5-Day Rwanda Gorilla & Golden Monkey Trek

Unveil the wonders of Rwanda on this extraordinary 5-day journey that begins in the vibrant city of Kigali and leads you to the majestic Virunga Mountains. Your adventure kicks off with a warm welcome in Kigali, where you’ll settle into your luxury accommodation and prepare for an unforgettable exploration of Rwanda’s natural and cultural treasures.

Embark on an exhilarating trek through lush forests to track golden monkeys and witness the awe-inspiring presence of mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. This adventure not only offers close encounters with these magnificent primates but also takes you to experience local culture with a visit to the Iby’iwacu Village. Here, you’ll engage with the community and gain insights into their conservation efforts and traditional crafts. This incredible Rwanda adventure will leave you with awe-inspiring memories to cherish for a lifetime.

Our 5-day itinerary for this Rwanda tour is an example and fully customisable. Contact us(opens in a new tab) directly if you are interested in a personalised Rwanda Safari or other East Africa tour packages(opens in a new tab).

All of our tours can be personalised. For most safari itineraries, we can offer luxury, mid-range or budget versions upon request. To find out more, contact us directly(opens in a new tab).

Prices indicated are per person (p/p).

Additional Pricing

Optional:

• Visit the Batwa: $80 per person
• Waterfall hike: $100 per person

Day 1: Arrive at Kigali International Airport
On arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be met by your driver/guide and be transferred to your hotel in Kigali.

Overnight at Kigali Serena (B&B).

Day 2: Kigali City Tour and travel to Ruhengeri
After breakfast, begin your day with a complimentary city tour, exploring highlights like the vibrant craft market, the moving Gisozi Genocide Memorial Site, and the Kigali Museum. Then, set off for a scenic 2-hour drive to Ruhengeri, Rwanda’s second-largest town, framed by the stunning Virunga Mountains.

Upon arrival at the Red Rocks Intercultural Exchange Centre, enjoy lunch and dive into the local brewing tradition. Learn about the fascinating process of making banana beer from local brew makers. If you’re interested, you can join the women in extracting juice from bananas and sample a glass of fresh juice (optional). Discover how this juice transforms into alcohol with the addition of sorghum flour and enjoy a taste of the local brew.

The centre also features basket weaving, which supports the local community. Your visit helps support this craft and the families involved. End your day with a drive back to your hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

Overnight at Virunga Lodge (FB).

Day 3: Golden Monkeys and visit of IBY’IWACU Village
Today is dedicated to an exciting Golden Monkey tracking adventure in Volcanoes National Park. Venture into lush bamboo forests and open glades as you head deep into golden monkey territory. Expert guides will lead you to the habitat of ‘habituated’ golden monkeys, those that have become accustomed to human presence. While viewing is limited to one hour, you’ll have the opportunity to see these charming monkeys up close in their natural environment. Watch as the adults play, feed on bamboo leaves, and leap gracefully from branch to branch, while females tenderly carry their young.

After this memorable experience, visit the Iby’iwacu Cultural Village. This non-profit organisation works to enhance the lives of reformed poachers and local communities around Volcanoes National Park by offering conservation incentives, supporting community enterprises, and facilitating livelihood projects.

Return to your hotel to refresh and enjoy lunch. Later, savour a delightful dinner and relax for the night.

Driving distance: 45 minutes.
Overnight at Virunga Lodge (FB).

Day 4: Meet the Gorillas
After an early breakfast, head to the National Park headquarters at Kinigi to meet your guides for the day. Following the completion of park formalities, embark on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure tracking mountain gorillas. Once you spot them, you’ll have the incredible opportunity to spend an hour observing these majestic primates up close. This is truly one of the most breathtaking wildlife encounters on earth! You’ll find yourself face-to-face with these magnificent giants, sharing a silent moment of mutual curiosity.

Tracking the gorillas through the lush, light mountain forest on the slopes of the Virungas is a magical experience. With fewer than 700 of these massive primates left in the wild, you’ll be privileged to get within metres of the family and spend an unforgettable hour among them. Be prepared for a potentially strenuous trek, which can last up to six hours or more at high altitude. To ensure your enjoyment, we recommend being in good physical condition. (We’ve had guests as old as 70 successfully do gorilla tracking; just let your driver guide know if you need a shorter trek.)

Remember to bring sturdy hiking boots, long trousers, gloves to protect against stinging nettles, snacks (for yourself, not the gorillas), and plenty of water, as the rainforest can be hot and humid. After your gorilla encounter, return to your hotel for lunch, followed by dinner and an overnight stay.

Driving distance: 15 – 45 minutes to the park.
Overnight at Virunga Lodge (FB).

Day 5: Depart
After breakfast your guide will be waiting to pick you up for the two-hour transfer drive to Kigali International airport for your flight home.

1. Prices are valid for 2024, 2025 and 2026.
2. The itinerary mentioned for this tour is an example which can be tailored to your wishes.
3. The Gorilla Tracking included in this safari depends on the availability of gorilla trekking permits at the time of booking. These permits are strictly limited and sold out in advance, especially during peak seasons of Christmas and school holidays. We therefore strongly recommend booking early.
4. The safari indicated here is essentially an offer. Changes in the course of the journey, the duration of your tour, the number of travellers, as well as the choice of accommodation are subject to availability, although we always endeavour to stick as closely as possible to this programme. For most itineraries, we can offer luxury, mid-range or budget versions of this safari upon request.
5. Sometimes it is not possible to adhere to the travel plan as described in this itinerary, due to weather and road conditions, authority regulations, organisational requirements, etc. Occasionally, the planned route of the tour has to change according to the situation on the ground. We must therefore explicitly refuse liability for adherence to the journey plan.
6. By booking this safari, the client accepts Manya Africa Tours Terms and Conditions(opens in a new tab) of business.