3 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trekking & Golden Monkey Tracking

3 Rwanda Gorilla & Golden Monkey safari offers Mountain Gorilla trekking, Golden Monkey tracking & Iby’Iwachu Cultural experience in Volcanoes National Park. This 3-day Rwanda gorilla trekking and golden monkey tracking package in Volcanoes National Park is perfect for primate enthusiasts eager to observe mountain Gorillas & Golden Monkeys in Rwanda.

The 3 days Rwanda gorilla trekking & Golden Monkey tracking package comprises a Kigali City Tour, Mountain Gorilla trekking, Golden Monkey tracking, an excursion to the Iby’iwacu Cultural Village to engage with the inhabitants of the area and their traditional culture. Both Gorilla trekking and Golden Monkey tracking activities will occur at Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. Volcanoes National Park is the most frequented tourist destination in Rwanda. Thousands of visitors come to the park every year to engage in a range of activities that we will cover in a moment.

Volcanoes National Park hosts approximately 330 mountain gorillas. This figure represents around one-third of the total primate population. Consequently, gorilla trekking is the predominant activity in the park. In addition to mountain gorillas, Volcanoes National Park hosts golden monkeys, hyenas, forest buffaloes, elephants, and more than 250 bird species, among others. Volcanoes National Park is the site where renowned primatologist Dian Fossey founded her Karisoke Research Center in the 1960s. She established the Centre with assistance from the archaeologist Richard Leakey. Dian Fossey uncovered numerous intriguing aspects regarding mountain gorillas. She also acquired the skill of facilitating their comfort in the presence of humans, a process referred to as gorilla habituation. By the late 1970s, Dian Fossey shifted her emphasis from research to gorilla conservation. This alteration garnered her numerous adversaries due to her confrontation with poachers and animal smugglers. Her demise is directly attributed to individuals profiting from the pet trade and poaching activities within the park.

3-days Rwanda Gorilla Trekking & Golden monkey tracking and gorilla tour in RwandaIn addition to gorilla trekking, the park offers activities such as golden monkey trekking, seeing Dian Fossey’s grave, and hiking one of the five mountains: Bisoke, Muhavura, Karisimbi, Sabyinyo, and Gahinga.

The cost of a gorilla permit in Rwanda is $1500, however the demand for gorilla trekking in the region continues to be substantial. The cost of golden monkey permits is $100. For an extended and more enjoyable safari experience, please review the 4-day Rwanda gorilla tour and golden monkey tracking package. Check see our two-day golden monkey tour in Rwanda if you are solely interested in golden monkeys. If your sole interest lies in gorillas, the 2-day Rwanda gorilla safari package may be more appealing to you.

Exploring Kigali and visiting the Genocide Memorial site
Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda
A trip of the Iby’iwacu cultural village and golden monkey tracking.

Detailed 3 days Rwanda Gorillas & Golden Monkey Trekking

Day 1: Kigali City Tour – Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

Your tour will begin with a pickup from your hotel or the airport by your designated guide. You’ll start by taking Kigali City tour. Kigali is a modestly sized city that is both tidy and meticulously designed. The metropolis includes notable locations such as the Gisozi Genocide Memorial, the former presidential palace, the central city market, and artisan shops. The Genocide Memorial Centre in Kigali was established to commemorate the thousands of individuals who perished during the 1994 genocide in Rwanda. Upon acquiring knowledge regarding the genocide, you will explore local markets, artisan boutiques, the former presidential palace (now a museum), and thereafter enjoy lunch before embarking on a 2 to 3-hour drive to Volcanoes National Park. During your journey to the park, the stunning mountainous landscape will keep you alert, illustrating why Rwanda is commonly known as “The Land of a Thousand Hills.”

Dinner and the night at Virunga Lodge (Luxury), Da Vinci Lodge (Mid-range), and Hotel Muhabura (Budget).

Day 2: Mountain Gorilla Trekking – Exploration of the Iby’iwacu Cultural Village.

Rise early and have breakfast before to attending the briefing at the park headquarters in Musanze. The gorilla tracking briefing occurs at 7:00 AM and is led by the chief park guide. The 3-Day Gorilla Tour of Rwanda and Golden Monkeys briefing encompasses the history of the park, the gorilla groups, Dian Fossey, and the regulations and prerequisites for gorilla trekking. You will receive guidance on how to interact with the gorilla family of your selection. Upon registration and allocation of gorilla groups, you will have the opportunity to engage a porter. A gorilla safari in Rwanda entails the assignment of one of the ten habituated gorilla families. All travelers’ fitness levels are now taken into account while allocating gorilla family groups. This is due to certain gorilla families relocating further into the jungle, hence posing greater problems for trekkers. It is awe-inspiring to observe a group of gorillas together. One may devote an entire day observing the young ones as they engage in play and romp. Additionally, there exists the formidable silverback, together with juveniles and lactating mothers. As you observe mountain gorillas, pay attention to what your guide says. Remain composed at all times and avoid making abrupt movements, especially when a gorilla family member approaches you.

Upon the conclusion of your one-hour session with the gorilla group, you should return to the beginning spot where our company guide will be awaiting your arrival. The driver will return you to the resort, where you may have lunch and rest while awaiting the next activity. In the afternoon, our guide will collect you for a tour to the Iby’iwacu cultural community situated in Musanze, adjacent to the Volcanoes National Park. Appreciate the cultural dances and deepen your understanding of Rwandan culture. The Centre is currently referred to as the Gorilla Guardians Village and is regarded as one of the premier cultural centers in Rwanda.

Dinner and the night at Virunga Lodge (Luxury), Da Vinci Lodge (Mid-range), and Hotel Muhabura (Budget).

Day 3: Golden Monkey Tracking at Volcanoes National Park – Return to Kigali

Following yesterday’s adventure, you ought to have slept sufficiently and be prepared for golden monkey trekking. Rise early and have breakfast prior to attending another briefing on golden monkeys at the park offices.

You will subsequently proceed to the forest accompanied by your porter and park rangers. Golden monkeys are severely endangered, akin to mountain gorillas, and numerous initiatives have been launched to prevent their complete extinction. The monkeys are observable atop small bamboo trees but descend to search for food on the ground. Take plenty of pictures of the adorable primates, but remember to observe them as well. Upon completion, return to the lodge for lunch, rest, and commence your journey back to Kigali. Your guide will transport you to either the airport or your accommodation in Kigali.

The cost of the 3-day gorilla trekking and golden monkey safari will include:

A safari vehicle and fuel for a duration of 3 days
A full-time professional driver
Fuel
Gorilla Permits
Golden monkey permits
Bottled drinking water per day
Accommodation and dining for a duration of two nights
Airport drop-off and pickup from Kigali
Visit to the Gorilla Guardians Village for cultural exploration
Exploration of Kigali City

The cost of the 3-day Rwanda Gorilla & Golden Monkey Tracking safari will not include international flights, insurance, visas, beverages, and wines, unless supplied by the hotel for luxury tourists.