4-Day Gorilla & Golden Monkey Trekking in Rwanda

Safari Overview

Volcanoes National Park is one of only four places in the world where you can see endangered Mountain Gorillas in their natural habitat, offering the best gorilla safari experience. The other locations include Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda, and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo (currently inaccessible due to political instability). Despite the challenges in DRC, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda remains the premier destination for an unforgettable Gorilla Trekking adventure.

Safari Highlights

Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park: Witness the majestic Mountain Gorillas up close
Golden Monkey Tracking: A rare opportunity to see these playful primates
Explore the Musanze Caves: 65-million-year-old lava-formed caves
Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial – Learn about Rwanda’s history and resilience

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, a Usoke Explorers representative will be waiting to warmly welcome you to Rwanda, the Land of a Thousand Hills. Your expert safari guide-driver will brief you about your exciting adventure before beginning the scenic journey to Volcanoes National Park.

Distance: 116 kilometres
Drive Time: 2 to 3 hours

Scenic Route: Enjoy breathtaking views of Rwanda’s rolling hills, lush landscapes, and picturesque villages, making this journey one of the most scenic drives in East Africa.

Upon arrival at Volcanoes National Park, check in to your pre-booked accommodation, where you can relax, refresh, and prepare for the unforgettable Gorilla Trekking and Golden Monkey Tracking adventures ahead.

Accommodation Options:

Luxury: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
Mid-range: Hotel La Palme
Budget: Muhabura Hotel

Meal Plan: Dinner

Day 2: Gorilla Trekking and Relaxation at the Lodge

Wake up before dawn for an early breakfast and prepare for one of the most incredible wildlife experiences in Africa—Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park.

Gorilla Trekking Briefing at Kinigi Park Headquarters

Location: Volcanoes National Park, Kinigi
Briefing Time: 7:00 AM
Trekking Start Time: 8:00 AM

Your professional park ranger will provide a detailed briefing on the dos and don’ts of Gorilla Trekking, after which you will be divided into small groups of up to 8 persons and allocated a habituated gorilla family to track.

The Gorilla Trekking Adventure

Duration: 4 to 8 hours depending on gorilla family location and trekking speed
Trail Highlights: Scenic hikes through lush montane forests and volcanic slopes, breathtaking views of Rwanda’s Virunga Mountains, and sightings of rare flora, fauna, and bird species

Upon finding the Mountain Gorillas, you will be rewarded with a magical 1-hour encounter, where you can observe these gentle giants feeding, playing, grooming, and interacting within their family groups. Witness the dominant Silverback protecting his troop, mother gorillas caring for their babies, and young gorillas engaging in playful antics.

Pro Tip: Maintain a 7-metre distance to avoid disturbing the gorillas. Flash photography is prohibited.

Post-Trekking Relaxation & Leisure
After an exhilarating gorilla trekking experience, trek back to the starting point where you will receive a Gorilla Trekking Certificate as a souvenir of this once-in-a-lifetime experience. Meet your guide-driver and return to your lodge for relaxation.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3: Golden Monkey Tracking and Musanze Caves Exploration

After a hearty breakfast, prepare for another incredible primate encounter—Golden Monkey Trekking in Volcanoes National Park.

Golden Monkey Trekking Experience

Location: Volcanoes National Park, Kinigi Headquarters
Briefing Time: 7:00 AM
Trekking Duration: 2 to 4 hours

Your adventure begins at the Kinigi Park Headquarters, where you will receive a detailed briefing about Golden Monkey Trekking. These rare and endangered primates are only found in the Virunga Mountains of Rwanda and Uganda, making this a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife experience.

Trekking Highlights:

Hike through the bamboo forests of Volcanoes National Park
Encounter playful Golden Monkeys jumping from tree to tree
Observe their feeding, social interactions, and unique behaviours

Once you locate a troop of Golden Monkeys, you will spend a full hour with them, watching them leap through the trees, feed on bamboo shoots, and interact in their natural habitat. Capture stunning photos of these vibrant primates (no flash allowed).

Afternoon Excursion: Musanze Caves Exploration

Duration: 2 hours
Location: Musanze, near Volcanoes National Park

After your Golden Monkey Trekking adventure, return to the lodge for a well-deserved lunch break before heading to the Musanze Caves, a historical and geological wonder.

Musanze Caves Facts:

Formed 65 million years ago by lava flows from Mount Bisoke and Mount Sabyinyo
Stretch over 2 kilometres with 31 entrances
Home to a large colony of bats
Used as a shelter during historical conflicts in Rwanda

Pro Tip: Walking inside the caves can be dark and eerie, but you will be accompanied by an armed ranger guide for safety and an informative experience.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4: Transfer Back to Kigali and Visit Gisozi Genocide Memorial

Wake up to a delicious and energizing breakfast at your lodge, soaking in the last scenic views of Volcanoes National Park before embarking on your journey back to Kigali, Rwanda’s vibrant capital.

Transfer Duration: Approximately 3 hours
Route: Volcanoes National Park to Kigali

Enjoy a comfortable drive through Rwanda’s breathtaking landscapes, often referred to as the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” as you make your way to Kigali.

Lunch in Kigali
Upon arrival in Kigali, stop for a delicious lunch at a top-rated local restaurant, offering both traditional Rwandan cuisine and international dishes.

Recommended Meal Options:

Brochettes – Rwandan-style grilled meat skewers
Isombe – Cassava leaves in peanut sauce
Fresh Tilapia and Plantains

Gisozi Genocide Memorial Visit – Honoring Rwanda’s History

Location: Kigali Genocide Memorial Center (Gisozi)
Duration: Approximately 2 hours

In the afternoon, embark on a deeply moving and educational visit to the Gisozi Genocide Memorial, a site dedicated to the memory of over 250,000 victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

Memorial Highlights:

Mass graves and tribute gardens for reflection
Insightful exhibitions documenting Rwanda’s history
Personal stories and survivor testimonies
Educational films and photography displays

Visiting the Gisozi Genocide Memorial is a profound experience, offering a chance to honor the victims and gain a deeper understanding of Rwanda’s resilience and commitment to peace.

End of Your Rwanda Safari Experience
After the memorial visit, your Usoke Explorers safari guide will drop you off at your hotel in Kigali or Kigali International Airport for your departure flight, depending on your schedule.

Optional: If time allows, you can shop for souvenirs at local markets before heading to the airport.

Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch

Safari Inclusions

Airport pickup and drop-off in Kigali
Transportation in a private 4WD vehicle
Professional English-speaking driver-guide
Gorilla trekking permit ($1,500 per person)
Golden monkey trekking permit
Musanze Caves exploration
Park entry fees and conservation levies
Kigali city tour and Genocide Memorial visit
All meals as specified in the itinerary
Bottled drinking water

Safari Exclusions

International flights and visas
Travel insurance
Personal expenses such as drinks, laundry, and souvenirs
Tips and gratuities for guides and staff
Porter fees during treks