3-Day Rwanda Gorilla & Golden Monkey Tour

Rwanda known as the “Land of a Thousand Hills” is one of those rare places where nature speaks to your soul. The emerald green hills roll endlessly, cloaked in mist and mystery, hiding within them some of the most remarkable wildlife experiences on the planet. This 3-day adventure is more than just a safari it’s a deeply moving encounter with creatures we share a deep bond with: the mountain gorillas and the playful golden monkeys.

You’ll walk through lush rainforest trails in Volcanoes National Park, locking eyes with wild gorillas in their natural habitat a moment that will stay with you for a lifetime. Along the way, you’ll enjoy Rwanda’s serene landscapes, warm hospitality, and the subtle power of reconnecting with nature.

Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-time explorer, this trip is crafted to ignite wonder and leave footprints on your heart.

Trip Highlights

• Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

• Golden Monkey Tracking in the bamboo forests

• Scenic drive through Rwanda’s rolling hills

• Cultural insights and local experiences

• Professional, experienced guides and comfortable accommodations

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali – Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

Welcome to Rwanda!
As soon as you arrive at Kigali International Airport, your driver-guide will be there to greet you with a warm smile and a personalized welcome. Kigali is often ranked as one of Africa’s cleanest and safest cities, and you’ll get a glimpse of its charm as you begin your drive north.

We’ll head straight to Volcanoes National Park, roughly a 2.5–3 hour scenic drive through Rwanda’s postcard-worthy countryside. Along the way, you’ll see terraced hillsides, banana plantations, and rural life unfolding in its most genuine form. Feel free to ask your guide questions Rwandans are proud of their country and love to share stories.

We’ll arrive in Musanze, the town closest to the park, by late afternoon. After check-in at your cozy lodge nestled amidst forested surroundings you can relax, take in the mountain air, or enjoy a leisurely walk around the grounds. A hearty dinner awaits as you prepare for tomorrow’s life-changing adventure.

Accommodation: Comfortable mid-range or luxury lodge near Volcanoes National Park
Meals: Lunch (en route), Dinner

Day 2: Gorilla Trekking – A Soul-Stirring Encounter

Wake up early to the sounds of nature you’re about to have one of the most extraordinary wildlife experiences on Earth.

After an early breakfast, your guide will take you to the Volcanoes National Park headquarters for a short briefing. Here, you’ll be assigned to one of the habituated gorilla families and meet the expert trackers who’ll lead you through the forest.

The gorilla trek can take anywhere from 1 to 5 hours depending on the group’s location, and the terrain is a bit rugged, so good walking shoes and a sense of adventure are key. As you hike through the thick jungle, the anticipation builds. Then, suddenly, you’re there face to face with a mountain gorilla family. Watching them interact, feed, groom, or just lounge is breathtaking. You’ll spend one magical hour in their presence, silently observing these gentle giants in one of the last strongholds they call home.

The experience is deeply emotional humbling, powerful, and unforgettable.

After the trek, we return to the lodge for lunch and some well-earned rest. If you’re up for it, optional cultural visits can be arranged to local communities to learn about Rwandan traditions and post-conservation efforts.

Accommodation: Same lodge as Day 1
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Golden Monkey Tracking – Return to Kigali & Departure

Another early start, but trust us it’s worth it.

Today, you’ll track the golden monkeys, a rare and endangered species only found in the Virunga mountains. They’re incredibly lively and love to leap between bamboo trees, often putting on quite a show! Unlike gorilla trekking, golden monkey tracking is generally easier and offers a light-hearted contrast to the intensity of the previous day. You’ll spend about an hour with them, photographing their curious expressions and marveling at their speed and agility.

After the trek, return to the lodge for a quick freshen-up and brunch before making your way back to Kigali. If time allows, we can explore a few of Kigali’s highlights perhaps the Kigali Genocide Memorial (a moving tribute and essential history lesson), local craft markets, or a scenic city drive.

Finally, your guide will take you to Kigali International Airport for your departure. Though your journey is short, the memories will last a lifetime.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (optional based on flight time)

What’s Included

• Airport pick-up and drop-off (Kigali International Airport)

• All ground transport in a 4×4 safari vehicle

• Professional English-speaking driver-guide

• 2 nights’ accommodation in quality lodges

• All meals as mentioned

• 1 Gorilla trekking permit (worth $1,500)

• 1 Golden monkey trekking permit

• Bottled drinking water during the trip

What to Bring

• Comfortable hiking boots/shoes

• Waterproof jacket (weather can change quickly)

• Lightweight long-sleeve clothes

• Daypack, sunscreen, insect repellent

• Camera (no flash for gorilla photography)

• Refillable water bottle

Final Thoughts

This 3-day Rwanda Gorilla & Golden Monkey tour isn’t just about ticking off a bucket list experience it’s about making a connection. With the wild, with yourself, and with a country that has overcome great trials to become a beacon of conservation and peace.

You’ll return home not only with amazing photos, but with a renewed sense of wonder for the natural world and the powerful, quiet resilience of Rwanda’s wilderness.

Let this be the journey that reminds you: sometimes, the most powerful encounters are the ones that happen in silence, surrounded by mist, in the heart of the mountains.