4-Day Rwanda & Uganda Gorilla Trekking and Golden Monkey

Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your professional driver-guide and begin your journey with a city tour of Kigali. Explore the city’s modern neighborhoods and witness its rapid transformation, along with a visit to the Kigali Presidential Palace Museum, which offers insight into Rwanda’s political history.

Continue through the city’s historic districts with a reflective stop at the Kigali Genocide Memorial, dedicated to the victims of the 1994 Genocide. After lunch, proceed to Musanze, with an optional visit to the breathtaking Twin Lakes of Burera and Ruhondo—known for their serene blue waters, rolling hills, waterfalls, and stunning views of the Virunga Volcanoes.

Main Destination: Ruhengeri 

Accommodation: Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge

• Mid-range lodgeless than 1hr drive from Ruhengeri (City, Rwanda)

Meals & Drinks:

• Lunch & dinner (Breakfast not included)
• Drinks not included

After an early breakfast, transfer to the Kinigi park headquarters by 7:00 AM, where you’ll join other trekkers for a short briefing on golden monkey trekking and park regulations in Volcanoes National Park. At 8:00 AM, head to the trailhead just outside the park and begin your trek, surrounded by breathtaking views of the volcanic landscape.

Golden monkeys are usually found in the bamboo zones near the park edges, where the terrain is gentle and easy to navigate. Once located, enjoy watching their playful behavior as they feed on young bamboo shoots and occasionally venture into nearby potato fields.

After an exciting hour with these lively primates, return to the trailhead and head back to your lodge for lunch. In the afternoon, proceed to the Rwanda–Uganda border for immigration clearance before continuing your journey into Uganda and onward to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Main Destination: Volcanoes National Park 

Best Time To Visit June to August (It is drier and hiking is easier)

High Season June to September (Permits are scarce)

Best Weather June to October (Sunny, but not too hot)

Accommodation: Rushaga Gorilla Lodge

• Mid-range lodge just outside Rushaga (Bwindi Impenetrable NP, Uganda)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinks not included

After an early breakfast, walk to the park headquarters for a detailed briefing on gorilla trekking guidelines and expectations in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Once briefed, begin your trek into the dense rainforest along designated trails. The hike can take anywhere from 2 to 8 hours—or even longer—depending on where the gorilla family is located.

When you finally find them, you’ll spend an unforgettable one hour observing their behavior and interactions up close. Because trekking time is unpredictable, you’ll carry a packed lunch provided in advance.

After the experience, transfer to Lake Bunyonyi, Africa’s second-deepest lake at about 900 meters deep and known for being bilharzia-free, making it safe for swimming. Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at a lakeside lodge surrounded by peaceful scenery.

Main Destination: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park 

Best Time To Visit June to August and December to February (Gorilla trekking is easiest)

High Season June to September (Gorilla permits are scarce)

Best Weather June to July and December to February (Less rainfall)

Accommodation: Lake Bunyonyi Eco Resort

• Mid-range resort located at Lake Bunyonyi (Uganda)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinks not included

After breakfast, enjoy a peaceful boat ride on Lake Bunyonyi, exploring its scenic waters and visiting some of its unique islands scattered across the lake.

After the excursion, drive to the Katuna border and cross back into Rwanda. Upon arrival in Kigali, begin a city tour starting with a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a powerful tribute honoring the victims of the 1994 Genocide.

Continue with stops at key city landmarks and vibrant craft markets, where you’ll experience Rwanda’s culture and modern development. Later, you will be transferred to Kigali International Airport in time for your departure flight.

Main Destination: Kigali 

Accommodation: No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinks not included