2 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trekking & Golden Monkey Tracking Tour
The 2 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trekking & Golden Monkey Tracking Tour offered by Deks Safaris & Tours Ltd delivers a powerful, once-in-a-lifetime primate safari in the heart of Africa’s most iconic montane forest—Volcanoes National Park. This short but immersive itinerary is perfectly tailored for travelers with limited time who still wish to experience the awe of gorilla trekking and the thrill of golden monkey tracking in one unforgettable journey. Whether you are visiting Rwanda on a business trip, a post-conference extension, or as part of a longer East African tour, this package offers unmatched access to some of the rarest primates on Earth.
From the moment you leave Kigali, Rwanda’s clean and vibrant capital, you are transported into the lush highlands of the Virunga Volcanoes. On Day 1, you will trek deep into the misty rainforest to spend a heart-stirring hour with a habituated mountain gorilla family, guided by expert trackers and park rangers. On Day 2, you’ll embark on a lively golden monkey tracking experience, witnessing the playful antics of these endangered primates in the bamboo forests of the park before returning to Kigali in the afternoon.
With luxury lodge upgrades, private fly-in transfers, and cultural add-ons like the Iby’Iwachu Cultural Village or Dian Fossey Conservation Center, this itinerary is designed for maximum impact in minimal time. Travelers enjoy full support from our professional guides, personalized service, and seamless logistics—ensuring that every moment is enriching and unforgettable.
Detailed 2 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trekking & Golden Monkey Tracking Tour
Your safari begins with an early morning pick-up from your Kigali hotel or Kigali International Airport by a professional guide from Deks Safaris & Tours Ltd. From the capital, you will enjoy a 2.5-hour scenic drive to the beautiful Musanze District, home to the world-renowned Volcanoes National Park. The drive winds through Rwanda’s rolling hills and terraced farmlands, offering postcard-worthy views at every turn. Upon arrival at the park headquarters in Kinigi, you will be welcomed by park staff and briefed about the gorilla trekking protocols, including safety guidelines and gorilla behavior etiquette.
By 8:00 AM, your adventure into the jungle begins. Escorted by a team of rangers and porters, you’ll follow trails that weave through the thick undergrowth, mud paths, and bamboo forests in search of your assigned gorilla family. The trek can last anywhere between 1 to 4 hours depending on the gorillas’ location that morning. Once located, you’ll spend a magical hour observing the gorillas—watching silverbacks protect their group, mothers groom their young, and juveniles tumble around in playful joy. This awe-inspiring moment is a deeply emotional encounter that leaves a lifelong impact.
After the trek, return to the trailhead where your driver will be waiting. You’ll transfer to your lodge for lunch and relaxation, reflecting on the incredible experience you’ve just had. Later, you may choose to enjoy the serene lodge environment, take a nature walk, or book a massage therapy session offered by some luxury accommodations.
- Accommodation: Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge
- Activities: Mountain Gorilla Trekking
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Drinking Water, and Dinner
Your second day begins with an early breakfast followed by a short transfer back to the Kinigi Park Headquarters. Today’s activity is a Golden Monkey Tracking adventure, a lighter and often more playful complement to the previous day’s gorilla trek. Golden monkeys are rare, endangered species found only in the Albertine Rift region and are known for their bright golden-orange fur and curious, energetic nature.
The tracking typically takes 1 to 2 hours, and you’ll have a full hour to observe a habituated troop within the bamboo zones of the park. These monkeys are fast-moving and live in large groups, often leaping through the canopy or foraging on the ground for bamboo shoots, fruits, and insects. Their behavior offers excellent photographic opportunities and an entirely different primate experience from the more solemn and powerful gorilla encounter.
After the golden monkey trek, return to your lodge for refreshments and a hot lunch before beginning your comfortable road transfer back to Kigali City in the early afternoon. You’ll arrive by early evening and be dropped off at your hotel, residence, or Kigali International Airport depending on your onward travel plans.
- Accommodation: none
- Activities: Golden Monkey Tracking
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Drinking Water
Safari Inclusions
- English-speaking professional driver/guide.
- Transport in a 4×4 safari vehicle.
- Gorilla trekking permit ($1,500 per person).
- Golden monkey tracking permit.
- All park entry fees and ranger guide fees.
- 1 night accommodation with full-board meals.
- Bottled drinking water in the vehicle.
- Hotel/airport pick-up and drop-off in Kigali.
- All government taxes and tourism levies.
Safari Exclusions
- International airfare and Rwanda visa fees.
- Travel and medical insurance.
- Extra accommodation in Kigali (pre- or post-safari).
- Tips and gratuities for guides and porters.
- Optional activities not mentioned under inclusions.
- Personal expenses (laundry, alcohol, phone calls, etc.).
