Thrilling 4 Days Gorilla Trekking and Golden Monkey Rwanda:
This ultimate 4 Days Gorilla Trekking and Golden Monkey trek itinerary in Rwanda is a primates lovers’ dream safaris as it takes to Volcanoes National Park to see the giant apes, mountain gorillas and the most beautiful primates, the golden monkeys.
Volcanoes National Park is situated in the North west part of Rwanda and among the popular destinations that are flocked by tourists each year to explore so much that is within this beautiful place.
Mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park involves hiking through the dense rainforest to search for these massive gentle creatures in their natural habitat. The park has about 12 habituated gorilla families and each group is led by a male silverback which is characterized by a silver hairline on its back.
Volcanoes National Park Rwanda was also a base of American primatologist, Dian Fossey who is still credited for her extreme conservation measures that reduced the threats like poaching that mountain gorillas were facing before her arrival in the park.
Fossey established Karisoke Research Centre within the park which played a crucial role in the studying gorillas and habituate them to make them feel safe around humans. It is believed some of the tactics used by Fossey are still being used today to habituated gorillas.
Fossey was killed in 1985 by unknown people but her death hasn’t stopped conservations efforts from going on in Volcanoes National Park. In fact, popular American TV host, Ellen DeGeneres established the Ellen DeGeneres campus in memory of Dian fossey and to also continue the research about mountain gorillas.
Apart from gorillas, you will also get the opportunity to see golden monkeys on this trip. These species are only found within the Virunga massif and that is; Volcanoes National Park and Mgahinga National Park. These are recognized on the yellow patches that can be seen all over their bodies.
There two habituated golden monkey troops in Volcanoes National Park with the most popular and visited being the Sabyinyo group. This has between 80-100 individuals making it the largest troop of golden monkeys you can visit.
The park also five volcanoes that is; Mount Karisimbi – with the highest peak, Mount Gahinga, Mount Bisoke, Mount Muhavura and Mount Sabyinyo. On a clear day, you will be able to immerse yourself into the beautiful scenic views of these volcanoes and the surrounding.
Volcanoes Park also has other wildlife species that you will be able to spot such as bird species, insects, forest buffaloes, forest elephants and much more.
Our 4 days gorilla trekking and golden monkey safari also gives you the opportunity to go on a Kigali city tour which introduces you to the hidden gems like the local markets, the Kigali genocide memorial centre, the museum and much more.
Highlight of the 4 Days Gorilla Trekking and Golden Monkey Safari:
- Kigali city tour including a visit to Kigali genocide memorial centre
- Golden monkey tracking
- Gorilla trekking
- Iby’Iwacu cultural village
- Visit the twin lakes (Ruhondo and Burera)
Brief 4 Days Gorilla Trekking and Golden Monkey Safari:
- Day 1: Arrival, Kigali city tour and transfer to Volcanoes National Park
- Day 2: Gorilla trekking and visit the Iby’Iwacu cultural village
- Day 3: Golden monkey tracking and visiting the twin lakes of Burera and Ruhondo
- Day 4: Transfer back to Kigali
Detailed 4 Days Gorilla Trekking and Golden Monkey Safari:
Day 1: Arrival, Kigali City Tour and Transfer to Volcanoes National Park.
To be part of this trip, you need to have arrived in Rwanda the previous night or arriving in the country early in the morning. Upon arrival in Rwanda, you will be met by our guide/driver who will brief you about this trip and what you should you should expect.
Thereafter, our guide/driver will take you through Kigali to explore the Kigali city tour especially to Kigali genocide memorial Centre, the local markets, the museum and much more.
After the city tour, our driver will take you for lunch in one of the best spots before embarking on scenic drive to Volcanoes National park. The 3-4hour drive will reward you with the beautiful views of the rolling hills in the countryside. Upon arrival, check in to your lodge, have dinner and rest.
Ideal Accommodation Options in Volcanoes:
- Luxury: Singita Volcanoes National Park
- Mid-range: La Palme Hotel Ltd
- Budget: Kiningi Guesthouse
Meal plan: Lunch and dinner
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking and Iby’iwacu Cultural Village.
After an early morning breakfast, our driver/guide will transfer you to the park headquarters in Kiningi about the guidelines you need to follow during gorilla trekking and what you need to expect during this memorable experience.
As mentioned earlier, there 12 habituated within Volcanoes National Park and you will be assigned a gorilla group to track depending on your level of fitness. After briefing, the park ranger and a guide will lead you into the dense rainforest to search for mountain gorillas.
Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park takes between 2 -7 hours depending on the location of mountain gorillas. These massive species usually move from place to place in search of food and once they feel their safety is being threatened.
Upon seeing the gorillas, you will be allowed to sit in silence and observe these massive gentle creatures as they play, feed and much more for time of up to 1hour. Once it elapses, the ranger and a guide will take you back to the park headquarters where our driver/guide will meet you and transfer you back to your hotel for lunch.
After your lunch, the exciting Iby’iwacu cultural experience awaits. While here, there’s so much to learn about the Rwandan culture and who knows you may be crowned the king of the day. Return to your lodge for dinner and rest.
Accommodation: Overnight in the previous lodge.
Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day 3: Golden Monkey Tracking and Visiting the Twin Lakes (Burera and Ruhondo).
After your early morning breakfast, our driver will transfer you back to the park headquarters where you will be briefed about the guidelines and rules you need to follow on your golden monkey excursion in Volcanoes National Park.
Unlike gorilla trekking, golden monkey tracking is less tenous since these endangered species are found within the lower part of the volcanoes. After a 2-hour hiking experience in the park, you will come across golden monkeys as they hop on tree branches and feed on fruits. Golden monkeys are only seen in Rwanda and Uganda.
After some time with the golden monkeys, you will be led back to the park headquarters where our driver will pick you up and take you to your hotel for lunch. Right after, you will drive towards the twin lakes of Rubondo and Burera.
You can either go for boat canoeing, birding or just sit close to the lakes for magnificent scenic views. Return to your hotel for dinner and resting.
Meal plan:
Accommodation: Overnight in the previous lodge.
Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day 4: Transfer Back to Kigali.
After your early morning breakfast, check out of your hotel and our driver will transfer you back to Kigali as you enough the beautiful scenic views of the rolling hills.
Once you arrive, our driver/guide will take you to any hotel of your choice within Kigali or direct to the airport.
This will mark the end of this 4 days gorilla trekking and golden monkey tracking safari.
What is Included on the 4-Day Gorilla Trekking and Golden Monkey Tracking Safari Package?
4 Day Gorilla Trekking and Golden Monkey Trip Includes:
- Transportation in a 4×4 car
- Round-trip transfer from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park in a private safari vehicle.
- All park entry fees for the vehicle and driver.
- Meals as per the itinerary (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
- Bottled Drinking water.
Activities:
- Gorilla Trekking, golden monkey tracking, Iby’iwacu cultural experience and twin lakes (Burera and Rubondo) exploration.
Accommodation:
- 3-night accommodation at either of the safari lodges shared or their equivalent.
Guides:
- Services of a professional English-speaking safari guide/driver for the duration of the trip.
Park Fees:
- Gorilla Permit Fees
- Golden monkey tracking fees
- Taxes and Levies:
- All government taxes and levies.
- Not Included (or Optional/Additional):
- Personal Expenses:
- Souvenirs, tips/gratuities to guides and lodge staff, and any personal purchases.
Start Planning Your 4 Days Gorilla Trekking and Golden Monkey Tour in Rwanda:
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