4 Days gorilla and golden monkey trekking
Volcanoes National Park is one of only four places in the world where you can see endangered Mountain Gorillas in their natural habitat giving the best Gorilla safari . The other locations include: Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Uganda
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda
Virunga National Park, DRC (currently inaccessible due to political instability)
Volcanoes National Park is one of only four places in the world where you can see endangered Mountain Gorillas in their natural habitat. The other locations include:
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Uganda
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda
Virunga National Park, DRC (currently inaccessible due to political instability)
Despite the challenges in DR Congo, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda remains the premier destination for an unforgettable Gorilla Trekking adventure.
Why Visit Volcanoes National Park?
Home to Over 400 Habituated Mountain Gorillas – Perfect for Gorilla Trekking
Exclusive Golden Monkey Tracking Experience – Only possible here & in Uganda’s Mgahinga National Park
Rich in Volcanic Caves & Geological Wonders – Explore the Musanze Caves
Cultural & Historical Significance – Visit the Gisozi Genocide Memorial Site
Top Activities Included in This Safari Itinerary
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 (Gisozi Memorial Site) – Learn about Rwanda’s history & resilience
This action-packed adventure combines wildlife, culture, and history, making it a must-do safari for primate lovers and adventure seekers.
Detailed travel package
Itinerary
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport (KGL), 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 km |
Drive Time: 2–3 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 in Volcanoes National Park
Luxury: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge – Exceptional comfort in a prime location
Mid-Range: Hotel La Palme – Cozy and well-situated for your safari
Budget: Muhabura Hotel – Affordable and comfortable stay
Meal Plan: Dinner Included
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 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
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, mating, 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.
Capture unforgettable moments (flash photography is prohibited).
Pro Tip: Maintain a 7-meter distance to avoid disturbing the gorillas.
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. Spend the rest of the day at leisure, taking in the serene atmosphere of Volcanoes National Park.
Accommodation Options in Volcanoes National Park
Luxury: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge – High-end comfort near the park
Mid-Range: Hotel La Palme – Cozy stay with great amenities
Budget: Muhabura Hotel – Affordable and comfortable lodging
Meal Plan: Dinner Included
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, similar to the Gorilla Trekking experience. 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 behaviors
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 km 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’ll be accompanied by an armed guide ranger for safety and an informative experience.
After the cave exploration, return to your lodge for dinner and a restful overnight stay.
Accommodation Options in Volcanoes National Park
Luxury: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge – Premium comfort with stunning views
Mid-Range: Hotel La Palme – A cozy and well-situated retreat
Budget: Muhabura Hotel – A simple, budget-friendly option
Meal Plan: Dinner Included
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: ~3 hours
Route: Volcanoes National Park → 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 & Plantains
Gisozi Genocide Memorial Visit – Honoring Rwanda’s History
Location: Kigali Genocide Memorial Center (Gisozi)
Duration: ~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 Rwanda Genocide against the Tutsi.
Memorial Highlights:
Mass graves & tribute gardens for reflection
Insightful exhibitions documenting Rwanda’s history
Personal stories & survivor testimonies
Educational films & 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.
Why Choose Usoke Explorers for Your Rwanda Safari?
Expert local guides with deep knowledge of Rwanda’s history & wildlife
Comfortable & scenic private transfers in 4×4 safari vehicles
Tailor-made itineraries for unforgettable primate trekking & cultural tours
Commitment to responsible tourism & supporting local communities
Book Your Rwanda Safari with Usoke Explorers Today!