The 4-day gorillas and golden monkey trekking safari brings you to Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park for an incredible encounter with two critically endangered primates: golden monkeys and mountain gorillas. The package also includes a city tour of Kigali, as well as visits to the Gorilla Guardians Village and the twin lakes (Burera and Ruhondo).

Day 1: Arrival, city tour, and transfer to Volcanoes National Park.

On arrival, you will be picked up by your safari guide who will brief you about the safari and then start your safari with a Kigali city tour that includes stops at the Kigali Genocide Memorial Center, the major city market, the presidential palace museum, artisan stores, and a few more points of interest.

After the city tour, your guide will take you to lunch at a convenient location before beginning the three-hour travel to Volcanoes National Park. The ride takes you through magnificent hilly countryside and large tea plantations.

You will learn why Rwanda is known as “The Land of a Thousand Hills”. Once you arrive in the park, you will be escorted directly to your hotel for check-in and leisure at your lodge. Sleep early so you may be ready for gorilla trekking the next day.

Accommodation options: La Palme Hotel or Muthaura Hotel (Budget), Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge or Gorilla Solutions Lodge (mid-range), Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge (Luxury)

Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 2: Gorilla trekking and afternoon cultural encounter.

Wake up on your early morning breakfast before driving to the park headquarters for the briefing that marks the beginning of your gorilla adventure. You will be divided into groups and then assigned to different gorilla families.

Enter the jungle with several trackers and rangers in search for the mountain gorillas. Once you meet the gorillas, you will spend a full hour with the mountain gorillas taking pictures and videos of your liking. After the trekking, you will drive back to the lodge for lunch and refreshments.

After lunch, the driver will take you to the Gorilla Guardians Village. The settlement was formerly named as Iby’iwacu Cultural Settlement. It began as a spot where former poachers sold souvenirs to tourists but has since been restored as the country’s premier cultural hub. Cultural entertainers will amuse you and request that you participate. Dinner and an overnight stay at the lodge.

Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 3: Golden monkey trekking.

After breakfast, you will proceed to the Volcanoes National Park offices for another briefing on golden monkey tracking. You will have the possibility to hire a porter to assist with any large bags. During the briefing or at the start point. After around two hours of hiking, you’ll see them grazing on tree branches and the ground.

Golden monkeys are found in three countries: Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. They are highly endangered and endure significant risks from human activity. Golden monkeys are incredibly lively and adorable. They live in groups of roughly 80 people. In contrast to gorillas, they are comfortable with flash photography.

After spending time with them, you’ll return to the starting point of the trek where you will meet up with your driver waiting for you. Drive to the lodge for lunch and refreshments, followed by a drive to the twin lakes of Ruhondo and Burera. Island hopping, kayaking, nature hikes, and bird watching are popular activities on the lake. Dinner and overnight stay at the previous lodge.

Accommodation options: La Palme Hotel or Muthaura Hotel (Budget), Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge or Gorilla Solutions Lodge (mid-range), Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge (Luxury)

Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 4: Departure.(gorillas and Golden monkeys)

Wake up and have a relaxed morning breakfast as you prepare to check out and begin the journey back to Kigali. If you have an early flight, the driver will drop you of at the airport. Or alternatively, you may opt for another Kigali city tour for last minute shopping incase your flight is late. Visit some places like visit the city museum, Visit Art Centers, Crafts Shops and art galleries, Go to the local markets among others. Have lunch in Kigali and thereafter, the guide will drop you off at the airport in time for your departure flight.

End of Tour