be customized
Suitable for solo travelers
Minimum age of 15 years
A transfer from and back to the airport is included

Day 01 :

Arrival at Kigali International Airport

Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport we will pick you up and take you through an orientation before proceeding to Volcanoes National Park. Located in the picturesque region of northwest Rwanda and only 2 hour’s’ drive from Kigali, the journey to Volcanoes National Park passes through rolling terrains, hills and stunning countryside, past banana plantations on a tarmac road. The drive from Kigali to your lodge will take about 3 hours. On your arrival, you will make your check in at the lodge and this one is located right at the foothills of the mountain and just a stone throw away from the park rangers. Wine and dine at the La Palme Hotel with a night’s accommodation.

Main Destination:

Volcanoes National Park (Gorillas)

Optimal Time To TravelJune to August (The climate is at its best and trekking is also comfortable here.

High SeasonJune to September (There are few permits available)

Best WeatherJune to October (Sunny, but not too hot)

Wildlife in Volcanoes NP

Gorilla, Chimpanzee, Elephant, Buffalo, White Rhino, Black Rhino, Giraffe, Lion, Leopard, Cheetah, Zebra, Wildebeest, Hippo

Accommodation:

La Palme Hotel

A mid-range hotel that is only one hour and a half drive from Volcanoes National Park (Gorillas).

Meals & Drinks:

Dinner (Breakfast & lunch not included)
Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 02 :

Gorilla Trekking in the Volcanoes National Park

Get up early for breakfast, and approximately at 6:30am, we will visit the headquarters at the Kinigi Park. Today is going to be the most memorable portion of your vacation – the gorilla trekking. We will get to the Kinigi ranger station at 7:00am in the morning to be briefed and allocate guides before going into the forest.

We will be following one of the eight groups of gorillas which are traditionally habituated in Rwanda. Professional rangers will be with you throughout the search of the mountain gorillas. To track one habituated group, only eight people are allowed to follow, and the search can take between 2 and 6 hours because their territory can reach up to 40km (25mi). The park rangers and guides will help you with the path throughout the forest.

If you have a chance to spend an hour with this family group of individuals, then you will not forget it. At the end of the hour, we will begin to disembark from the forest and head back to the lodge.

Main Destination:

Volcanoes National Park (Gorillas)

Accommodation:

La Palme Hotel

A mid-range hotel that is only one hour and a half drive from Volcanoes National Park (Gorillas).

Meals & Drinks:

All meals included
Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 03 :

Golden Monkey Trekking in the Volcanoes National Park

In the morning after taking breakfast, you will visit park headquarters for the second time to encounter the endangered golden monkeys. To get to see them, it only takes 1-2 hours depending on the trekking difficult level. Golden monkeys are a unique variety of old-world monkeys which are only endemic to the Virunga Mountain area. These birds are even on the red list of threatened species as they are on the verge of extinction. These monkeys are social animals with groups of up to 90 in the center of which is an adult male. This species has two habituated groups of golden monkeys. The group has about 80 to 100 people in the group and they are inhabiting at the base of Sabyinyo mountain. Similar to the mountain gorilla view, the golden monkey trekking is in the morning for one hour with the monkeys. After this experience you will go back to the hotelHotel. Dinner and overnight.

Main Destination:

Volcanoes National Park (Gorillas)

Accommodation:

La Palme Hotel

A mid-range hotel that is only one hour and a half drive from Volcanoes National Park (Gorillas).

Meals & Drinks:

All meals included
Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 04 :

Departure

Around 9:00 AM, you will be driven back to Kigali for breakfast. Lunch is served before moving to the airport to catch a flight to your destination.

Main Destination:

Kigali International Airport (Kigali)

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included)
Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

End of tour

Extra accommodation is also available if you require one at an extra price.
You will be taken to the airport.

FAQs

Expand all

What is covered in the Rwanda 4 Days Gorilla and Golden Monkey Trekking Safari?

This Rwanda 4 Days Gorilla and Golden Monkey Trekking Safari package includes accommodation, meals, one safari vehicle 4 by 4, guide-English speaking, gorilla trekking permit, golden monkey trekking permit. The tour includes park fees, mineral water, and round trip transfers from Kigali airport. Nevertheless, items like tips, alcohol, travel insurance, and international transport costs are not part of the costs.

When is the best time for the 4-Day Rwanda Gorilla and Golden Monkey Trekking Tour?

This Rwanda 4 Days Gorilla and Golden Monkey Trekking Safari can be undertaken at any time throughout the year but the most recommended periods are from June through early September and December through February during the dry season. In these months, the paths in Volcanoes National Park have less moisture and resistance, thereby providing better conditions for trekking. Though Rwanda has a tropical climate, it rains at any season, and so the travelers still need to be prepared to get caught in the rain.

How challenging is the trek during the 4-Day Rwanda Gorilla and Golden Monkey Trekking Tour?

The physical activity during the entire 4-Day Rwanda Gorilla and Golden Monkey Trekking Tour is slightly different in-density depending on the location of the gorilla family or the decision to track the golden monkeys on the specific day of the activity. Gorilla trekking can therefore be considered as moderate to challenging activity lasting between 2 to 6 hours on average. The golden monkey trek is slightly easier, lasting approximately 1 to 3 hours and is over less steep terrains. They should be healthy individuals, with appropriate attire for the hike and with consideration given that the trails would be muddy and steep in some sections.

What are the recommended items to carry for the 4-Day Rwanda Gorilla and Golden Monkey Trekking Tour?

For the activities, there areocoa gorilla trekking and golden monkey tracking tours which ought to be dressed in light and moisture-wicking clothing, a waterproof jacket, and a pair of hiking boots. Some suggested items are repellent for the insects, sun block, hat, gloves to protect from stinging plants, a bag for equipment, energy boosting snacks, a refillable water bottle. A zoom lens is also necessary to capture the best shots while ensuring that one does not over approach the animals.

Is it necessary to have a permit for the 4 days Rwanda Gorilla and Golden Monkey trekking and how does one get the permit?

Yes, permits are needed for gorilla and golden monkey when on the 4-Day Rwanda Gorilla and Golden Monkey Trekking Tour. These permits are issued by Rwanda Development Board (RDB) and booking has to be done in advance because of high demand. Organization and acquisition of the relevant permits are often included in the package of the tour. The cost of a gorilla trekking permit is $ 1500 per person while that of the golden monkey is approximately $100 per head.

With the 4-Day Rwanda Gorilla and Golden Monkey Trekking Tour, how near can one approach the gorillas and the golden monkeys?

It is important torances reminded that during the 4-Day Rwanda Gorilla and Golden Monkey Trekking Tour, visitors are supposed to stick to certain rules and regulation for the safety of wildlife. Under the guidelines for gorilla watching, every person should be at least seven meters or twenty three feet away from the gorillas to reduce chances of the transmission of diseases and the disturbance of the gorillas. For golden monkey trekking, the limits are a little less restricted, but the visitors are advised not to get too close or else move violently. Rangers and guides make sure this rules are practiced in order to encourage Sustainable tourism.