Our 4 days Rwanda Gorilla Tour allows you to venture into the heart of Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, where you will enjoy the opportunity to meet face-to-face with the endangered mountain gorillas, and golden monkeys, in addition to taking in the beautiful sights/views of the Virunga Volcanoes, lots of bird species, primates and other unmissable specialties of this Protected Area in the Northern province of Rwanda. During the 4-day trip, you will also immerse yourself in traditional Rwandan culture with a visit to the Gorilla Guardian’s Village.
Highlights
- Meet face-to-face with the endangered mountain gorillas of Volcanoes National Park.
- Search for the golden monkeys in their natural habitat.
- Visit the Gorilla Guardian Village.
- Marvel at the stunning views of the Virunga Volcanoes vistas.
Brief Itinerary
- Day 1: Kigali City excursion and drive to Volcanoes National Park.
- Day 2: Go for the life-changing Gorilla Trekking adventure and visit the Gorilla Guardian Village.
- Day 3: Track the frisky golden monkeys and visit the Ellen DeGeneres Campus.
- Day 4: Depart Volcanoes National Park for Kigali, International flight.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Kigali City excursion and drive to Volcanoes National Park
Wake up to the beautiful sunrise in Kigali City and set off for your City excursion. You will visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial Site, one of the 6 genocide sites that commemorate the painful 1994 gruesome murder of Tutsi and affluent Hutu. The genocide lasted 100 days but the impact it caused still affects the survivors today. You don’t have to be faint-hearted because you will listen to the painful stories, and see the remains (clothing, bones, and shoes) of victims. Later stop for a quick snack and start the 3 hours’ journey to Volcanoes National Park in the Northern Province. You will spend the rest of the day unwinding at the Lodge while enjoying views of the surrounding.
Accommodation:
- Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge or Virunga Lodge (luxury).
- Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel (for midrange accommodation).
- Muhabura Hotel or Kinigi Guesthouse (basic).
Meal Plan: Lunch and Dinner.
Travel time: 3 hours.
Day 2: Go for the life-changing Gorilla Trekking adventure and visit the Gorilla Guardian Village
You will have a long but unforgettable day as you venture into Volcanoes National Park to search for the endangered mountain gorillas. First, enjoy breakfast at the Lodge and get transferred to the Kinigi Park Headquarters for a mandatory briefing that will involve meeting the tracking team (Rangers and guides) before being transferred to the trailhead.
Follow the footsteps of the Ranger guide while hiking through the slopes of Virunga Volcanoes- especially Bisate or Karisimbi, jumping small Rivers or streams, and crossing Valleys while coming across different wildlife species, birds, and butterflies. Expect a 1-6 hour walk, and later spend one hour observing and photographing the mountain gorillas. Get back to the Lodge for a hot meal and relax for a while.
In the afternoon you will have a transfer to the Gorilla Guardian Village, a not-for-profit organization that support former poachers and other members of the local community to earn decent income from a number of projects. Travelers get an insight into the traditional life of Rwandans by visiting the traditional healer, being entertained/taking part in traditional dance and drumming performances, brewing and tasting the traditional beer, and many others. Return to the Lodge and settle for dinner and another overnight.
Accommodation:
- Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge or Virunga Lodge (luxury).
- Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel (for midrange accommodation).
- Muhabura Hotel or Kinigi Guesthouse (basic).
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Day 3: Track the frisky golden monkeys and visit the Ellen DeGeneres Campus
Following a delicious breakfast, make your way back into Volcanoes National Park for the golden monkey tracking adventure. Like the previous day’s activity, this one also begins with a briefing on the guidelines to be followed by tracking and interacting with these primates.
Golden monkey treks are shorter and last 1-4 hours and once spotted you will have one hour to watch and take photos of these frisky creatures as they jump from one tree branch to the other, feed, and rest. After this shorter and less strenuous activity, get back to the Lodge for lunch and siesta.
The afternoon is for visiting the Ellen DeGeneres Campus, a state of art Research Center established in 2022 to continue Dian Fossey’s legacy of research and conservation of endangered mountain gorillas. Undertake the exciting behind-the-scenes tour and be at the Lodge for dinner.
Accommodation:
- Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge or Virunga Lodge (luxury).
- Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel (for midrange accommodation).
- Muhabura Hotel or Kinigi Guesthouse (basic).
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Day 4: Depart Volcanoes National Park for Kigali, an International flight
Depending on your flight time, you will either leave for Kigali Airport immediately or squeeze in some craft shopping in the City prior to proceeding to the Airport. Sadly, our 4 days Rwanda Gorilla Tour comes to an end.
Meal Plan: Breakfast.
4 Days Rwanda Gorilla Tour Inclusions:
- Gorilla trekking permit/s.
- Golden monkey tracking permit.
- Visit the Gorilla Guardian Village.
- Tours around the Ellen DeGeneres Campus.
- Road transfers by a private safari vehicle.
- Services of a private and experienced safari driver.
- Relevant Government taxes and levies.
- Bottled water.
- 3 nights’ accommodation in/around Volcanoes National Park.
- Park entry fees.
- Airport transfer on the last day of the trip.
Exclusions
- Visa fees, where required.
- Travel and medical insurance.
- Optional activities.
- Laundry fees.
- Telephone expenses.
- Cigarettes and drinks.
- Souvenir shopping.