5 Days Rwanda Gorilla & Golden Monkey Trekking Safari
This 5 Days Rwanda Gorilla & Golden Monkey Trekking Safari takes you on adventure deep into the misty rainforests of East Africa on a gorilla trekking safari for awe-inspiring look into the lives of the endangered mountain gorillas.
Spend a night in Rwanda’s vibrant capital city of Kigali, then travel to Volcanoes National Park, known for offering some of Africa’s easiest and most accessible gorilla trekking expeditions.
Volcanoes National Park is home to around 300 endangered mountain gorillas and is a location where the famous Dian Fossey, an American Primatologist spent 20 years studying and protecting these gentle creatures. Her work towards the conservation of mountain gorillas as well as research inspired the well-known feature film, Gorillas in the Mist.
Highlights of 5 Days Rwanda Gorilla & Golden Monkey Trekking Safari
- Day 1: Arrival in Kigali City
- Day 2: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
- Day 3: Gorilla Trekking Experience
- Day 4: Golden Monkey Trekking
- Day 5: Departure
Detailed itinerary of 5 Days Rwanda Gorilla & Golden Monkey Trekking Safari
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali City
On arrival at Kigali International Airport, Kigali you will be warmly welcomed by our representative, your private safari guide and transfer to you’re the Retreat by Heaven, where you will spend the night.
The Retreat by Heaven patched amidst the lush, emerald hills of Rwanda beckons travelers seeking an enchanting escape into nature’s embrace. This luxurious sanctuary, perched on the outskirts of Kigali, seamlessly meld modern opulence with the country’s breathtaking natural beauty.
The Retreat by Heaven offers an unrivaled blend of tranquility and adventure. The elegant cottages, adorned with local artistry and surrounded by fragrant gardens, provide an oasis of calm. Wake up to the melodious symphony of birdsong, indulge in farm-to-table dining experiences that celebrate Rwanda’s culinary heritage and immerse yourself in the sooting waters of the infinity pool that seems to merge seamlessly with the horizon.
As you arrive, you will be greeted by the warm smiles of the lodge’s staff, who are not just hosts but true custodians of the Rwandan spirit, ready to guide you on an unforgettable journey.
Overnight at The Retreat by Heaven
Meal Plan: Lunch and Dinner
Day 2: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
After a leisurely breakfast, you will begin the 3-hour road transfer through picturesque farming villages and terraced hills to the Volcanoes National Park. Head to your lodge – Volcanoes Virunga Lodge for check-in, this beautiful lodge is set at the foot of the majestic Virunga Volcanoes.
You have the afternoon to yourself to explore the property, visit the grave of famous gorilla conservationist Dian Fossey, or simply marvel at the spectacular volcano, lake and forest vistas from the tranquil gardens. Have dinner and overnight stay.
Overnight at Volcanoes Virunga Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 3: Gorilla Trekking Experience
After early breakfast, you will transfer to Kinigi district for a full da trek in Volcanoes National Park in search for rare mountain gorillas. Join other trekkers at the park headquarters for briefing about gorilla trekking, a senior ranger guide will take you through dos and don’ts while in the misty forests.
The park protects roughly 300 of these endangered primates, and the family groups that you will be tracking are habituated to human presence. In the wet, muddy and humid conditions it can be challenging work as you journey north through the dense vegetation and climb to the base of one of the Virunga Volcanoes where the groups are found. On successfully tracking them down, however, you are generously rewarded with a once-in-a lifetime sighting of these gentle creatures interacting, playing, eating, grooming and going about their daily lives in their natural habitat.
Trek back to the park headquarters, meet your guide and return to your lodge, have late lunch and spend the rest of the day at rest.
Overnight at Volcanoes Virunga Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 4: Golden Monkey Trekking
After an early breakfast, return to the park for golden monkey trekking. A senior ranger will take you through dos and don’ts then head into the forests in search for the critically endangered golden monkeys with your porter and park rangers.
Golden monkeys can be sighted on top of short bamboo trees, but will come down to forage on the ground. Take enough photos of the cute primates but do not forget to also observe them, after one hour you will trek back to the lodge for lunch.
In the late afternoon you will have a cultural visit to the Gorillas Guardian’s Village. In the evening at the lodge there is live music and entertainment around the campfire.
Overnight at Volcanoes Virunga Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 5: Departure
Bid farewell to the Virunga Volcanoes and depart from the lodge to Kigali, in case you have time to spare, you will a city tour can be arranged before your flight departs.
End of 5 Days Rwanda Gorilla & Golden Monkey Trekking Safari
