4 Days gorilla and golden monkey trekking safari takes you to the Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda for an amazing encounter with two critically endangered primates – Golden monkeys and the mountain gorilla. The package also includes a Kigali city tour, Visiting the Gorilla Guardians Village and the twin Lakes (Burera and Ruhondo).
The Volcanoes National Park is Rwanda’s most visited wildlife conservation site. The park was home to Dian Fossey’s famous Karisoke Research Centre. Fossey is considered to be one of the greatest primatologists of all time. She was the first to discover methods to effectively habituate mountain gorillas. One of her key findings was winning the trust of the Silverback before attempting to approach 
other group members. Fossey later on changed from research to conservation and fought hard to stop poaching and trade in infant gorillas. Her fight against poachers and animal traffickers won her many enemies leading to her death in the 1980’s.
The key attractions in the Volcanoes National Park are the mountain gorillas. Ten habituated gorilla groups are open to tourism but only 8 people can visit each group in a day. Rwanda is thought of as the best destination for gorilla trekking because accessibility and the fact that things are better organized. Apart from gorillas, one can also visit the tom of Dian Fossey, spot golden monkeys, hyenas, forest buffaloes, birds and other smaller primates. The Volcanoes National Park is home to 5 Volcanoes – Karisimbi, Bisoke, Gahinga, Sabyinyo and Muhabura. The most popular volcanos for hiking are Karisimbi and Bisoke. Climbing Mount Bisoke takes only one day while Karisimbi takes 2 days. For a more comprehensive primates tour, you might want to check out our 7 days Rwanda primates safari package. We also have the a shorter 3 days Rwanda gorilla tour and Golden Monkey trekking package.
- Main Activities
- Full Itinerary
- Practical Guide
- Quote Inclusions and Exclusions
- Accommodation
Main Activities
- Kigali city tour including a visit to the Genocide memorial site
- Gorilla Tracking Rwanda
- Golden Monkey trekking
- Visiting the Gorilla Guardians village
- Visiting the twin Lakes (Burera and Ruhondo).
Kigali genocide memorial center, the main city market, the presidential palace museum, artisan shops and a few other places that might interest you. After the city tour, out Guide will take you for lunch at a suitable spot before starting the 3-hour journey to the Volcanoes national park. The journey involves passing through beautiful mountainous country side and vast tea plantations. You will discover why Rwanda is referred to as “The Land of a thousand hills”. Once you reach the park, you will be taken straight to your hotel for check-in and relaxation in your room or hotel gardens. Ensure that you sleep early so that you are ready for gorilla trekking the next day.
The briefing for gorilla tracking starts at 7:00 am. This briefing is organized by park officials at the headquarters in Kinigi. All trackers must be at the park offices and should attend the briefing to get an overview of what to expect during the activity. As we already stated earlier, there are 10 
After observing the primates for one hour, you will return back to the starting point where our guide will be waiting to take you back to your hotel for lunch. After lunch, shower and rest as you wait for the Driver to take you to the Gorilla Guardians Village. The Village was formally known as the Iby’iwacu cultural village. It started as a place where former poachers would sell souvenir to tourist but has now been rebuilt as a leading cultural center in the country. You will spend time being entertained by cultural performers and be requested to take part.
during the briefing or at the starting point. After hiking for about 2 hours, you will find them feeding on top of tree branches and on the ground. Golden monkeys are found in 3 countries – Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. They are critically endangered and face great threats from human activities. Golden monkeys are very playful and cute. They live in groups consisting of about 80 individuals. They are comfortable with flash cameras unlike gorillas. After spending time with them, you will go back to the starting point and find our driver waiting for you. The next program will be lunch and refreshment after which you will be taken for a drive to visit the twin lakes of Ruhondo and Burera. The main activities are the lake include island hopping, canoeing, nature walks and birding.
Remember that some of these porters are former poachers who have now been given a chance to earn a living by helping tourists gorilla trekking. It is recommended that you give tip to the Rangers, Guides and hotel staff if they impress you. Most will go out of their way to impress you but remember that they are often poorly paid. Tips are not compulsory and should only be given if you want to.
Virunga Lodge: This luxury lodge is built on top of a hill with stunning views of the Virunga mountains and the twin Lakes (Ruhondo and Burera). The lodge offers 10 luxury bandas with spacious bedrooms, a fireplace and terrace with amazing views of the volcanoes. Each banda is named after one of the numerous lakes in Rwanda. Other amenities include the Dian Fossey Map Room and complementary massage. The lodge organizes village and nature walks to enjoy the beautiful scenery surrounding the lodge. If you are looking for the ultimate comfort and breathtaking scenery, this is one lodge we would recommend.
be fitted with a single or double bed depending on the need. The rooms are self-contained with water closets, warm showers, a wardrobe, Television and modern bathrooms. Kinigi Guest house also has 4 dormitories that can accommodate up to 4 travelers. These dormitories have a bed, mosquito net, a mattress but have shared showers and toilets. There is also a more luxury suite that can accommodate four people or families. The suite has a fire place and two showers. Other amenities in the hotel include a camping ground, a restaurant, bar, a terrace, a gift shop and laundry services.