It gives you two completely different primate tracking experiences without the need for a longer safari. It is an ideal option for those with limited time yet still delivering the full magic of Rwanda’s Virunga mountains.
Tour Highlights
- Trekking the vibrant golden monkeys in the bamboo forests of the park
- 1hour of face to face encounter with the endangered mountain gorillas
- Scenic drives through rwanda’s country side
- A stay at some of the best lodges overlooking the Virunga Volcanoes
- An optional cultural visit to the Iby’iwacu Cultural Village
Trip summary
Day 1 – Arrival in Kigali and transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Day 2 – Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Day 3 – Golden Monkey Trekking and return transfer to Kigali
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali & Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
You are received by a driver guide upon arrival at Kigali International Airport. After a simple briefing about this exciting 3 days Rwanda short wildlife tour, you begin on a scenic 2 to 3 hours transfer to an accommodation found at the foothills of the Virunga volcanoes. Here, you check in, grab a bite or relax with a glass of wine accompanied with stunning views of Mount Sabyinyo, Karisimbi, and Bisoke. If you arrived very early, In the afternoon, you can chose to embark on an optional visit to the nearby Iby’iwacu Cultural Village for traditional Intore dancing and insights into Batwa pygmy culture of Rwanda.
Overnight Stay at:
Luxury: Bisate Lodge | Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge | Singita Kataza House
Mid-range: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge | Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel
Budget: La Palme Hotel or Kinigi Guesthouse
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking
On this day, wake up as early 6:00 am to get enough time to prepare, have breakfast and be at the park headquarters by 7:00 am to attend a pre gorilla trek briefing. This is conducted by an experienced and knowledgeable park ranger and focuses mainly on the volcanoes national park gorilla trekking rules and regulations to follow while in the gorilla’s natural habitat to ensure their wellbeing and your safety.
After, each group of 8 trekkers is assigned one specific habituated Rwanda gorilla family, an armed park guide, and porters if asked for.
Time of Gorilla trekking in Rwanda varies from 1-4hours depending on the location of your assigned gorilla family and the day’s conditions.
On rainy days, terrains are often steepy and muddy taking much time to manuever through compared to the dry days.
Once you locate the gorilla family, you have one magical hour of watching them go by their daily activities. You watch them interact at a close 7m range, see the juveniles play, mothers grooming and silverbacks watching out for them to ensure their safety.
After a return and relaxation at the lodge, optional evening activities you can engage in include a forest walk, a visit to Dian Fossey grave.
Day 3: Golden Monkey Trekking & Departure
After an early breakfast, you are transferred to kinigi park headquarters to attend a 7:00 a.m golden monkey briefing. These endangered primates with vibrant striking orange golden fur are found high in the bamboo zones of Volcanoes national park Rwanda. A golden monkey trek is generally shorter and less strenuous than a mountain gorilla trek, taking about 1 to 2 hours.
It as well offers you a standard time of one hour to photograph and observe their acrobatic feeding and social behavior.
After the trek, you return to your lodges for a quick preparation to check out incase you have an early departure.
Tour Inclusions & Exclusions
Inclusions
- private transfers
- 2 nights accommodation
- Mountain Gorilla Trekking Permit
- Golden Monkey Trekking Permit
- Professional English speaking driver guide
- bottled mineral water
- All park entrance fees and ranger fees
- All government taxes and levies
Exclusions
- International flights
- Rwanda tourist visa
- Travel and medical insurance
- Tips and gratuities
- Optional activities such as Iby’iwacu Cultural Village and Dian Fossey grave hike
- alcoholic beverages
- Laundry services, spa treatments, and other personal expenses
- Extra meals or activities
Essential Packing List to consider
- Lightweight, breathable long-sleeved shirts
- Lightweight long trekking trousers
- Waterproof rain jacket
- Good quality waterproof hiking boots
- Gaiters and Walking poles
- Gardening gloves or lightweight leather gloves
- Hat/cap and sunglasses
- Reusable water bottle
- insect repellent and Sunscreen
- Personal first-aid kit
- Copy of passport, visa, insurance policy, and permit confirmation
- waterproof bag or plastic bags to keep your gadgets safe from rain .
Gorilla & Golden Monkey Permits – 2025 Prices & Booking
- Mountain Gorilla Permit: A Rwanda gorilla permit costs US$1,500 per person and is valid for 24hrs
- A Rwanda Golden Monkey Permit costs US$150 per person
Both of these permits must be booked months in advance especially if you are visit during the Rwanda peak travel seasons. At maranatha tours and travel, we handle all the booking processes for you.
Best Time for Gorilla & Golden Monkey Trekking in Rwanda
The best time for gorilla and golden monkey trekking in Rwanda is during the dry seasons—June to September ad mid-December to mid-February—when gorilla trails are less muddy, slippery and trekking is easier.
For fewer crowds and lower lodge rates, consider the green seasons of March to May and October to mid-December. Gorilla trekking is possible year-round, and rain simply makes the forest lusher and more atmospheric.