Rwanda Primate Adventure: Gorillas & Golden Monkeys
Experience two of Rwanda's most extraordinary primate encounters on this 3-Day Rwanda Gorillas & Golden Monkeys Tour, combining mountain gorilla trekking and golden monkey trekking in the spectacular Volcanoes National Park. Starting and ending in Kigali, this short adventure is designed for travelers who want to experience Rwanda's famous mountain gorillas while also discovering the rare golden monkeys of the Virunga Mountains.
Travel in a comfortable pop-up roof 4x4 vehicle with an experienced professional guide as you journey from Kigali into the lush volcanic landscapes of northern Rwanda. The journey through the country's rolling hills provides a scenic introduction to Rwanda before reaching the foothills of the Virunga volcanoes.
The highlight is a guided mountain gorilla trek through the forest of Volcanoes National Park, where you'll have the opportunity to observe habituated gorilla families in their natural environment. You'll also trek in search of the endemic golden monkeys, whose playful behavior and striking appearance make them one of Rwanda's most fascinating wildlife experiences.
Who This Safari Is Ideal For
This tour is ideal for:
- Wildlife and primate enthusiasts
- First-time Rwanda visitors
- Adventure travelers
- Couples and honeymooners
- Small private groups
- Nature photographers
- Travelers interested in conservation
- Travelers with limited time
- Visitors seeking authentic wildlife encounters
Why This Safari Is Best
- Combines two of Rwanda's signature primate experiences
- Includes mountain gorilla trekking
- Includes golden monkey trekking
- Explore Volcanoes National Park
- Private transport in a pop-up roof 4x4 vehicle
- Professional local guide
- Convenient Kigali start and finish
- Experience Rwanda's spectacular volcanic landscapes
- Ideal short itinerary for adding to a longer East African trip
- Excellent opportunities for wildlife photography
Tour Highlights
Rwanda primate exploration
Mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Golden monkey trekking
Search for habituated gorilla families
Observe gorillas in their natural mountain habitat
Watch playful golden monkeys moving through the forest
Scenic drive from Kigali to the Virunga Mountains
Spectacular views of Rwanda's volcanic countryside
Professional trekking guides and trackers
Visit the communities surrounding Volcanoes National Park
Exceptional photography opportunities
Opportunity to learn about gorilla conservation
Tour Map
Tour Features
Mid-range tour
This mid-range tour uses lodges.
Private tour
This tour will be organized exclusively for you and won't be shared with others.
Can be customized
You can request changes to this tour.
Can start any day
If availability permits, this tour can start on any day.
Suitable for solo travelers
Solo travelers can book this private tour.
Minimum age of 15 years
The minimum age for this tour is 15 years.
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Day 1
Kigali – Volcanoes National Park
Your adventure begins with a morning pickup from your hotel or Kigali International Airport. Meet your professional guide and depart north toward Volcanoes National Park, traveling through Rwanda's famously scenic countryside. The drive takes you through rolling green hills, cultivated farmland, and rural communities before reaching the dramatic Virunga volcanic region.
After arriving near the park, check into your accommodation and enjoy lunch. Depending on your arrival time, spend the afternoon relaxing at the lodge or exploring the local area. You can also use this time to prepare for the following day's gorilla trek, ensuring you have suitable clothing, sturdy footwear, water, and other essentials ready for your forest adventure.
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Transport: Pop-up roof 4x4 vehicle — approximately 115 km / 2.5–3 hours from Kigali.
Day 2
Mountain Gorilla Trekking – Volcanoes National Park
After an early breakfast, transfer to the park headquarters for your mountain gorilla trekking briefing. Meet your ranger guides and trackers before entering the forest in search of one of the habituated gorilla families. The trek can range from relatively short to several hours depending on where the gorillas are located, with the terrain ranging from gentle forest paths to steep volcanic slopes.
Once you find the gorillas, spend the permitted viewing period observing their natural behavior from a respectful distance. Watch adults feeding, juveniles playing, and family members interacting within the forest. After the trek, return to your lodge for lunch and time to rest, or enjoy an optional local cultural experience before dinner and overnight.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Transport: Pop-up roof 4x4 vehicle — short transfers between the lodge and park headquarters; trekking takes place on foot.
Day 3
Golden Monkey Trekking – Kigali
After breakfast, head to the park headquarters for your golden monkey trekking briefing. Enter the bamboo forest with experienced trackers in search of these energetic and distinctive primates, which are endemic to the Albertine Rift region. Golden monkeys are often seen moving rapidly through the vegetation, feeding, climbing, and interacting with one another, creating a lively and rewarding trekking experience.
After completing the trek, return for lunch before beginning your drive back to Kigali. Enjoy the changing scenery as you leave the volcanic highlands and travel through Rwanda's rolling countryside. Arrive in Kigali in the afternoon and transfer to your hotel or Kigali International Airport, marking the end of your 3-Day Rwanda Gorillas & Golden Monkeys Tour.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Transport: Pop-up roof 4x4 vehicle — approximately 115 km / 2.5–3 hours to Kigali; trekking takes place on foot.
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Interested in this Tour?