.png)
Kigali - Volcanoes National Park - Musanze
4 Days Gorilla and Golden Monkey Trekking Tour
Introduction
The 4-Day Gorilla and Golden Monkey Trekking Tour is Rwanda's premier primate experience combining two distinct treks in Volcanoes National Park. This tour is ideal for travelers seeking an immersive wildlife experience tracking both mountain gorillas and golden monkeys in Rwanda's Land of a Thousand Hills.
Volcanoes National Park is located in northern Rwanda within the Virunga Mountains, a 160 sq km park of bamboo forests, montane rainforest, and towering volcanoes that is one of the last refuges for the endangered mountain gorilla. This 160 sq km park is one of the last remaining habitats for the endangered mountain gorilla, covering bamboo forests, montane rainforest, and alpine vegetation at elevations between 2,500m and 4,507m.
Your journey begins in Kigali with a city tour including the Genocide Memorial, then continues with a scenic drive north through Rwanda's famous terraced hills. Activities include gorilla trekking through bamboo forests, golden monkey tracking, cultural village visits, and relaxation at your premium lodge.
Why This Safari?
Expert Gorilla Trackers
Work with the best park rangers and trackers from the RDB who know every gorilla family and monkey troop intimately.
Golden Monkey Tracking
Track the rare and playful golden monkeys endemic to the Virunga bamboo forests - found nowhere else on Earth.
Two Unique Treks
Experience two distinct primate encounters in one tour - mountain gorillas and golden monkeys - the ultimate Rwanda primate experience.
Cultural Immersion
Visit the IbyIwacu Cultural Village for traditional Rwandan dance, music, and insights into local community conservation efforts.
Safety First
Well-maintained vehicles and experienced guides ensure your safety throughout both treks.
Flexible Itineraries
Customize your tour or combine with Tanzania safari or Zanzibar beach holiday.
Authentic Encounters
Experience life-changing encounters with endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat - a photographer's dream.
Cultural Immersion
Visit the IbyIwacu Cultural Village to experience traditional Rwandan dance, music, and the unique relationship between local communities and gorilla conservation. through the Rwanda Development Board and African Parks partnership. Your visit directly supports this vital conservation work.
100% Locally Owned
We are a proudly East African travel company with deep knowledge of Rwanda, ensuring authentic, immersive safari insights that only true locals can provide.
Safety First
Well-maintained vehicles and experienced guides ensure your safety throughout both treks., virtually guaranteeing spectacular encounters with the Big Five and the elusive shoebill stork.
Flexible Itineraries
Customize your tour or combine with Tanzania safari or Zanzibar. in Volcanoes National Park, chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe, or a relaxing Lake Kivu retreat.
Tour Highlights
- Track Endangered Mountain Gorillas in Volcanoes NP
- Track Rare Golden Monkeys in Virunga Bamboo Forests
- Kigali City Tour & Genocide Memorial Visit
- Two Full-Day Primate Trekking Experiences
- Cultural Village Experience with Intore Dancers
- Premium Lodge Accommodation near Volcanoes NP
- Scenic Drive through Rwanda's Thousand Hills
- Photography & Birdwatching in the Virungas
Detailed Itinerary
Each day is carefully crafted to maximise your primate trekking experience while ensuring comfort and relaxation in Rwanda's magnificent Volcanoes National Park.
Kigali City Tour & Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Your African Majestic Adventure guide will pick you up from your hotel in Kigali or the airport. Your adventure begins with a comprehensive city tour of Kigali, one of Africa's cleanest and safest cities. Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial for a deeply moving insight into Rwanda's history and remarkable reconciliation. After lunch at a local restaurant, we begin the scenic 2.5-hour drive north through Rwanda's famous terraced hills and lush countryside to the base of the Virunga Mountains. Check in at your lodge with stunning volcano views.
Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Today is the highlight of your safari - gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. After an early breakfast, report to the park headquarters at Kinigi for a briefing by the Rwanda Development Board rangers. You will be assigned to a specific gorilla family and briefed on trekking protocols. The trek takes you through cultivated fields, bamboo forests, and dense montane vegetation. The duration varies from 1 to 5 hours depending on the gorillas' location. Once you find the family, you will spend one magical hour observing these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.
