4 Days Golden Monkey Tracking & Gorilla Trekking Safari in Bwindi from Kigali
Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda) & Bwindi Ruhija Sector (Uganda)
This 4-day cross-border primate safari offers an extraordinary opportunity to experience two of Africa’s most iconic wildlife encounters in one seamless journey. Starting and ending in Kigali, this itinerary combines the rare and playful golden monkeys of Volcanoes National Park with the unforgettable mountain gorilla trekking experience in the Ruhija sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Carefully designed for comfort, efficiency, and immersive exploration, this safari takes you through scenic landscapes, rolling hills, and vibrant local communities, giving you both wildlife adventure and cultural insight within a short timeframe.
Day 1: Pick up from Kigali International Airport or your hotel & Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your professional driver-guide from Active African Vacations who will brief you about your safari. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a short guided tour of Kigali, exploring cultural landmarks and gaining insight into Rwanda’s history and resilience.
Afterward, depart for Volcanoes National Park in the northern province, a scenic drive of approximately 2 – 3 hours through Rwanda’s rolling hills and lush countryside. Arrive at your lodge, check in, and relax as you prepare for the adventure ahead.
Accommodation options: Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge or Similar
Meal Plan: Half Board
Day 2: Golden Monkey Tracking & Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park (Ruhija Sector)
After an early breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a briefing before setting out on your golden monkey tracking experience. Golden monkeys are energetic, social primates known for their playful behavior and striking golden-orange fur. Trekking through the bamboo forests of Volcanoes National Park, you’ll observe them leaping between branches and foraging in their natural habitat, an exciting and photogenic experience.
After the trek, return to the lodge for lunch before beginning your cross-border journey into Uganda via the Cyanika border. Continue to the Ruhija sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park which is about 4.5 hours, a quieter and less crowded region known for its rich biodiversity and stunning forest scenery. Arrive in the evening, check in, and relax at your lodge.
Accommodation Options: Gorilla Mist Camp or Similar
Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 3: Gorilla Trekking & Batwa Cultural Experience in Bwindi
After an early breakfast, proceed to the park headquarters for a pre-trek briefing led by experienced rangers. You will be assigned a gorilla family and begin your trek into the dense rainforest.
Gorilla trekking in Bwindi is a profound and emotional experience. The trek can take between 2 to 6 hours depending on the location of the gorillas. Once found, you will spend one unforgettable hour observing these gentle giants as they feed, play, and interact within their family group. After you will be awarded a certificate at the briefing center. Return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation as you wait for the next encounters.
In the evening, you will encounter the Batwa, often referred to as the “Keepers of the Forest,” are the original inhabitants of the Bwindi forest. For thousands of years, they lived as hunter-gatherers, deeply connected to the, relying on it for food, medicine, shelter, and spiritual practices. However, when Bwindi was designated as a protected national park in the early 1990s, the Batwa were relocated from their ancestral lands to support conservation efforts, particularly for mountain gorillas.
During this cultural experience, Batwa guides share their history, traditions, and survival skills. You will learn how they once hunted using traditional methods, gathered medicinal plants, made fire using natural materials, and performed songs and dances that reflect their spiritual connection to the forest. Dinner and Overnight stay.
Accommodation Options: Gorilla Mist Camp or Similar
Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 4: Return to Kigali & Departure
After breakfast, begin your return journey to Kigali, crossing back into Rwanda via the Cyanika border. Enjoy scenic views along the way, with opportunities for brief stops to take photos or interact with local communities. You will be transferred to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight by our driver guide. End of Tour.
Safari Price
Based on 4 people
$1,929 per person
Based on 2 people
$2,250 per person
Based on a solo traveler
$3,144
Safari Inclusions
- Gorilla trekking permit in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- Golden monkey tracking permit in Volcanoes National Park
- All park entrance fees and ranger guide fees
- All Activities mentioned
- 3 nights’ accommodation as per the itinerary
- Meals as indicated (Full Board during the safari and Half Board where specified)
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide throughout the trip
- Private 4×4 safari vehicle with fuel
- Bottled drinking water while on safari
- Airport transfers in Kigali
- Cross-border transfers between Rwanda and Uganda
Safari Exclusions
- International and domestic flights
- Visa fees for Rwanda and Uganda
- Travel insurance (highly recommended)
- Tips and gratuities for guides, drivers, and lodge staff
- Personal expenses (laundry, telephone calls, souvenirs, etc.)
- Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
- Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages not included by lodges
- Porter fees during gorilla trekking (available for hire at the park)
- Any items of a personal nature