Rwanda Gorilla Trekking & Golden Monkeys 3-Day Tour

Morning: Arrival in Kigali and Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

Your Rwanda Gorilla Trekking & Golden Monkeys 3-Day Tour adventure begins in Kigali, Rwanda’s capital, known for its cleanliness, safety, and friendliness. Upon your arrival at Kigali International Airport or your hotel in the city, your guide from Deks Safaris & Tours Ltd. will meet you. If you’re arriving by flight, your guide will be there to greet you, assist with your luggage, and provide a brief introduction to Rwanda and the itinerary.

After the meet-and-greet, you will embark on a scenic 2.5 to 3-hour drive from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park, located in the Virunga Mountains. This journey offers picturesque views of Rwanda’s rolling hills, terraced farmlands, and charming villages. You will pass through the thriving countryside, where you can take in the lush green landscapes and enjoy the peaceful environment of Rwanda’s rural areas.

Upon reaching Volcanoes National Park, you will check-in at your accommodation, such as Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge or Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, where you’ll enjoy premium services and breathtaking views of the Virunga Volcanoes. These lodges offer luxurious amenities and comfort to ensure a pleasant stay. After checking in, relax and unwind with some leisure time to enjoy the beautiful surroundings.

In the evening, savor a delicious dinner at your lodge or hotel, where you can sample traditional Rwandan dishes like brochettes (grilled skewers), Isombe (cassava leaves), and Ibihaza (pumpkin), followed by a restful night in preparation for the exciting gorilla trekking adventure the next day.

Key Highlights

• Meet and greet at Kigali International Airport or hotel.
• Scenic transfer to Volcanoes National Park.
• Check-in at Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
• Dinner at the lodge and overnight stay.

Morning: Gorilla Trekking Experience

Day 2 is the highlight of your Rwanda Gorilla Trekking & Golden Monkeys 3-Day Tour: gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. After an early breakfast, your guide will transfer you to the park headquarters, where you’ll undergo a briefing on safety, the rules for trekking, and how to behave when in the presence of the gorillas. You will also learn about the gorilla conservation efforts that have allowed Rwanda to protect these majestic creatures and increase their population.

Volcanoes National Park is home to 10 habituated gorilla families, and each family is assigned to small groups of trekkers. The trek can take anywhere from 1 to 5 hours depending on the location of the gorillas. The park is known for its breathtaking scenery, with dense montane forests and bamboo groves providing the perfect backdrop for your adventure. Along the way, your expert Rwanda Gorilla Trekking & Golden Monkeys 3-Day Tour guide will provide insights into the flora and fauna of the forest, as well as the history and behavior of the mountain gorillas.

When you finally encounter a gorilla family, the experience will be nothing short of magical. You will have one hour to observe the gorillas in their natural habitat, watching their daily activities, such as feeding, playing, and interacting with each other. The moment you come face-to-face with these gentle giants, it will be an unforgettable experience, evoking a deep sense of connection with the natural world.

After the trek, return to your lodge for a well-deserved lunch and some relaxation. The afternoon can be spent at leisure, perhaps exploring the nearby areas or simply enjoying the tranquility of the surroundings. In the evening, enjoy a warm dinner at the lodge, where you can reflect on the day’s incredible adventure.

Key Highlights

• Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park.
• One hour of observation with the mountain gorillas.
• Return to Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
• Evening at leisure with dinner at the lodge.

Morning: Golden Monkey Tracking in Volcanoes National Park

After a hearty breakfast, you’ll embark on a golden monkey tracking adventure in Volcanoes National Park. Golden monkeys are one of Rwanda’s most fascinating and lesser-known primates, found only in the Virunga Volcanoes region. These playful monkeys live in troops, often found in the bamboo forests that dot the volcanoes’ slopes.

Golden monkey tracking is an easier and shorter trek compared to gorilla trekking, typically taking between 1 and 2 hours. Once you locate the troop, you’ll have an hour to observe their lively behavior and interactions. Watching them leap through the bamboo forest, forage for food, and socialize with their troop members is a captivating experience. Golden monkeys are an endangered species, and their conservation efforts in Rwanda are key to ensuring their future survival.

Afternoon: Return to Kigali and City Tour

After the golden monkey trek, return to your lodge for lunch and a brief rest. Following this, you’ll begin your Rwanda Gorilla Trekking & Golden Monkeys 3-Day Tour journey back to Kigali. The drive takes around 2.5 to 3 hours, giving you time to reflect on your incredible wildlife encounters.

Upon arrival in Kigali, your guide will take you on a brief Kigali city tour. You will visit some of the key cultural and historical sites, including Kigali Genocide Memorial. This memorial is dedicated to the victims of the 1994 Rwandan Genocide, offering a poignant and informative experience that allows you to understand the country’s tragic history and its remarkable recovery.

After the city tour, you will be transferred to Kigali International Airport for your onward flight or back to your hotel, marking the end of your Rwanda Gorilla Trekking & Golden Monkeys 3-Day Tour.

Key Highlights

• Golden monkey tracking in Volcanoes National Park.
• Return to Kigali for a city tour.
• Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial.
• Transfer to Kigali International Airport or your hotel.

End of Rwanda Gorilla Trekking & Golden Monkeys 3-Day Tour