Set out on a three-day wildlife excursion in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park that focuses on mountain gorillas and golden monkeys. This plan begins with meeting your safari guide in Kigali for a city tour, including a stop at the Genocide Memorial in Gisozi, followed by the journey north to Volcanoes National Park. On the second day, you track mountain gorillas, and on the final day, you see golden monkeys before returning to Kigali. The package includes permits for both species, lodging near the park, private transport between Kigali and Volcanoes, and the services of a knowledgeable guide.
Day 1: Meet in Kigali and Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
On arrival at Kigali International Airport or from your hotel in Kigali, you will meet our driver-guide, who will outline the next few days. Afterward, you drive in a private vehicle toward Volcanoes National Park, best known in Rwanda for mountain gorilla treks.
Before leaving the city, you have the option of taking a guided tour around Kigali. You may visit the Genocide Memorial at Gisozi or other spots that highlight modern urban life, local markets, and scenic surroundings. For those wanting further insight into the events of 1994, the memorial sites and related centers provide a place for respectful reflection.
Volcanoes National Park sits at an altitude ranging from about 2,400 meters to 4,507 meters, named for the volcanoes forming its landscape. It became internationally recognized due to the late primatologist Dian Fossey, who researched mountain gorillas there for nearly two decades.
Hikes to locate gorilla families can be challenging on forest trails, and time spent near the gorillas is limited once they are located. Nonetheless, it is a unique chance to see these large primates in their natural habitat. Lodging near Volcanoes National Park offers easy access to the forest and the Rwanda mountain gorillas. You can enjoy local cuisine, gain knowledge about the gorillas’ behavior, or simply appreciate the mountainous terrain.
Accommodation Options
- Top Luxury: Virunga Lodge | The Bishop’s House | Silverback Sabinyo Lodge
- Up-Market: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
- Moderate: Gorilla Solution Lodge
- Budget: Hotel Muhabura
Day 2: Gorilla Tracking in Volcanoes National Park
Have an early breakfast and head to the park headquarters for a briefing, then begin the trek to find a specific gorilla group. All necessary permits and preparations are handled in advance to ensure a smooth outing.
Walking through the foothills of the Virungas reveals sweeping views. Soon the trail enters the lush forest, home to diverse bird species, rare golden monkeys, and sometimes buffalo or elephant tracks. Occasional clearings offer glimpses of the high volcanic peaks.
Finding a gorilla group requires effort, but observing these gentle giants is deeply rewarding. Watch them feed, rest, groom each other, and tend to their young. Time is limited to about one hour with the gorillas once they are found, ensuring minimal disturbance to their daily life.
Accommodation Options
- Top Luxury: Virunga Lodge | The Bishop’s House | Silverback Sabinyo Lodge
- Up-Market: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
- Moderate: Gorilla Solution Lodge
- Budget: Hotel Muhabura
Day 3: Golden Monkey Tracking, Return to Kigali, and Memorial Visit
On the third day, you set out to see another rare primate in Volcanoes National Park: golden monkeys. After breakfast, proceed to the park headquarters for a short briefing, then begin hiking at the lower slopes of the volcanoes among bamboo stands.
Golden monkeys stand out due to their golden-orange coats and lively nature. While they share the same habitat with mountain gorillas, their behavior and feeding habits are quite different. Conservation efforts in Volcanoes National Park protect them from threats such as poaching. A habituated troop lives in bamboo forests closer to the base of the mountains. The activity starts at about 7:00 a.m., and once located, you can spend up to one hour observing them.
Following golden monkey tracking, drive back to Kigali, making time to visit the Genocide Memorial in Gisozi if you did not do so earlier. This center is dedicated to remembering the events of 1994 and offering a reflective space for both Rwandans and international visitors.
The driver-guide will drop you off at your preferred hotel or at Kigali International Airport.
End of the 3 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trek with Golden Monkeys