Book this 3 Days Gorilla and Golden Monkeys Tour in Rwanda

This 3 Days Gorilla and Golden Monkeys Tour in Rwanda pairs the country's two signature primate encounters in one short trip: a full day tracking mountain gorillas through the misty forests of Volcanoes National Park, and a dedicated trek to see the rare golden monkeys that share the same bamboo slopes.

It's built for travelers who want both experiences properly, not compressed into a single rushed morning, with a Kigali city introduction on arrival and a relaxed final day before flying home.

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali

On arrival at Kigali International Airport, you'll be met by our company representative for a tour of the city's highlights, timed around your flight. Depending on arrival time, this can include the Caplaki Handicrafts Market for Rwandan souvenirs, the Kimironko City Market for local food, or the Gisozi Genocide Memorial and Education Centre.

After a light lunch at a Kigali restaurant, you'll transfer to Ruhengeri, the base for gorilla trekking, a scenic 3 hour drive through Rwanda's terraced hillsides to the foot of the Virunga Volcanoes. Freshen up at your lodge and enjoy dinner before an early night.

Meal Plan: Lunch and Dinner.

Day 2: Gorilla Trekking

After an early breakfast, transfer to the Volcanoes National Park offices to meet your guides, who will brief you on the rules of gorilla trekking before assigning your gorilla family. The trek itself usually takes between 1 and 6 hours, sometimes climbing above 2,300 metres, with muddy and slippery terrain in places. Guides and porters keep the pace comfortable for the group, with frequent stops for views and photographs.

Once the gorillas are found, you'll spend a strictly timed hour watching them feed, groom, and go about their daily routine before returning to the lodge for lunch and an afternoon of rest.

In the evening, you can optionally visit the Iby'Iwacu Cultural Village, a recreation of traditional Rwandan village life where you can watch or join in on hunting demonstrations, dance, and music with the local community.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Day 3: Golden Monkey Trekking and Departure

After breakfast, head out to trek through the rainforest in search of the Virunga's golden monkeys. This trek is considerably gentler than the gorilla trek the day before, giving you a relaxed, face to face encounter with these playful, endangered primates.

After the trek, return to the lodge to shower and change before the drive back to Kigali. On arrival, you'll be transferred to Kigali International Airport for your departing flight.

Accommodation Options

• Luxury: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Bisate Lodge, or Virunga Lodge
• Midrange: Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge or La Palme Hotel
• Budget: Muhabura Hotel

Rwanda's gorilla permit currently costs USD 1,500 per person and the golden monkey permit USD 100 per person, both issued by the Rwanda Development Board, the official body managing Volcanoes National Park. The minimum age for gorilla trekking is 15.

Book This 3 Days Gorilla and Golden Monkeys Tour in Rwanda

Ready to see both of the Virunga's headline primates on one trip? Browse more itineraries, tell us what you have in mind through Build My Safari, or contact us directly to check permit availability for your dates.

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