3 Days Rwanda Golden Monkey & Gorilla Trekking Safari

Arrival in Kigali ➝ Volcanoes National Park & Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund Visit

Your adventure begins upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, where a Otter African Safaris representative warmly welcomes you. After a short safari briefing, you embark on a scenic road journey northward to Volcanoes National Park, a drive of about two and a half hours. Rwanda’s landscape quickly unfolds—terraced hillsides, tea plantations, and traditional villages showcase the nation’s agricultural richness. Known as the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” Rwanda’s terrain is both dramatic and beautiful, with rolling valleys giving way to views of the Virunga Volcanoes.

On arrival near Volcanoes, you check in at Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge, a comfortable property offering panoramic views of the highlands. Its rustic charm and eco-conscious design create the perfect atmosphere for a mountain adventure. After settling in, you enjoy lunch or light refreshments before embarking on your first immersive experience—an afternoon visit to the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund.

The visit introduces you to Dian Fossey’s legacy, a pioneering primatologist whose work forever changed gorilla conservation. At the center, exhibitions highlight her groundbreaking research, her battle against poaching, and the ongoing conservation efforts that continue to protect mountain gorillas. Interactive displays, research updates, and passionate conservation staff provide valuable context for the trek ahead. Guests often leave inspired, understanding not only the fragility of gorilla populations but also the strength of international and community-led efforts to protect them.

In the evening, you return to your lodge, where a hearty dinner awaits. The cool highland air, the mist rolling across volcanic peaks, and the anticipation of gorilla trekking make for a perfect first night in Rwanda’s wilderness.

• Accommodation: Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge
• Meal Plan: Half Board

Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park & Iby’Iwachu Cultural Village Visit

The second day is the pinnacle of your safari, offering a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see mountain gorillas in their natural environment. After an early breakfast at the lodge, you transfer to the Kinigi Park Headquarters, where experienced rangers provide a detailed briefing about gorilla trekking etiquette, safety rules, and conservation practices. Each participant is assigned to a gorilla family group, with trekking distances varying depending on the family’s location.

The trek may last between two and six hours, winding through bamboo forests, thick rainforest, and rugged volcanic terrain. Along the way, your guide interprets the forest’s secrets—bird calls, medicinal plants, and evidence of other wildlife. At last, you encounter your gorilla family. For one magical hour, you observe them up close: a silverback commanding respect, mothers tenderly caring for infants, and juveniles tumbling in playful energy. The encounter is deeply moving, as their expressive eyes and human-like behaviors forge an emotional connection.

After this extraordinary experience, you return to the lodge for a well-earned lunch and some rest. In the afternoon, you continue your cultural journey with a visit to the Iby’Iwachu Cultural Village. Here, local communities welcome you with drumming, traditional dances, and interactive cultural demonstrations. You may step inside traditional huts, learn how to prepare local dishes, or join artisans in crafting. Former poachers, now conservation ambassadors, share their stories, reflecting the vital role communities play in protecting gorillas and their habitats.

Evening brings you back to Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge, where you enjoy a comforting dinner and share stories of the day’s remarkable encounters with fellow travelers.

Accommodation: Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge

Meal Plan: Full Board

Golden Monkey Tracking in Volcanoes ➝ Return to Kigali for Departure

Your final day begins early with an exciting trek to track the golden monkeys of Volcanoes National Park. Unlike gorilla trekking, golden monkey tracking is less strenuous, but equally captivating. These rare primates, found only in the Virunga volcanic region, live in lively troops and display remarkable agility. With their striking golden-orange fur and playful behavior, golden monkeys are a photographer’s delight and a joy to watch.

The trek usually takes two to four hours, depending on the troop’s movement. As you follow the monkeys through bamboo forests, you observe their unique feeding habits—often chewing on bamboo shoots—or watch them leap energetically from branch to branch. Their social interactions are fascinating, and their vibrant appearance adds color to the misty forest setting. Guides provide detailed insights about their ecology, behaviors, and conservation status, further enriching the experience.

After the trek, you return to the lodge for a late breakfast or early lunch, depending on the time. Soon after, you check out and embark on the return drive to Kigali City. Depending on your schedule, there may be opportunities to visit cultural or historical landmarks in Kigali, such as the Kigali Genocide Memorial, local art galleries, or craft markets for souvenirs. Finally, your driver ensures a timely drop-off at Kigali International Airport for your onward flight.

As you depart, you carry unforgettable memories of Rwanda—intimate gorilla encounters, the playful golden monkeys, conservation lessons, and cultural immersion. Though only three days long, this safari encapsulates Rwanda’s spirit: resilience, beauty, and harmony between people and nature.

• Accommodation: None
• Meal Plan: Half Board