Rwanda Gorilla and Golden Monkey Safari

Eliya’s local-expert note

This itinerary is reviewed by Eliya Tumaini, Founder and Safari Specialist at Nature Bound Africa. Drawing on local experience since 2002, we reconfirm realistic travel times, seasonal conditions, permits and accommodation for your exact dates. The pace, lodging style and transfers can be adjusted around your interests.

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Transportation
Private 4×4 vehicle and Kigali airport transfers
Accomodation
Six nights in carefully selected Rwanda lodges and hotels
Maximum Altitude
Volcanoes National Park terrain; altitude varies by trek
Departure From
Kigali, Rwanda
Best Season
Year-round; June to September and December to February are popular
Tour type
Private gorilla, golden-monkey and cultural safari
Meals
Meals stated in the confirmed itinerary
Language
English-speaking guide; other languages on request
Fitness Level
Moderate to strenuous forest trekking
Group Size
Private tour; trekking groups follow park regulations
Minimum Age
15
Maximum Age
65

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

More Info

FAQs

Map

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

More Info

FAQs

Map

Overview

Discover Rwanda’s primate-rich landscapes on a private seven-day safari from Kigali. The programme combines a guided city experience, the shores of Lake Kivu and Volcanoes National Park, with separate treks for mountain gorillas and golden monkeys. Time is also included for local cultural encounters and relaxed exploration around Musanze. Gorilla and golden-monkey permits are limited and date-specific, and all wildlife sightings and trekking durations depend on natural conditions.

Trip Highlights

Kigali arrival support and guided city experience
Scenic Lake Kivu visit and overnight stay
One regulated mountain-gorilla trekking experience
One guided golden-monkey trek in Volcanoes National Park

Day 1 :

Arrival in Kigali and City Experience

On arrival at Kigali International Airport, meet your Nature Bound Africa representative and transfer to your hotel. Depending on the arrival time, enjoy a guided introduction to Kigali, which may include the Kigali Genocide Memorial and local markets. Your guide will brief you on the journey ahead. Overnight in Kigali.

Day 2 :

Kigali to Lake Kivu

After breakfast, travel west through Rwanda’s rolling hills to Lake Kivu. Enjoy views of the lake and time to relax or take part in an optional boat excursion if included in the confirmed programme. Overnight beside Lake Kivu.

Day 3 :

Lake Kivu to Volcanoes National Park

Enjoy a relaxed morning beside Lake Kivu before continuing to Musanze and Volcanoes National Park. Check in at your lodge and receive a detailed briefing about the next morning’s gorilla trek. Overnight near Volcanoes National Park.

Day 4 :

Mountain Gorilla Trekking

After an early breakfast, transfer to the park headquarters for registration, ranger allocation and a safety briefing. Trek through the forest in search of your assigned habituated gorilla family. Once located, enjoy the regulated viewing period before returning to the trailhead. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Overnight near Volcanoes National Park.

Day 5 :

Golden Monkey Trekking and Cultural Experience

Return to the park headquarters for a briefing before trekking through the bamboo forest in search of a habituated golden-monkey troop. After the trek, return for lunch and enjoy a cultural experience or relaxed afternoon according to the confirmed programme. Overnight near Volcanoes National Park.

Day 6 :

Volcanoes National Park and Musanze

Spend a flexible day in the Volcanoes region. Depending on interests, fitness and availability, choose an optional activity such as a nature walk, Dian Fossey memorial hike, community visit or additional cultural experience. Optional activities may require advance permits and extra payment. Overnight near Volcanoes National Park.

Day 7 :

Volcanoes National Park to Kigali and Departure

After breakfast, drive back to Kigali, taking approximately two and a half to three hours depending on traffic and stops. Transfer to Kigali International Airport for your onward flight, or to a Kigali hotel if additional accommodation has been arranged.

FAQs