5-Day Luxury Golden Monkeys, Gorillas & Dian Fossey Safari: Embark on an extraordinary 5-day luxury safari in Volcanoes National Park, trekking mountain gorillas and rare golden monkeys through ancient, misty bamboo forests. Hike to Dian Fossey’s legendary tomb at the historic Karisoke Research Center and discover her remarkable conservation legacy. The safari showcases the very best that Volcanoes National Park has to offer, concluding with a vibrant Kigali city tour and souvenir shopping before departure.
Summarized Itinerary
- Day 1-Transfer to Volcanoes National Park.
- Day 2: Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
- Day 3- Golden Monkey tracking
- Day 4: The Dian Fossey Tomb Hike to Karisoke
- Day 5-Drive to Kigali and Departure
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1-Transfer to Volcanoes National Park.
Your luxury Rwanda adventure begins at Kigali International Airport, where a private guide awaits. Embark on an elegant city tour, including the poignant Kigali Genocide Memorial, honoring over one million lives lost and reflecting Rwanda’s remarkable journey of resilience and reconciliation. Afterward, transfer to Musanze, gateway to Volcanoes National Park. Opt for a breathtaking helicopter transfer over the stunning Virunga Mountains for the ultimate luxury experience. Check into a world-class lodge with sweeping volcano views, savor a private chef-prepared welcome dinner, and rest for the extraordinary adventures ahead.
Accommodation:
Luxury: Bisate Lodge, Singita Kwitonda Lodge, One&Only Gorilla’s Nest
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 2: Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
After an early luxury breakfast, transfer to Volcanoes National Park headquarters for a ranger briefing before setting off through dense bamboo forests, hagenia woodlands, and misty highland terrain in search of a habituated gorilla family. Trekking times vary, making every experience uniquely unpredictable. Upon finding the gorillas, enjoy one magical hour observing silverbacks, mothers, and playful infants in their natural habitat — a truly life-changing encounter. Return to your lodge for a gourmet lunch, relaxing spa treatment, and sundowners overlooking the breathtaking volcanoes.
Accommodation:
Luxury: Bisate Lodge, Singita Kwitonda Lodge, One&Only Gorilla’s Nest
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3- Golden Monkey tracking
Wake up early in the morning and head for yet another exciting trek, this time forthe golden monkey. The bright reddish-gold body-colored apes with black limbs and tail only occur in the Virunga ranges of Mgahinga in Uganda and Volcanoes in Rwanda.
In the entire world, these exciting monkeys are considered to be one of the dying out primates in Africa. Golden monkeys are famous in the Albertine Rift and are both rare and less well-known. After the briefing, you will be led through the trails by the ranger guide and start on the trek in search of these apes.
When you get to see them, you will be allowed an hour for photography and learning about their behaviour. Later, return to the lodge for lunch. You can opt for a guided tour to the twin lakes later in the afternoon.
Accommodation:
Luxury: Bisate Lodge, Singita Kwitonda Lodge, One&Only Gorilla’s Nest
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4: The Dian Fossey Tomb Hike to Karisoke
Today’s most physically demanding yet emotionally rewarding hike leads to the legendary Karisoke Research Center, established by Dian Fossey in 1967 between Mount Karisimbi and Mount Visoke. Trek through dense misty forests to visit Fossey’s tomb alongside Digit’s grave — her beloved gorilla whose poaching death fueled her most passionate conservation work. Your guide shares powerful stories of Fossey’s courage, sacrifice, and groundbreaking research that inspired her iconic book, Gorillas in the Mist. Return to your lodge for a well-deserved celebratory farewell dinner.
Accommodation:
Luxury: Bisate Lodge, Singita Kwitonda Lodge, One&Only Gorilla’s Nest
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5-Drive to Kigali and Departure
After a leisurely breakfast, transfer to Kigali for souvenir shopping and a final reflective visit to the Genocide Memorial, honoring Rwanda’s powerful story of resilience. Afterward, transfer to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight, carrying unforgettable memories of mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, misty volcanoes, and Rwanda’s extraordinary spirit home with you.
Meal Plan: Breakfast
End of the Tour
Cost Includes for 5-Day Luxury Golden Monkeys Gorillas & Dian Fossey Safari
- Gorilla trekking permit
- Golden monkey trekking permit
- Park entrance fees
- Dian Fossey Tomb Hike
- Accommodation as the selected category
- All meals as indicated in the itinerary
- All ground transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide
- Bottled drinking water during the safari
- Kigali city tour
Cost Excludes for 5-Day Luxury Golden Monkeys Gorillas & Dian Fossey Safari
- International and domestic flights
- Visa fees
- Personal travel insurance
- Tips and gratuities
- Alcoholic and soft drinks
- Optional activities not mentioned
- Personal expenses
Things to Consider
Gorilla Permits
- Must be booked in advance
- Issued by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) on a first-come, first-served basis
Permit Costs:
- Non-Foreign Residents: USD 1,500
- East African Foreign Residents: USD 500
- East African Citizens: USD 200
Golden Monkey Permits
- Available through the Rwanda Development Board
- Subject to availability
Permits
- Foreign non-residents:$100
- Foreign residents in Rwanda: $65 for adults and $45 for children
- East African Citizen: $65 for adults and $45 for children
- East African foreign residents: $80 for adults and $45 for children
- Rwandan Citizen: RWF 4000 for adults and RWF 2000 for children.
Optional Activities
- Iby’iwacu Cultural Village: USD 25
- Volcano Hiking: USD 150
Physical Fitness
- Gorilla and golden monkey trekking require a reasonable level of fitness
- Age Limit
- Minimum age for gorilla trekking: 15 years and above
Main Destination
- Volcaones National Park
Transport
- 4×4 Land Cruisers for luxury travelers
- All vehicles are air-conditioned and guided by professionals
Best Time to Visit
Available year-round
- Best months: June–September and December–February
Gorilla and Golden Monkey Sighting Chances
- Approximately 98% success rate
What to Pack
- Long trousers and long-sleeved shirts (neutral colors)
- Waterproof hiking boots
- Gardening gloves
- Rain jacket, hat, sunscreen, insect repellent
- Reusable water bottle and camera with extra batteries
- Passport, travel documents, and local currency
