Rwanda Primates & Gorilla Trekking 4-Day Safari

Upon your arrival at Kigali International Airport, a warm welcome awaits you from your professional driver-guide from Deks Safaris & Tours Ltd. Following a brief orientation and safari briefing, you’ll set off on a scenic drive to Volcanoes National Park, located in Rwanda’s northwestern province, roughly a 2.5 to 3-hour drive. Along the 4-Day Rwanda Primates & Gorilla Trekking Safari journey, enjoy sweeping views of Rwanda’s stunning countryside—rolling green hills, terraced plantations, and rural villages that showcase the country’s well-earned nickname: “The Land of a Thousand Hills.”

Before checking into your luxury lodge near the park, you’ll make a stop at the renowned Iby’Iwachu Cultural Village, a vibrant community project that showcases the traditions and daily life of Rwanda’s people. At Iby’Iwachu, you will be welcomed with traditional songs and dances, and invited to engage in hands-on cultural activities such as banana beer brewing, spear throwing, bow-and-arrow demonstrations, and traditional medicine preparation. You’ll also hear stories from ex-poachers turned conservationists—an inspiring testament to Rwanda’s model of community-involved conservation. This is not only entertaining but incredibly eye-opening and enriching.

After the cultural tour, proceed to your comfortable lodge for check-in, dinner, and relaxation. Your overnight stay will offer cozy warmth and spectacular views of the surrounding volcanic ranges, ensuring a restful night ahead of your golden monkey tracking adventure.

Accommodation: Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge

Start your day early with a hearty breakfast before heading to the Volcanoes National Park headquarters for a short briefing on golden monkey tracking. The golden monkey is an endangered primate found only in the Virunga Mountain range and is known for its striking golden-orange fur and playful nature. These monkeys live in the bamboo forests at the base of the volcanoes, and your guided trek through this ecosystem is a thrilling and unique 4-Day Rwanda Primates & Gorilla Trekking Safari experience.

Tracking golden monkeys is typically easier and shorter than gorilla trekking, lasting between 2 to 4 hours. You’ll have a full hour to observe and photograph them in their natural habitat as they swing through trees and forage on the forest floor. The photographic opportunities and up-close encounters make this activity especially popular among wildlife lovers and birders.

In the afternoon, after lunch at your lodge, you will visit the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund Campus, an educational and scientific hub dedicated to gorilla research and conservation. The campus serves as a tribute to the late Dian Fossey, a pioneering primatologist whose efforts brought global attention to the plight of mountain gorillas. Here, you’ll explore interactive exhibits, visit the research labs, and learn about current projects protecting gorillas and promoting biodiversity. This visit is a meaningful opportunity to understand the science behind conservation and the legacy of a woman who changed the future of gorilla populations forever.

Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

Accommodation: Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge

This day is the highlight of your 4-Day Rwanda Primates & Gorilla Trekking Safari —mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, one of the most exhilarating wildlife encounters on Earth. After an early breakfast, transfer to the park headquarters for a comprehensive briefing led by experienced rangers. You’ll then be assigned to a specific gorilla family group and led by expert trackers and guides into the misty forest.

The trek can vary from 2 to 6 hours depending on the location of the gorilla family, but every step through the forest builds anticipation. Walking through dense vegetation, listening to the sounds of the forest, and spotting fresh signs of gorilla activity, you’ll feel the thrill rising with every footstep.

When you finally come upon a family of mountain gorillas, the moment is beyond words. You are allowed one full hour to observe them as they feed, play, and nurture their young. Standing just meters away from a massive silverback or watching the delicate behavior of a gorilla mother cradling her infant is both emotional and life-changing. This rare experience leaves a lasting impact on everyone lucky enough to witness it.

Return to the lodge for a well-deserved rest. Spend the evening at leisure—perhaps enjoying a massage, lounging by the fire, or indulging in a gourmet meal. Reflect on your extraordinary day amidst one of nature’s greatest wonders.

Gorilla Trekking Permits: Deks Safaris & Tours Ltd handles all gorilla permit arrangements. Each permit costs USD $1,500 per person in Rwanda.

Accommodation: Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge

After a leisurely breakfast, check out and embark on your scenic return journey to Kigali. The drive offers one last opportunity to enjoy Rwanda’s lush landscapes and mountainous terrain. Upon reaching the capital, you’ll take part in a half-day Kigali city tour that offers deep insight into Rwanda’s tragic past and hopeful present.

Your city tour will include a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre, a moving tribute to the lives lost during the 1994 genocide. Though emotional, this visit provides important context and helps you understand Rwanda’s remarkable journey of healing and unity. You may also visit the Inema Arts Centre, Caplaki Craft Village, and other local landmarks showcasing Kigali’s vibrant creativity and entrepreneurial spirit.

Finally, your driver-guide will transfer you to Kigali International Airport in time for your departure flight, marking the end of a truly inspirational and transformational 4-Day Rwanda Primates & Gorilla Trekking Safari experience.

End of 4-Day Rwanda Primates & Gorilla Trekking Safari