4-Day Rwanda Gorilla Trekking and Golden Monkey Tracking Safari

The 4-Day Rwanda Gorilla Trekking and Golden Monkey Tracking Safari is a dream come true for wildlife enthusiasts and cultural explorers. From trekking through the misty forests of Volcanoes National Park to meeting the playful golden monkeys, each day is filled with awe-inspiring experiences. Whether it’s observing the mighty mountain gorillas in their natural habitat or immersing yourself in the rich culture of Rwanda, this safari offers a comprehensive and unforgettable journey into the heart of one of Africa’s most captivating destinations.

4-Day Rwanda Gorilla Trekking and Golden Monkey Tracking Safari

Day 1: Arrival at Kigali Airport and Check-in the hotel

Day 2: Half Day Kigali City tour and Road transfer to Volcanoes national park Evening Visit to Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund Visit

Day 3: Enjoy Mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes national park and Afternoon Iby’Iwachu Cultural Village

Day 4: enjoy morning golden monkey tracking in volcanoes and afternoon road transfer to Kigali airport for flight back home

Day 1: Arrival at Kigali Airport and Hotel Check-In

Welcome to Rwanda: The Land of a Thousand Hills

Your 4-Day Rwanda Gorilla Trekking and Golden Monkey Tracking Safari begins with your arrival at Kigali International Airport, Rwanda’s vibrant capital city and the gateway to one of the world’s most renowned wildlife destinations Volcanoes National Park. The Land of a Thousand Hills, as Rwanda is affectionately known, is a country of stunning natural beauty, and Kigali stands as a testament to its harmonious blend of modernity and rich cultural heritage.

Upon arrival, a representative from Giant Holiday Safaris will greet you and assist you with the necessary immigration formalities. You will then be transferred to your hotel in Kigali, where you can relax after your long flight. Kigali is a clean and welcoming city, offering visitors a taste of Rwanda’s warmth and hospitality. Depending on the time of your arrival, you might have the opportunity to explore some of Kigali’s key attractions.

You may want to visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, which offers a moving reflection on Rwanda’s history and the resilience of its people. For those interested in a more relaxed experience, Kigali’s vibrant markets and cafes provide an excellent way to start acclimatizing to the country’s lively atmosphere. Enjoy a delicious Rwandan meal at your hotel, with specialties like Isombe (cassava leaves), Ugali (cornmeal dish), and Brochettes (grilled meat skewers).

After checking in and settling in your accommodation, enjoy a restful night as you prepare for the adventure ahead.

• Accommodation: Hotel Des mille Collins

• Meals: Full Board

Day 2: Half-Day Kigali City Tour and Road Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

Exploring Kigali: A City with a Rich Heritage

On Day 2, you will begin your day with a hearty breakfast at your hotel before embarking on a half-day Kigali City tour. Kigali is a vibrant city with a blend of modern architecture and traditional charm, and the tour provides a fascinating introduction to Rwanda’s cultural and historical background.

During your city tour, you will visit key sites such as:

• Kigali Genocide Memorial: A must-visit site, this memorial is dedicated to remembering the victims of the 1994 Rwandan genocide. The museum and memorial offer a deeply emotional and reflective experience, educating visitors on Rwanda’s painful past and the healing process that followed.
• Kimironko Market: One of Kigali’s bustling local markets, this is a perfect place to interact with the locals, sample fresh produce, and buy traditional handicrafts.
• Nyamirambo District: A vibrant neighborhood that showcases Kigali’s diversity. Here, you’ll find colorful murals, lively streets, and a variety of eateries offering local dishes.

After your tour of the city, you will enjoy a scenic road transfer to Volcanoes National Park, situated in the northwest of Rwanda. The journey offers beautiful views of Rwanda’s rolling hills, terraced farmlands, and the stunning Virunga Mountains in the distance. The road transfer typically takes around 2-3 hours, and as you approach the park, you will be greeted by the towering peaks of Mount Karisimbi, Mount Bisoke, and Mount Sabyinyo, the homes of the endangered mountain gorillas.

Upon arrival in Volcanoes National Park, you will check into your lodge, where you will have time to relax and settle in. In the evening, you will visit the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, an essential part of the gorilla conservation effort. The Dian Fossey Fund, founded by the renowned American primatologist, is dedicated to the protection of mountain gorillas in Rwanda and the surrounding Virunga region. During your visit, you will learn about Fossey’s pioneering work and the continuous efforts to protect these incredible animals.

The visit to the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund is both educational and inspiring, offering a deeper understanding of the challenges and successes in the conservation of gorillas. It will also give you a sense of the significance of your upcoming trek and how every effort counts in preserving these magnificent creatures.

Afterward, return to your lodge for dinner and a restful night as you prepare for an exciting day of gorilla trekking.

