4 Days Gorillas and Golden Monkeys in Rwanda
4 Days Gorillas and Golden Monkeys in Rwanda (Midrange)
This quick 4-day Gorillas and Golden Monkeys tour in Rwanda is almost literally the “feather in your cap”, as you get the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of getting up close and personal with the popular Giant Apes and golden monkeys in their natural habitat.
However, this is also a refreshing safari adventure, as over a few days, you will learn about the numerous bird species and stunning landscape from which the country derived its name, “land of a thousand hills”.
Highlights -4 Days Gorillas and Golden Monkeys in Rwanda
- Stay at a comfortable lodge surrounded by the stunning Virunga Volcanoes or verdant vegetation.
- Explore the beautiful Gorilla Guardian Village, former “Iby’Iwacu cultural village”.
- Meet Rwanda’s mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.
- Get immersed in Kigali’s city scene and browse local art.
- Track Volcanoes’ golden monkeys.
- Visit the Ellen DeGeneres Campus.
- Get a chance to taste local and regional cuisines in Kigali.
Brief Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Kigali, Rwanda.
Day 2: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park; afternoon visit to the Gorilla Guardian’s Village.
Day 3: Gorilla tracking in Volcanoes National Park; afternoon visit to Ellen DeGeneres Campus.
Day 4: Golden monkey tracking and drive back to Kigali; departure.
The Detailed 4 Days Gorillas and Golden Monkeys in Rwanda
Day 1: Arrive in Kigali, Rwanda.
On arrival at the International Airport in Kigali, you will be transferred to the Hotel, which is about 25 minutes’ drive away.
Depending on your arrival time, your safari guide will discuss the details of your 4-day Gorillas and Golden Monkeys tour in Rwanda on this day or the next day before you proceed to Volcanoes National Park.
The briefing is focused on the details of the tour and what to expect in the upcoming days.
After settling into your Hotel, the guide will be more than happy to take you to the lively Kigali City for a little exploration.
The City of Kigali is known for its numerous Genocide Museums, Art and Craft Centers, cafes, and restaurants that serve local and regional cuisines.
This is an opportunity to explore some of the cultural and historical sites in the City include Niyo Art Center, the Kigali Genocide Museum, Caplaki Craft Village, Inema Arts Center, and others.
Enjoy a stroll through the quiet streets before returning to the Hotel.
Accommodation options: Hemingways Retreat Hotel/Kigali Serena Hotel/Flame Tree Village Kigali.
Inclusions: Bed and Breakfast.
Exclusions: All other meals and drinks.
Day 2: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park; afternoon visit to the Gorilla Guardian’s Village
After a delicious breakfast, you will pack your bags and start the three-hour journey to Volcanoes National Park.
This legendary Protected Area is one of the four mountain gorilla trekking areas, with the second highest concentration of these Giant Apes.
For the next two days, you will track mountain gorillas and Golden monkeys to learn about their interesting lifestyle.
Before leaving for Volcanoes National Park, you will first visit the Kigali genocide Museum to learn about the 1994 Rwandan Genocide and the steps taken towards reconciliation, peace and unity in the country.
Lunch will be served at the Lodge around Volcanoes National Park, after checking-in and settling into your room.
The first activity in Volcanoes National Park is a visit to the Gorilla Guardian’s Village, which will take place in the late afternoon/evening.
This provides an opportunity to be introduced to the traditional rural Rwandan life that has existed for centuries.
Depending on the available time, expect visits to the King’s Palace Replica and listening to all the King’s stories.
Expect to take part in traditional dances and drumming lessons. Visits to the traditional healer to see how medicinal trees, shrubs, and grasses are used to treat common ailments, and tours of the local schools.
Meals and overnight at Singita Kwitonda Lodge (luxury), Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel (midrange), or Muhabura Hotel (budget).
Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
Exclusions: All drinks (although some Lodges include house drinks).
Day 3: Gorilla tracking in Volcanoes National Park; afternoon visit to Ellen DeGeneres Campus
After a hearty breakfast, leave the Lodge for Volcanoes National Park Headquarters.
Thanks to the high altitude of this Park, it is advisable to wear hiking boots, a long-sleeved shirt and long pants, gardening gloves, and also carry a backpack (containing a rain jacket, drinking water, snacks, camera, binoculars, and others).
On arrival at the Park Headquarters, go through the 30-minute entertainment from the local dance troupe, followed by the 30-minute briefing on the dos and don’ts of gorilla trekking.
Afterwards, get allocated to one of the 12 habituated gorilla families and hop on the safari jeep for the 30-minute drive to the trailhead.
Start the search for the mountain gorillas at a slow pace, stopping occasionally to catch your breath, and 1-4 hours later, you will meet the mountain gorillas. Get to spend 60 minutes with them and retreat to the base for more activities of the day.
After lunch at the Lodge, head for a visit to the Ellen DeGeneres Campus where you will embark on a self-guided tour.
You will be required to make a donation of $25 per person to support conservation work. The rest of the day will be spent unwinding and reminiscing at the Lodge, followed by dinner and overnight.
Meals and overnight at Singita Kwitonda Lodge (luxury), Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel (midrange), or Muhabura Hotel (budget).
Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
Exclusions: All drinks (although some Lodges include house drinks).
Day 4: Tracking Golden monkeys in PNV and drive back to Kigali; departure
Just like the previous day, this day begins with breakfast at the Lodge followed by a transfer to the Kinigi Park Headquarters.
Since you won’t be returning to the Lodge, it is advisable to first check out before proceeding to the Protected Area for your tracking experience.
You will be allocated to one of the two habituated golden monkey troops that occupy the foothills of Mount Sabyinyo, and after 1-3 hours of tracking, spend one hour watching and taking photos.
Afterward, start the journey back to the City. No doubt you have filled your digital photo albums and created unforgettable memories. Safe travels!
Inclusions of the 4-Day Gorillas and Golden Monkeys Tour in Rwanda;
- Permit/s for mountain gorilla tracking.
- Permit/s for Golden monkey tracking.
- Park entry fees.
- Relevant Government taxes.
- Bottled water.
- A full-time English-speaking safari guide.
- Ground transportation with a custom-built safari jeep.
- Visit to Gorilla Guardian’s Village.
- Guided tour of Ellen DeGeneres Gorilla Campus.
- City Tour (Kigali Genocide Museum).
- Airport transfers (as long as they are within the safari days).
- Ranger fees.
- 3 nights’ accommodation (1 night in Kigali and 2 nights around Volcanoes National Park).
Exclusions of the 4-Day Gorillas and Golden Monkeys Tour in Rwanda;
- Domestic and International flights.
- Rwandan visa fees.
- Laundry fees.
- Bar drinks (at the Hotel/Lodge).
- Porter fees.
- Gratuities (to porters, guides, Lodge staff, and driver-guide).
- Extra activities not included on the itinerary.
- Extra meals, aside from those mentioned.
- Souvenir shopping.