3-Day Rwanda Luxury Gorilla and Golden Monkey Trekking Tour

Embark on an extraordinary 3-Day Rwanda luxury gorilla and golden monkey trekking Tour adventure through Rwanda’s pristine wilderness, encountering endangered mountain gorillas and golden monkeys in Volcanoes National Park. Set against the majestic Virunga Mountains, this journey through the “Land of a Thousand Hills” offers unforgettable wildlife experiences and breathtaking landscapes. The park’s 160 square kilometers of rainforest and bamboo slopes shelter ten habituated gorilla families, making it one of the world’s premier primate trekking destinations. This carefully crafted tour combines exceptional wildlife encounters with Rwanda’s commitment to conservation and sustainable tourism.

Summarized Itinerary

  • Day 1: Arrival in Kigali  and Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
  • Day 2: Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park
  • Day 3: Golden Monkey trekking and Transfer Back to Kigali

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali  and Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

We will pick you up at Kigali Airport or downtown Kigali and drive you to Volcanoes National Park. The scenic drive to northern Rwanda will go through Rwanda’s northwestern town of Ruhengeri (also known as Musanze) and finally arrive at Volcanoes National Park. If time allows and you are interested, visit the Kigali Genocide Museum or take a complimentary Kigali city tour before driving to Musanze/Ruhengeri.

Accommodation:

Luxury: Bisate Lodge, Singita Kwitonda Lodge, One&Only Gorilla’s Nest

Meal plan: lunch and dinner

Day 2: Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park

Today’s highlight: tracking mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, home to a significant gorilla population. After a safety briefing, you’ll trek through dense forest following expert guides as they navigate the vegetation in search of these magnificent primates. The thrill lies in the journey itself—each trek is unique until that extraordinary moment when you encounter the gentle giants in their natural habitat. This unforgettable experience will undoubtedly be a trip highlight. Afterward, return to your lodge for a well-deserved rest and dinner.

Accommodation:

Luxury: Bisate Lodge, Singita Kwitonda Lodge, One&Only Gorilla’s Nest

Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Day 3: Golden Monkey trekking and Transfer Back to Kigali

After breakfast, gather at Kingi’s Park offices for a golden monkey trekking briefing with fellow visitors. Park guides will lead you through bamboo forests to find these endangered primates, found exclusively in Rwanda, Uganda, and the Congo. Unlike gorillas, golden monkeys are playful and tolerate flash photography. The four-hour experience concludes with your driver transferring you to your lodge for checkout, then continuing the 2-3 hour journey to Kigali for airport drop-off or hotel accommodation.

Meal Plan: Breakfast
Drive Time: 2–3 hours

End of the Tour

Tour Includes

  • Accommodation in Luxury-priced lodges and meals as indicated in the itinerary
  • Gorilla trekking permit ($1,500)
  • Golden Monkey permit ($100)
  • Park entrance fees
  • All excursions and activities as indicated in the itinerary will be under the supervision of a professional English-speaking safari guide.
  • Ground transport and transfers in a 4×4 Safari Land Cruiser
  • AMREF Evacuation Insurance cover
  • Government taxes
  • Drinking Water

Tour Excludes

  • Travel insurance
  • International flights
  • Visa fees and processing
  • Extra activities and meals not indicated in the itinerary
  • Extra luggage on domestic flights
  • Service tips, gratuities, souvenirs, and snacks
  • Accommodation after the end of the trip

Things To Consider

Gorilla Permits

Gorilla permits are the main component of your safari cost.

  • Non-residents: USD 1500
  • Foreign residents: USD 500
  • East African citizens: USD 200

Golden Monkey Permits

  • Foreign Non-Residents: USD $100 per person.
  • Foreign Residents (living in Rwanda): USD $65 per person.
  • East African Citizens: RWF 4,000 (approx. USD $4).
  • East African Foreign Residents: USD $80 per person.

Each permit includes park entry, ranger guides, and your hour with the gorillas and golden Monkey.

Transport Options

  • Drive: 2–3 hours from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park
  • Fly to Volcanoes National Park: 30 minutes from Kigali (optional)

All safari vehicles are 4×4, comfortable, air-conditioned, and driven by expert guides.

Main Destination

Volcaones National Park

Additional Costs

  • Rwanda Visa: USD 100
  • Tipping, Alcoholic Drinks, and Personal Expenses

Optional Activities

  • Visit the Iby’iwacu Cultural Village – $25 USD
  • Visit the Ellen DeGeneres Dian Fossey Conservation Centre – $20 USD
  • Volcano Hiking: USD 150
  • Dian Fossey Tomb Hike: USD 75
  • Canoeing at the Twin Lakes of Bulera and Ruhondo – $30 USD

Best Time to Go

Peak trekking seasons are:

  • June–September
  • December–February

Permits should be booked 2–6 months in advance.
Trekking is possible year-round, with fewer crowds during the rainy seasons and a 99% chance of seeing gorillas.

What to Pack

  • Neutral long trousers & long-sleeved shirts
  • Waterproof hiking boots
  • Lightweight rain jacket
  • Gardening gloves
  • Hat, sunscreen & insect repellent
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Camera with extra batteries
  • Passport & essential travel documents