5-Day Rwanda Gorilla & Golden Monkey Safari

Overview—5-Day Rwanda Gorilla & Golden Monkey Safari

The 5-Day Rwanda Gorilla & Golden Monkey Safari offers travelers the chance to experience two incredible primate encounters in the heart of Volcanoes National Park. With one trek dedicated to the mountain gorillas and another to the lively golden monkeys, this itinerary creates the perfect balance of awe, adventure, and discovery. Combined with Kigali’s cultural highlights and the serene beauty of Lake Kivu, this journey is short yet remarkably rewarding.

Over five days, you’ll trek into the bamboo forests and volcanic slopes of the Virungas to watch gorillas in their natural habitat, enjoy the playful antics of golden monkeys, and relax by one of Rwanda’s most scenic lakes. This safari is ideal for travelers who want to explore Rwanda in depth but with a manageable timeframe, blending wildlife, culture, and relaxation.

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Detailed Itinerary —5-Day Rwanda Gorilla & Golden Monkey Safari

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali – City Tour – Transfer to Volcanoes

On arrival at Kigali International Airport, you are met by your driver-guide. Depending on arrival time, you may take a short Kigali city tour, including the Kigali Genocide Memorial and local craft markets. You then set off on a scenic two- to three-hour drive north to Musanze, where the Virunga volcanoes dominate the skyline. Dinner and overnight at a lodge near Volcanoes National Park.

Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

After an early breakfast, you head to the park headquarters for a ranger briefing before beginning your gorilla trek. The hike takes you through dense bamboo forests until you find your assigned gorilla family. Spending an hour with these gentle giants is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, filled with awe and wonder. After trekking, you return to your lodge for lunch and a relaxed afternoon. Dinner and overnight at the lodge.

Day 3: Golden Monkey Tracking – Afternoon at Leisure

This morning, you return to Volcanoes National Park for golden monkey tracking. These playful primates live in the bamboo forests and are a joy to watch as they leap from branch to branch, often coming down to forage at eye level. The trek is generally shorter and lighter than gorilla trekking, making it a fun complement to your safari. The afternoon is free for relaxation at the lodge or optional cultural visits. Dinner and overnight near Volcanoes.

Day 4: Transfer to Lake Kivu – Relaxation

After breakfast, you drive to Lake Kivu, Rwanda’s sparkling lake on the border with the DRC. Upon arrival, you check into a lakeside resort where the afternoon is free to swim, enjoy a boat ride, or simply relax on the sandy shores. In the evening, you share a romantic lakeside dinner. Overnight at Lake Kivu.

Day 5: Return to Kigali – Departure

After breakfast, you take the scenic drive back to Kigali. Depending on your flight time, you may enjoy shopping for crafts or a short city tour before being transferred to Kigali International Airport for your departure.