4-Day Rwanda Gorilla and Golden Monkey Safari

Because gorilla trekking and golden monkey tracking both happen within Volcanoes National Park, this itinerary combines them without adding a second park or a long transfer — a genuinely efficient way to see Rwanda’s two headline primates in four days.

Detailed Itinerary

DAY 1

Arrive Kigali, Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

Your driver-guide meets you at Kigali International Airport for the drive straight to Kinigi — under two hours on well-maintained roads, climbing through Rwanda’s terraced “thousand hills” countryside. You arrive at your lodge in the afternoon with the Virunga volcanoes in view, in time for an evening trekking briefing.

Accommodation Options

BudgetKinigi Guest House

Mid-rangeMountain Gorilla View Lodge

LuxuryVirunga Lodge

Meals: Dinner

DAY 2

Gorilla Trekking

A 6am wake-up for the short drive to park headquarters, the 7am briefing opening with a performance by the Kinigi intore dancers before groups of up to eight are assigned to specific families, then the trek itself through increasingly misty forest on the volcanic slopes, and the strict hour with your gorilla family.

Accommodation

As above

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 3

Golden Monkey Tracking

A lower-altitude trek into the park’s bamboo zone, considerably gentler than the day before, to find a troop of golden monkeys — fast-moving, acrobatic, and constantly chasing each other through the bamboo canopy, genuinely different in character from the calmer gorilla encounter.

Accommodation

As above

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 4

Return to Kigali, Departure

Checkout after breakfast for the drive back to Kigali, timed against your onward international flight.

Meals: Breakfast

Permits & Costs

Gorilla trekking permit	$1,500 per person
Golden monkey permit	~$100 per person

Who This Itinerary Suits

Travellers who want both of Rwanda’s headline primates without a savannah safari or a second park, in a genuinely efficient four days.

Tour Includes

Travel in a 4×4 safari vehicle
Professional English-speaking driver-guide
Gorilla & golden monkey permits
All accommodation per itinerary
Meals as specified

Tour Excludes

International flights
Visas
Alcoholic drinks
Tips & gratuities
Travel insurance

Two Primates, One Park

Golden monkeys and mountain gorillas both live within Volcanoes National Park, though in different zones — gorillas on the higher forested slopes, golden monkeys in the lower bamboo belt. This proximity is what makes combining both without a second park genuinely efficient, something not every gorilla trekking country can offer as easily.

What to Pack

Sturdy hiking boots, long trousers and sleeves, a rain jacket, and gardening-style gloves for both treks.

Which trek should come first?

Most travellers do gorillas first while energy levels are highest, then the lighter golden monkey trek the following day, though the order can be swapped if preferred.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I do golden monkeys before gorillas?

Yes — the order can be swapped, though most travellers prefer the more demanding gorilla trek first while energy levels are highest.

Is golden monkey tracking worth adding?

Genuinely, yes — sightings are highly reliable and the troops’ playful, fast-moving behaviour in the bamboo makes for a real contrast to the calmer gorilla encounter.

Ready to Plan This Trip?

Tell us your dates and we’ll confirm permits and lodges within one business day. Get in touch to start planning.