3 Days Rwanda Mountain Gorillas and Golden Monkey Trekking Safari
This 3 Days Rwanda Mountain Gorillas and Golden Monkey Trekking Safari is a genuine primate odyssey through Volcanoes National Park, giving you the chance to take part in Rwanda’s two signature wildlife experiences: gorilla trekking and golden monkey trekking. Both mountain gorillas and golden monkeys are endangered primate species endemic to the Virunga range, which spans the borders of Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Volcanoes National Park protects the Rwandan side of these volcanoes and is home to more than a third of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, alongside a healthy population of golden monkeys.
Gorilla trekking is a genuinely life-changing experience, standing just meters from an unbothered family of mountain gorillas after a trek into ancient, dense montane rainforest. The lush scenery and dramatic volcano views make even a demanding hike feel deeply rewarding.
Trip Snapshot
| Duration | 3 days / 2 nights |
| Starts / Ends | Kigali |
| Main destination | Volcanoes National Park |
| Key activities | Gorilla trekking, golden monkey trekking, Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village tour |
| Physical level | Moderate to challenging |
| Minimum age | 15 years for gorilla trekking |
Safari Highlights
- Kigali city tour, including the Kigali Genocide Memorial
- Mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park
- Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village tour
- Golden monkey trekking
- Optional visit to the twin lakes of Burera and Ruhondo
Summary Itinerary
| Day | Overview |
| Day 1 | Kigali city tour, transfer to Volcanoes National Park |
| Day 2 | Gorilla trekking, Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village tour |
| Day 3 | Golden monkey trekking, departure |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Kigali City Tour and Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
On arrival at Kigali International Airport, or after breakfast at your hotel in Kigali, your driver-guide will collect you and brief you on the trip ahead before setting off for a Kigali city tour, including a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial site and other notable locations.
After lunch, you will drive to Volcanoes National Park, roughly a 2-hour journey from Kigali to Musanze, the small town closest to the park. Check in at your lodge for a short rest. Depending on timing, you can take a cultural visit to Iby’Iwacu Village either this evening or the following day after gorilla trekking.
Meal Plan: Lunch and Dinner
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking and Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village Tour
Wake early for breakfast, then drive to the park headquarters at Kinigi for a comprehensive briefing before the gorilla trek. Afterward, you’ll head to the trailhead in groups of up to eight, accompanied by an armed ranger-guide and porters. Hiring a porter is optional, but doing so directly supports the local community.
The trek through Volcanoes National Park’s misty forest usually involves navigating steep, sometimes slippery terrain, but it is generally manageable for anyone with moderate fitness. The time it takes to locate the gorillas varies depending on their movement and where they spent the previous night. Once found, you’ll spend one hour observing them go about their day, take photos and record the experience, before trekking back to the starting point to meet your driver.
In the evening, you have the option of visiting the twin lakes of Burera and Ruhondo near the park, or taking the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village Tour if you weren’t able to fit it in the previous evening.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 3: Golden Monkey Trekking, Departure
After breakfast, check out of your lodge with your packed lunch and return to the park headquarters for registration and a briefing on golden monkey trekking rules and regulations. Golden monkey trekking is broadly similar to gorilla trekking, though generally less strenuous.
The golden monkeys tend to stay near the edge of the park, not far from the trailhead, so reaching them can take as little as 30 minutes. You’ll spend an hour observing these lively, playful primates before leaving them to their privacy and returning to the starting point to meet your driver for the drive back to Kigali. Your driver-guide will drop you at your hotel or the airport, bringing your safari to a close.
Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch
Safari Price Includes
- Gorilla trekking permit
- Golden monkey trekking permit
- Kigali city tour
- Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village tour
- Private transportation with a driver-guide
- Accommodation for 2 nights
Safari Price Excludes
- International flights
- Visas
- Travel insurance
- Porter fees (optional, arranged locally)
- Personal expenses such as souvenirs, laundry and tips
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I do both gorilla and golden monkey trekking in 3 days?
Yes, this itinerary is specifically built around both activities, with gorilla trekking on Day 2 and golden monkey trekking on Day 3, both within Volcanoes National Park.
Is golden monkey trekking as difficult as gorilla trekking?
No, golden monkey trekking is generally shorter and less strenuous, since the monkeys tend to stay closer to the park boundary, with treks often taking 30 minutes or less to reach them.
What is the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village?
Iby’Iwacu is a community cultural village near Volcanoes National Park where visitors can learn about traditional Rwandan life, customs and performances, often led by former poachers now working in community tourism and conservation.
Should I hire a porter for gorilla trekking?
Porters are optional but recommended. Hiring one provides valuable support on the trail and directly benefits the local community economically.
Book Your 3 Days Rwanda Gorillas and Golden Monkey Trekking Safari
For travelers who want the complete Volcanoes National Park primate experience, mountain gorillas, golden monkeys and genuine cultural connection, this 3-day itinerary delivers all three without unnecessary detours.
Get in touch to check permit availability for your 3 Days Rwanda Mountain Gorillas and Golden Monkey Trekking Safari.