3-Day Rwanda Gorilla and Golden Monkey Safari
Two of Rwanda's most remarkable primate encounters — mountain gorilla trekking and golden monkey tracking in Volcanoes National Park, with a scenic drive from Kigali through the Virunga Mountains.
3-Day Rwanda Gorilla and Golden Monkey Safari
Experience two of Rwanda's most remarkable primate encounters on this 3-Day Rwanda Gorilla and Golden Monkey Safari in Volcanoes National Park. This private Rwanda safari combines mountain gorilla trekking with golden monkey tracking, giving travelers two unforgettable days in the forests of the Virunga Mountains. Starting and ending in Kigali, the safari is designed for travelers who have limited time but want to experience Rwanda's most famous primates.
| Level | Recommended Property |
|---|---|
| Budget | Hotel Muhabura or comparable |
| Mid-Range | Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge or comparable |
| Luxury | Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel or comparable |
Accommodation is selected according to your preferred safari budget and availability. If the selected property is unavailable, we will provide a comparable alternative.
Detailed 3-Day Itinerary
From Kigali to Volcanoes National Park for gorilla trekking and golden monkey tracking, then back to Kigali. Follow the day-by-day timeline below.
Your 3-Day Rwanda Gorilla and Golden Monkey Safari begins in Kigali. After breakfast, your Tarec Gorilla Safaris guide will pick you up from your hotel, residence or Kigali International Airport. Depending on your arrival time, you can visit some of Kigali's highlights before continuing north toward Volcanoes National Park.
The journey from Kigali to the Volcanoes region takes approximately three hours, passing through Rwanda's green countryside, rolling hills and agricultural communities. After arriving around Ruhengeri/Musanze, continue to your lodge near the park headquarters.
The rest of the afternoon is free to relax and prepare for your gorilla trekking adventure the following morning. You can also use this time to arrange a porter, organize your trekking clothes and prepare your daypack.
Today is the highlight of your Rwanda Gorilla and Golden Monkey Safari. Wake up early and have breakfast before driving to the Volcanoes National Park headquarters in Kinigi for briefing and allocation of your gorilla trekking group.
Your ranger guide will explain the trekking rules, safety procedures and responsible gorilla-watching guidelines before you begin your hike into the Virunga forest. The trek can involve steep, muddy and slippery terrain, so good hiking footwear and reasonable physical preparation are important.
Once you locate your assigned gorilla family, you will spend time observing these endangered mountain gorillas in their natural forest habitat. You may see a dominant silverback, adult females, juveniles and playful young gorillas depending on the family you are assigned. The trekking duration varies according to the location and movement of the gorilla family — tracking can take from around 90 minutes to the whole morning, with visitors spending one hour with the gorillas.
After the trek, return to your lodge for lunch and relaxation. The afternoon can be spent at leisure, or you can choose an optional cultural activity around Musanze.
Wake up early for your second primate adventure. After breakfast, drive to the Kinigi headquarters for registration and preparation for golden monkey tracking in Volcanoes National Park.
Golden monkeys are one of Rwanda's special primate attractions. They are known for their distinctive golden-orange coats and energetic behavior. The trek takes you through the bamboo forest and mountain environment of the Virunga region. Unlike gorillas, golden monkeys are much more active, so expect plenty of movement and opportunities for wildlife photography.
After completing the golden monkey trek, return to your lodge for lunch and check out. You will then begin the drive back to Kigali. Depending on your departure schedule, your guide can drop you at Kigali International Airport, your Kigali hotel, a private residence in Kigali, or another agreed location in Kigali.
Your 3-Day Rwanda Gorilla and Golden Monkey Safari ends in Kigali.
Rates & Pricing
Pricing for this 3-Day Rwanda Gorilla and Golden Monkey Safari depends on the number of travelers, accommodation level, travel dates and permit availability. Your personalized quotation will clearly show the gorilla permit, golden monkey permit, accommodation, transport and meals included.
| Number of Travelers | Suggested Price Per Person |
|---|---|
| 1 Traveler | US$3,850 |
| 2 Travelers | US$2,550 |
| 3 Travelers | US$2,400 |
| 4 Travelers | US$2,300 |
| 5 Travelers | US$2,250 |
| 6 Travelers | US$2,200 |
Important: Rates are based on 2 travelers sharing a private 4×4 safari vehicle and mid-range accommodation. Final pricing should be confirmed based on the current gorilla permit tariff, golden monkey permit tariff, lodge availability and your actual travel date.
Gorilla permits are a major part of the cost of a Rwanda gorilla safari, so travelers should book well in advance. Permit availability can affect the final safari price and itinerary. Golden monkey tracking is also conducted within Volcanoes National Park, with visitors departing from the Kinigi headquarters for the activity.
Important: Permit prices and eligibility categories can change. We will confirm the applicable permit rate for the traveler's nationality, residency and travel date before issuing the final quotation.
| Level | Property |
|---|---|
| Budget | Hotel Muhabura or comparable |
| Mid-Range | Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge or comparable |
| Luxury | Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel or comparable |
What's Included in Your 3-Day Safari
We believe in full transparency. Below is exactly what is included in your 3-Day Rwanda Gorilla and Golden Monkey Safari — and what is not.
- Private safari transportation
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide
- Airport/hotel pickup and drop-off in Kigali
- Two nights' accommodation
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner as specified
- Mountain gorilla trekking permit
- Golden monkey tracking permit
- Volcanoes National Park activities
- Bottled drinking water during the safari
- Kigali–Volcanoes National Park transfers
- Park-related fees included in the itinerary
- Assistance with trekking preparation
- International flights
- Rwanda visa
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
- Alcoholic beverages
- Laundry
- Tips
- Porter fees unless specifically included
- Optional cultural activities
- Extra hotel nights
- Personal purchases
- Anything not specifically mentioned under inclusions
Getting There
This 3-Day Rwanda Gorilla and Golden Monkey Safari begins and ends in Kigali. Most travelers arrive at Kigali International Airport (KGL) and are picked up on arrival. The safari travels north to Volcanoes National Park, where gorilla trekking and golden monkey tracking take place over two days, then returns to Kigali.
Gorilla trekking can involve steep, muddy and slippery terrain, so good hiking footwear and reasonable physical preparation are important. The trekking duration varies according to the location and movement of the gorilla family.
Golden monkey trekking involves walking through forest terrain and can include steep or uneven sections. Visitors should have reasonable fitness and suitable hiking footwear. Golden monkeys are more active than gorillas, so expect plenty of movement.
Meet the Tarec Gorilla Safaris Team
We are a locally owned and operated safari company based in Kampala, Uganda. Our team of experienced driver-guides, primate trackers, and travel planners is passionate about sharing the beauty of East Africa with travellers from around the world. Every safari we run is personally designed by someone who has walked the trails, tracked the gorillas, and knows the lodges by name.
Tarec Gorilla Safaris
We are a full-service safari operator offering custom itineraries, group tours, and self-drive packages. Our fleet of well-maintained 4×4 vehicles and our network of trusted lodges ensure a safe, comfortable, and unforgettable safari experience.