3-Day Primate Encounter: Rwanda Gorilla & Golden Monkey Trekking

Overview

This immersive three-day safari is a deep dive into Rwanda’s premier wildlife experience. Designed for those with limited time but unlimited passion for wildlife, it combines two incredible primate encounters in the stunning Virunga Mountains. With seamless logistics and luxury accommodations, this tour offers a powerful and efficient Rwandan adventure.

  • 3 Days
  • Age 15+
  • Uganda

 

 

Detailed Itinerary

 

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali & Journey to the Virunga Foothills

 

Upon your arrival at Kigali International Airport, your dedicated Muganzi Safaris guide will welcome you. Depending on your flight time, you will embark on a poignant Kigali City Tour, including a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial—a powerful and respectful tribute to Rwanda’s history and remarkable resilience.

Afterward, we begin the scenic two-hour drive north to Musanze, the vibrant town at the doorstep of Volcanoes National Park. As you ascend into the highlands, watch the landscape transform into a dramatic backdrop of lush, terraced hills and towering volcanic peaks. Check into the charming Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge, where you can relax, enjoy dinner, and anticipate the incredible day ahead.
Accommodation: Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge
Meals: Lunch, Dinner

 

 

Day 2: The Ultimate Wildlife Experience: Gorilla Trekking

This is the day you’ve been waiting for. After an early breakfast, you’ll be driven to the park headquarters for a comprehensive gorilla trekking briefing. Here, you’ll be assigned to a small group and meet your experienced trackers and guides.

The gorilla trek itself is an adventure through dense, misty rainforests. The hike can be challenging but is immensely rewarding. The moment you come face-to-face with a habituated mountain gorilla family is truly humbling and unforgettable. You will have one full hour to observe these gentle giants as they go about their daily lives—feeding, playing, and nurturing their young.

After the trek, return to the lodge for a late lunch and to rest your legs. In the afternoon, we recommend a scenic excursion to the beautiful Twin Lakes (Burera and Ruhondo), where you can soak in the stunning landscapes and local culture.
Accommodation: Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

 

Day 3: Playful Primates & Return to Kigali

 

After breakfast, return to the park for a different, yet equally enchanting, primate experience: golden monkey tracking. These agile, vibrant monkeys are a delight to watch as they leap through the bamboo forest in a flash of gold and black. Their playful antics and social interactions provide a beautiful contrast to the serene power of the gorillas.

Following this trek, return to the lodge for lunch and check out. Your guide will then transfer you back to Kigali, ensuring you arrive at the airport in good time for your departure flight, filled with memories that will last a lifetime.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

 

 

What’s Included & Excluded

Included:

  • One Gorilla Trekking Permit per person (a high-value inclusion)

  • One Golden Monkey Tracking Permit per person

  • All national park entrance fees

  • Boutique accommodation as specified

  • Meals as per the itinerary

  • Ground transportation in a private 4×4 vehicle

  • Services of a professional English-speaking driver/guide

  • Kigali Genocide Memorial visit

  • Drinking water throughout the tour

 

 

Excluded:

  • International flights and Rwanda visa

  • Travel and medical insurance

  • Tips for guides, rangers, and lodge staff

  • Personal expenses (souvenirs, premium drinks, etc.)

  • Porter fees (optional, but recommended for trekking)

  • Any activities not explicitly mentioned

 

Ready to Trek with the Giants?

Contact Muganzi Safaris to secure your gorilla permits and book this unforgettable 3-day Rwandan adventure. Our experts are here to guide you every step of the way.