The 4 Days Rwanda Gorilla & Golden Monkey Safari is a remarkable primate adventure designed for you to discover two of Rwanda’s most fascinating mountain-dwelling species. The safari takes you to Volcanoes National Park, a spectacular protected area in northern Rwanda that forms part of the Virunga volcanic mountain range. You will enjoy a thrilling golden monkey tracking experience through the bamboo forests before undertaking the unforgettable mountain gorilla trekking adventure. The journey also allows you to appreciate Rwanda’s scenic countryside, characterised by rolling green hills, cultivated slopes and dramatic volcanic peaks. With carefully selected accommodation, private transportation and professional guiding, this short safari provides an excellent opportunity to experience Rwanda’s primates in their natural habitat. Your final day is reserved for departure from Rwanda, bringing this memorable adventure to a comfortable conclusion.
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali and Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Your adventure begins with arrival at Kigali International Airport, where you will be welcomed by your Verdant Safaris representative and introduced to your professional driver-guide. Depending on your arrival time, you will begin with a Kigali city tour, giving you an opportunity to explore some of the city’s important landmarks, local markets and craft centres. You may also visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial to learn about Rwanda’s history and the country’s remarkable journey towards reconciliation and development. After the city experience, you will begin your scenic drive towards northern Rwanda and Volcanoes National Park. The journey takes you through the beautiful Rwandan countryside, with rolling hills, green plantations, villages and spectacular views of the Virunga volcanoes. Upon arrival in the Musanze area, you will check into your lodge, enjoy dinner and receive a briefing about the golden monkey tracking experience scheduled for the following morning.
Accommodation options: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Virunga Inn Resort & Spa.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 2: Golden Monkey Tracking in Volcanoes National Park
After an early breakfast, you will drive to the Volcanoes National Park headquarters for registration and a briefing before beginning your golden monkey tracking adventure. Golden monkeys are an endangered primate species found in the Virunga mountain region, and Rwanda offers an exceptional opportunity to observe them in their natural forest environment. You will trek through bamboo forests and montane vegetation while following experienced park trackers who understand the movements and behaviour of these lively primates. Once you locate the golden monkey troop, you will spend time observing their natural activities, including feeding, moving through the vegetation and interacting with one another. Your guide will provide information about golden monkey conservation, the forest ecosystem and the importance of protecting this unique habitat. After completing the trek, you will return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation, with the remainder of the afternoon available for enjoying the lodge or taking part in an optional cultural experience.
Accommodation options: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Virunga Inn Resort & Spa.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 3: Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Today is the highlight of your 4 Days Rwanda Gorilla & Golden Monkey Safari, as you undertake an unforgettable mountain gorilla trekking experience in Volcanoes National Park. You will wake up early, have breakfast and drive to the park headquarters for registration and a detailed briefing from the park authorities. Once your trekking group is assigned a gorilla family, you will begin hiking through the forested slopes of the Virunga volcanoes, following experienced trackers who locate the gorillas ahead of your group. The trek can take several hours depending on the location and movements of the gorilla family, making the experience both adventurous and rewarding. When you reach the gorillas, you will have a memorable opportunity to observe these remarkable animals in their natural habitat while following all park guidelines designed to protect both you and the gorillas. After your allocated viewing time, you will trek back out of the forest, return to your lodge for lunch and spend the remainder of the afternoon relaxing after your exciting primate encounter.
Accommodation options: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Virunga Inn Resort & Spa.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 4: Departure
Your final day is reserved for departure, bringing your 4 Days Rwanda Gorilla & Golden Monkey Safari with Verdant Safaris to an end. After breakfast, you will check out of your lodge and begin your journey back towards Kigali, enjoying the scenic landscapes of northern and central Rwanda along the way. Depending on your flight schedule, you may make a stop in Kigali for souvenir shopping or enjoy a final meal before proceeding to the airport. Your guide will ensure that you have enough time to complete the journey comfortably and arrive at Kigali International Airport in good time for your scheduled flight. If your departure is later in the day, you may have some free time to relax or enjoy a short additional experience, subject to the available time. You will then be transferred to the airport for your departure, taking with you lasting memories of Rwanda’s mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, volcanic landscapes and warm hospitality.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch)
Tour Inclusions
- Airport arrival and departure transfers.
- Private transportation throughout the safari.
- Services of a professional English-speaking driver-guide.
- Accommodation as specified in the itinerary.
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary.
- Kigali city tour, depending on arrival and departure flight schedules.
- Volcanoes National Park entrance fees for included activities.
- Golden monkey trekking permit.
- Mountain gorilla trekking permit.
- Services of park guides and trackers during primate trekking.
- Bottled drinking water during transfers and safari activities.
- All applicable government taxes and service charges.
- Scenic and cultural stops specifically included in the itinerary.
Tour Exclusions
- International flights to and from Rwanda.
- Rwanda visa fees, where applicable.
- Travel and medical insurance.
- Personal shopping and souvenirs.
- Alcoholic and premium beverages.
- Laundry and telephone expenses.
- Tips and gratuities for guides, drivers and lodge staff.
- Optional activities not included in the itinerary.
- Additional accommodation before or after the safari.
- Any services or activities not specifically mentioned under the inclusions.