5 Days Gorilla & Golden Monkey Safari

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali – Welcome to Rwanda

Arrive at Kigali International Airport, where you’ll be greeted by your safari guide. After a short briefing about your adventure, enjoy a Kigali city tour if time permits, visiting the Kigali Genocide Memorial, Inema Arts Centre, and Kimironko Market.

Later, drive north toward Volcanoes National Park, passing through lush hills and rural landscapes. The scenic journey takes about 2.5 hours, offering breathtaking views of Rwanda’s countryside.

Dinner and Overnight:

• Luxury: Bisate Lodge / Singita Kwitonda Lodge

• Mid-range: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel / Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge

Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

After an early breakfast, head to the park headquarters in Kinigi for a briefing by park rangers. You’ll be assigned to one of the habituated gorilla families and guided into the dense bamboo forest.

Trekking through the misty mountains can take 2–6 hours depending on the gorillas’ location. When you finally encounter them, spend a magical one hour observing and photographing these gentle giants—an emotional and life-changing experience.

Return to your lodge for lunch and relaxation. In the afternoon, you can visit the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village (Gorilla Guardians Village) for traditional Rwandan music, dance, and storytelling.

Dinner and Overnight:

• Luxury: Bisate Lodge / Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge

• Mid-range: Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge / Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel

Day 3: Golden Monkey Tracking & Twin Lakes Visit

After breakfast, set out for golden monkey tracking, another incredible primate experience in Volcanoes National Park. These endangered monkeys are known for their playful nature and striking golden coats, often leaping energetically through the bamboo forest.

After your trek, return to your lodge for lunch before visiting the nearby Twin Lakes of Burera and Ruhondo. Enjoy a boat ride across the calm waters, capturing scenic views of the Virunga volcanoes and local fishing villages.

Dinner and Overnight:

• Luxury: Singita Kwitonda Lodge / Virunga Lodge

• Mid-range: Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge / Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel

Day 4: Nature Walk or Cultural Exploration in Musanze

After breakfast, choose between a nature walk in the foothills of the volcanoes or a community visit to experience local life. You can visit local markets, schools, and farms to learn about Rwanda’s daily culture and sustainable tourism initiatives.

Alternatively, take a guided walk to explore the region’s stunning scenery, caves, and waterfalls. The afternoon is free to relax at your lodge or enjoy a scenic sundowner with volcano views.

Dinner and Overnight:

• Luxury: Bisate Lodge / Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge

• Mid-range: Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge / Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge

Day 5: Volcanoes – Return to Kigali & Departure

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast and take one last look at the misty volcanoes before driving back to Kigali. Depending on your flight time, you may stop for souvenirs at local craft markets or enjoy lunch at one of the city’s fine restaurants before your transfer to Kigali International Airport for departure.

Your 5 Days Gorilla & Golden Monkey Safari concludes with unforgettable memories of Rwanda’s wild treasures and warm hospitality.