3-Day Rwanda Gorilla and Golden Monkey Safari

3 Days – 2 Nights

Home » East African Safaris » Rwanda Safaris » 3-Day Rwanda Gorilla and Golden Monkey Safari

3-Day Rwanda Gorilla and Golden Monkey Safari

Overview

Short on time but dreaming of a close-up encounter with Rwanda’s most iconic primates? This 3-day gorilla and golden monkey trekking safari in Volcanoes National Park offers the perfect blend of adventure, wildlife, and natural beauty. Over just three days, you’ll have the rare opportunity to track mountain gorillas in the wild and observe the playful, endangered golden monkeys in their bamboo forest habitat.

This all-inclusive trip begins and ends in Kigali, making it a seamless and unforgettable primate experience for those with a tight schedule.

Trip Highlights

Mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Golden monkey tracking in the bamboo zones of the Virunga Volcanoes
Stunning scenic drive through Rwanda’s lush highlands
Optional cultural village visit or Kigali city tour
All permits, transfers, meals, and accommodation included

Duration
3 Days/ 2 Nights
Location
Rwanda
Safari Type
Guided, Private Safari
Price Included

Airport Transfers

Car hire

Services of an English-speaking guide

Refreshments like water

All accommodation & Meals

All activities

All Taxes /VAT

A professional driver /guide

Fuel

Gorilla permit

Drinking water
Price Excludes

Tips and gratuities

All items of personal nature

International flights

Alcoholic drinks

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali & Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, your driver-guide from Trek Africa Expeditions will greet you and give a short briefing about your upcoming adventure. From Kigali, you’ll embark on a scenic 2.5- to 3-hour drive north to Volcanoes National Park, the heart of Rwanda’s primate tourism.

As you travel through the countryside, you’ll pass terraced hills, traditional farms, and breathtaking valleys—the very reason Rwanda is known as the “Land of a Thousand Hills.” This is a chance to soak in the tranquil beauty of the Rwandan landscape.

You’ll arrive in Musanze town in the late afternoon. After check-in at your lodge, the rest of the evening is free for you to relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. You may also take an optional walk to nearby villages or enjoy sunset views over the volcanoes.

Accommodation Options:

Luxury: Virunga Lodge – Stylish stay with panoramic views
Midrange: Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge – Comfortable, eco-friendly lodgings close to the park
Budget: Hotel Muhabura – A cozy, no-frills option ideal for early park access

Meal Plan: Lunch and Dinner included

Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

Rise early and enjoy a hearty breakfast before heading to the Kinigi Park Headquarters, where the day’s gorilla trekking adventure begins. After a briefing from park rangers, you’ll be assigned to one of the habituated gorilla families. Your guide and trackers will lead you into the forest-covered slopes of the Virunga Mountains in search of these gentle giants.

The trek can last anywhere from 1 to 5 hours depending on the gorillas’ movements, and though the terrain can be steep and muddy, the reward is priceless. Once you find the gorilla family, you’ll spend a powerful hour observing them in their natural habitat—watching mothers cradle their babies, silverbacks watch over the group, and juveniles play in the undergrowth.

After the trek, return to your lodge for a late lunch and some time to relax. If you still have energy and curiosity, you may opt for a cultural visit to the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village, where former poachers now share Rwandan traditions through music, dance, and storytelling.

Overnight at: Same lodge as previous night
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included

Day 3: Golden Monkey Tracking & Return to Kigali

After breakfast, you’ll return to the park headquarters for a second wildlife adventure—this time to track the endangered golden monkeys that inhabit the bamboo forests of Volcanoes National Park. These fast-moving, lively primates are unique to the Virunga region and are known for their golden-orange coats and expressive faces.

Golden monkey tracking is generally less strenuous than gorilla trekking, taking around 2 to 3 hours. Watching these agile creatures leap between bamboo stalks is a fun and rewarding experience, especially for photographers and families with children.

Once the tracking is done, you’ll drive back to Kigali, arriving in the afternoon. Depending on your flight schedule, you may choose to take a brief city tour. Highlights include the Kigali Genocide Memorial, local craft markets, or a coffee break at a city café to reflect on your journey.

Your driver will then transfer you to Kigali International Airport, marking the end of your 3-day gorilla and golden monkey safari in Rwanda.

Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch included

Request a Quote

Suggested Rwanda Safari Ideas

The tours featured throughout our website are intended to give you ideas for what’s possible when you travel with us. Treat them simply as inspiration, because your trip will be created individually by one of our specialists to match your tastes and budget.