7-Day Rwanda Gorillas & Golden Monkey Trekking Safari
Rwanda is a land of breathtaking beauty, rich culture, and some of the world’s most iconic wildlife experiences. This 7-day safari combines gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park with golden monkey tracking, complemented by cultural encounters and scenic exploration. It is designed for travelers who want to fully immerse themselves in Rwanda’s landscapes and primate adventures while supporting conservation and local communities.
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali – The City of a Thousand Hills
Your safari begins in Kigali, Rwanda’s vibrant capital. Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you are met by a safari guide and transferred to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you may enjoy a brief city tour, including a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial and local craft markets.
Accommodation:
- Luxury: Kigali Serena Hotel
- Midrange: Hotel des Mille Collines
- Budget: Heaven Boutique Hotel
Day 2: Kigali – Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
After breakfast, you depart Kigali and head north to Volcanoes National Park, home to Rwanda’s endangered mountain gorillas and golden monkeys. The journey offers spectacular views of rolling hills, rural villages, and lush countryside. On arrival, you settle into your lodge at the edge of the park. The afternoon is free to relax or enjoy optional cultural activities in the nearby Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village.
Accommodation:
- Luxury: Bisate Lodge
- Midrange: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
- Budget: Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge
Day 3: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
This is the highlight of the safari. After an early breakfast, you gather at the park headquarters for a briefing before setting off with experienced guides and trackers to find one of the habituated gorilla families. Trekking may take a few hours, depending on the location of the gorillas.
Once the family is located, you spend a magical hour watching the silverback lead, juveniles play, and mothers care for their young. It is an intimate experience that creates memories for a lifetime. Strict guidelines are followed to ensure responsible trekking, maintaining distance and minimizing disturbance to the gorillas.
Accommodation: Same as Day 2
Day 4: Golden Monkey Trekking
On your second trek, you focus on golden monkeys—beautiful primates with golden-orange fur, found only in the Virunga Mountains. These lively creatures move in large groups through bamboo forests. The trek is less strenuous than gorilla trekking and offers a chance to watch the monkeys leap through the trees, chatter noisily, and feed on bamboo shoots.
Golden monkey trekking is a delightful contrast to gorilla trekking, showcasing another side of Rwanda’s rich biodiversity.
Accommodation: Same as Day 2
Day 5: Twin Lakes of Burera and Ruhondo – Cultural Visit
After days of trekking, this day is dedicated to relaxation and cultural exploration. You visit the scenic Twin Lakes of Burera and Ruhondo, where you can enjoy a canoe ride or take a guided nature walk. Later, explore nearby communities to learn about local traditions, farming practices, and Rwandan hospitality.
Accommodation: Same as Day 2
Day 6: Lake Kivu – Leisure and Scenic Experience
From Volcanoes, you transfer to Lake Kivu, one of Africa’s great lakes. This vast water body is perfect for relaxation after trekking. Enjoy a boat ride, swim in the clear waters, or explore lakeside towns such as Gisenyi. The relaxed atmosphere and beautiful sunset over the lake make this a memorable stop.
Accommodation:
- Luxury: Lake Kivu Serena Hotel
- Midrange: Paradise Malahide
- Budget: Inzu Lodge
Day 7: Return to Kigali – Departure
After breakfast, you drive back to Kigali. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time for last-minute shopping or a city tour before being transferred to the airport for your onward journey. This marks the end of your 7-day Rwanda Gorillas & Golden Monkey Trekking Safari.
7-Day Rwanda Gorillas & Golden Monkey Trekking Safari – Itinerary
Day | Destination / Activity | Highlights | Accommodation |
Day 1 | Arrival in Kigali | Airport pick-up, Kigali city tour, visit Kigali Genocide Memorial | Luxury: Kigali Serena Hotel |
Day 2 | Kigali → Volcanoes National Park | Scenic drive through Rwanda’s rolling hills, optional Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village visit | Luxury: Bisate Lodge |
Day 3 | Volcanoes National Park – Gorilla Trekking | Guided trek to see a habituated gorilla family, one hour of interaction | Same lodge as Day 2 |
Day 4 | Volcanoes National Park – Golden Monkey Trekking | Trek through bamboo forests, watch playful golden monkeys | Same lodge as Day 2 |
Day 5 | Twin Lakes (Burera & Ruhondo) + Cultural Visit | Canoe ride, community visit, cultural experiences | Same lodge as Day 2 |
Day 6 | Lake Kivu (Gisenyi) | Relax by the lake, boat ride, swimming, leisure time | Luxury: Lake Kivu Serena Hotel |
Day 7 | Return to Kigali – Departure | Scenic drive back, shopping or sightseeing (time permitting), airport transfer |
Responsible Trekking and Conservation
Both gorilla and golden monkey trekking follow strict conservation practices. Group sizes are limited, observation time is restricted, and visitors are required to maintain distance to avoid stressing the animals or transmitting diseases. Revenue from trekking permits directly funds conservation programs and benefits local communities, making your visit part of Rwanda’s conservation success story.
Plan your safari to Rwanda this season with us.
The 7-day Rwanda Gorillas & Golden Monkey Trekking Safari blends adventure, culture, and conservation into a life-changing journey. From the majesty of mountain gorillas to the playful charm of golden monkeys, every moment is unforgettable.
For travelers ready to experience the best of Rwanda, inquire and book your safari with us at Volcanoes National Park. Discover Rwanda’s primates, culture, and landscapes in one incredible trip.