Golden Monkey Tracking in the Virunga Bamboo Forest
Today is dedicated to tracking the rare golden monkeys of the Virunga Mountains. These playful primates are endemic to the bamboo forests of Volcanoes National Park and are found nowhere else on Earth. The trek is generally shorter and less strenuous than gorilla trekking, making it a perfect complement to yesterday's adventure. Golden monkeys are highly active and social - you will see them leaping through bamboo, grooming each other, and feeding on young shoots.
Destinations You'll Explore
Volcanoes National Park
Located in northern Rwanda within the Virunga Mountains, Volcanoes NP is one of the last refuges for endangered mountain gorillas, covering 160 sq km of bamboo and montane forest.
Musanze Town
The bustling town at the base of the Virunga volcanoes serves as the main gateway to Volcanoes National Park, offering local markets, restaurants, and stunning mountain views.
Kigali - The Capital
The starting and ending point of your gorilla trekking safari, Kigali is one of Africa's cleanest and safest cities, featuring the Genocide Memorial and vibrant local markets.
Gorilla Trekking
The centerpiece of Volcanoes National Park, Gorilla Trekking is Rwanda's second-largest lake and a sanctuary for enormous hippo pods, massive Nile crocodiles, and spectacular birdlife including the rare shoebill stork.
Kigali - The Capital
The starting and ending point of your Rwanda safari, Kigali is one of Africa's cleanest and safest cities. Your journey begins with a city tour before heading north through Rwanda's iconic terraced hills to Volcanoes National Park.
| Included |
|
|---|---|
| Excluded |
|
| Transport |
|
Wildlife in Volcanoes NP
Volcanoes National Park is one of the last refuges for the endangered mountain gorilla. Here's what you can expect to see.
- Primates: Mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, blue monkeys
- Mammals: Forest hogs, bushbucks, buffalo, duikers
- Birds: Over 200 species including Rwenzori turaco, sunbirds
- Vegetation: Bamboo forests, giant lobelias, montane rainforest
- Unique: One of the last refuges for endangered mountain gorillas
- Unique: Active volcano ecosystem with rare alpine flora
Photo Gallery
Volcanoes Wilderness
Gorilla Trekking Volcanoes NP
Golden Monkeys
Gorilla Trekking Boat SafariVirunga ViewsShoebill Stork
Location
What Our Travelers Say
Join thousands of satisfied travelers who have experienced Rwanda's wilderness with us.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Volcanoes National Park a Big Five destination?
Yes! Volcanoes NP is one of the last refuges for endangered mountain park. Lions were reintroduced in 2015, black rhinos in 2017, and the park is also home to leopards, elephants, and Cape buffalo. It is one of Africa's greatest conservation success stories.
What is the best time for gorilla trekking?
The dry seasons from June to September and December to February offer the best conditions for trekking as forest trails are less muddy.
What should I pack for gorilla trekking?
Pack waterproof hiking boots, long-sleeved shirts and trousers, garden gloves, a rain jacket, sunscreen, insect repellent, binoculars, and a camera with extra batteries.
How physically demanding is gorilla trekking?
The trek can vary from 1 to 5 hours through dense vegetation and steep muddy terrain. A reasonable fitness level is recommended. Porters are available at park headquarters.
Do I need a visa for Rwanda?
Yes, most visitors require a Rwanda visa. You can apply for an eVisa online or obtain one upon arrival. Visas are not included in the tour price.
What animals will I see in Volcanoes NP?
Volcanoes NP is home to mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, forest hogs, bushbucks, and over 200 bird species including the Rwenzori turaco and sunbirds.
What type of accommodation is included?
Luxury lodges and tented camps within the park including Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge and Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge with stunning views of Gorilla Trekking.
How do I get to Volcanoes NP from Kigali?
Volcanoes National Park is a comfortable 2.5-hour drive north from Kigali on good roads through Rwanda's beautiful terraced hills.
Is Volcanoes NP safe for tourists?
Yes, Volcanoes NP is a safe and well-managed park. Professional guides, secure lodges, and established safari protocols ensure your safety throughout the trip.
How much does this safari cost?
Please contact us for a personalised quote. Prices vary based on group size, accommodation level, and season. We offer luxury options to suit your preferences.
Ready for the Ultimate Primate Trekking Tour?
Book your 4-Day Gorilla and Golden Monkey Trekking Tour. Rwanda's most spectacular savannah adventure awaits.