• Accommodation: Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge

• Meals: Full Board

Day 3: Enjoy Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park and Afternoon Iby’Iwachu Cultural Village

Gorilla Trekking: A Life-Changing Experience

Day 3 of your 4-Day Rwanda Gorilla Trekking and Golden Monkey Tracking Safari promises to be the highlight of your journey mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. After an early breakfast, you will be transferred to the park headquarters for a briefing by the park rangers. The briefing includes important guidelines on how to behave while interacting with the gorillas, emphasizing respect for their space and minimizing human impact on their natural environment.

The trek begins as you venture into the dense forest of Volcanoes National Park, known for its steep, mist-covered slopes. The rangers will guide you through the jungle as you search for one of the park’s habituated gorilla families. Depending on the location of the gorillas that day, the trek can range from a relatively short walk to a more strenuous hike, so be prepared for some physical exertion. The forest environment, with its thick undergrowth, moss-covered trees, and occasional streams, adds to the sense of adventure.

Once you encounter a group of gorillas, you will have the privilege of spending up to one hour observing them. Watch as the gorillas interact with each other, play, eat, and care for their young. The experience of being just a few meters away from these majestic creatures, particularly the dominant silverback, is truly unforgettable. These gentle giants are incredibly captivating, and observing them in their natural habitat provides a profound sense of connection to wildlife conservation efforts.

After a thrilling morning of gorilla trekking, you will return to your lodge for lunch and some time to relax.

Iby’Iwachu Cultural Village: A Journey into Rwandan Culture

In the afternoon, you will embark on a visit to the Iby’Iwachu Cultural Village, where you will gain insight into the traditional life of the Rwandan people. The village is home to descendants of the Batwa, an indigenous group once living inside the forests of the Volcanoes National Park. Here, you will have the opportunity to participate in various cultural activities such as traditional dances, music performances, and demonstrations of age-old crafts.

The cultural experience offers a rare glimpse into the lifestyle of the Batwa, who have been integral to Rwanda’s cultural heritage. You’ll learn about their history, their relationship with the forest, and how they have adapted to life outside the park. The visit to the cultural village provides a unique contrast to the wildlife adventures of the safari and offers a broader understanding of Rwanda’s traditions and its diverse people.

After the cultural visit, you will return to your lodge for a well-deserved dinner and some leisure time before preparing for the next day’s adventure.

• Accommodation: Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge

• Meals: Full Board

Day 4: Golden Monkey Tracking in Volcanoes National Park and Road Transfer to Kigali Airport

Golden Monkey Tracking: A Different Primate Experience

On the final day of your 4-Day Rwanda Gorilla Trekking and Golden Monkey Tracking Safari, you will embark on a golden monkey tracking adventure in Volcanoes National Park. These vibrant primates, with their striking golden fur, are native to the bamboo forests of the Virunga Mountains. Golden monkeys are incredibly agile and energetic, making for an entertaining wildlife experience.

The golden monkey tracking trek is less physically demanding than gorilla trekking but is still a fascinating and rewarding experience. As you trek through the bamboo forest, you’ll witness the monkeys leaping from tree to tree, foraging for food, and interacting with one another. The golden monkeys are more curious and social than gorillas, and their playful behavior makes them particularly delightful to observe.

Spend time with these charming primates, learning about their behavior, diet, and conservation status. The trek provides excellent opportunities for photography, with the beautiful forest backdrop and the vibrant golden monkeys providing perfect subjects for your camera.

• Accommodation: None

• Meals: Half Board

Transfer to Kigali Airport: Departure

After your golden monkey tracking adventure, you will return to your lodge for a final lunch and some time to relax. In the afternoon, your guide will transfer you back to Kigali International Airport for your flight back home, concluding the 4-day Gorilla Trekking and Golden Monkey Tracking Safari.

Safari Inclusions of your 4-Day Rwanda Gorilla Trekking and Golden Monkey Tracking Safari

• Accommodation: 3 nights in well-located lodges with modern amenities.
• Meals: Full board (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the safari.
• Transfers: Road transfers in a 4×4 vehicle with a professional driver-guide.
• Permits: Gorilla trekking and golden monkey tracking permits.
• Cultural Visits: Iby’Iwachu Cultural Village and Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund visit.
• Guides: English-speaking professional guides for wildlife and cultural activities.
• Park Fees: All park entrance and activity fees.
• Airport Transfers: Return transfers from Kigali International Airport.

Safari Exclusions of your 4-Day Rwanda Gorilla Trekking and Golden Monkey Tracking Safari

• Flights: International flights to and from Kigali.
• Visas: Visa fees for Rwanda (if required).
• Insurance: Travel insurance for medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost luggage.
• Personal Expenses: Souvenirs, alcohol, and additional activities.
• Gratuities: Tips for guides, porters, and lodge staff.