3 Days Rwanda Gorilla Safari and Golden Monkey Trekking
Overview of the 3 Days Rwanda Gorilla trekking and Golden Monkey safari
The 3 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trekking and Golden Monkey safari is a thrilling wildlife experience that offers travelers the chance to explore the lush rainforests of Volcanoes National Park, home to some of Rwanda’s most iconic primates. This carefully designed 3 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trekking itinerary combines two of the park’s most sought-after activities—gorilla trekking and golden monkey trekking—making it one of the most memorable short safaris in the region. Ideal for wildlife enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike, this 3 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trekking tour provides a deep and personal connection with nature as you track the rare mountain gorillas and the playful golden monkeys that inhabit the misty slopes of the Virunga Mountains.
Your 3 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trekking adventure begins with an immersive hike into the thick rainforest where you’ll spend a magical hour observing a habituated family of gorillas in their natural environment. Witnessing their interactions, expressions, and behaviors at such close range is a profound and humbling experience. On the second day of this 3 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trekking and Golden Monkey safari, you’ll set out on another exciting trek, this time in search of the vibrant and energetic golden monkeys. This combined gorilla and golden monkey trekking experience gives you a chance to see two of Volcanoes National Park’s most remarkable primates in one unforgettable trip.
In addition to the wildlife encounters, this 3 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trekking safari includes a cultural component that allows you to connect with Rwanda’s rich traditions. You’ll visit a local cultural village where you can learn about ancient customs, traditional medicine, music, and dance. This cultural immersion adds depth to the 3 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trekking experience, rounding out the adventure with insight into the daily lives and heritage of the Rwandan people. Whether you’re here for gorillas, golden monkeys, or Rwanda’s warm hospitality, the 3 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trekking safari is the perfect combination of wildlife, culture, and lasting memories.
3 Days Rwanda gorilla trekking & Golden Monkey safari Itinerary
Day 1: Kigali City Tour and Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Your adventure begins with a warm welcome from your Universal Ventures Rwanda driver-guide, who will take you on a half-day guided tour of Kigali, Rwanda’s vibrant and clean capital. You’ll explore key cultural and historical landmarks including the Kigali Genocide Memorial, the Kandt House Museum, and bustling local craft markets where you can browse handmade souvenirs and art. After lunch at a local restaurant in the city, depart for Volcanoes National Park, enjoying the scenic drive through Rwanda’s stunning countryside. Upon arrival, you’ll head to the park for registration, followed by a cultural visit to the Iby’iwacu Cultural Village. Here, you’ll learn about Rwanda’s traditional customs, medicine, dance, and wedding practices. The day ends with check-in at your lodge near the park, where you’ll enjoy dinner and a relaxing overnight stay.
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
After an early breakfast, your guide will transfer you to the Volcanoes National Park headquarters in Kinigi for a pre-trek briefing by park rangers. Volcanoes National Park is home to 10 habituated mountain gorilla families, and your assigned group will determine the trek’s duration and difficulty. The park forms part of the greater Virunga Massif, which spans the borders of Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Once you locate the gorilla family, you’ll spend an unforgettable one hour in close proximity to these gentle giants—observing their behavior, taking photos, and witnessing the strong familial bonds that define their social groups. After this extraordinary wildlife encounter, return to your lodge for a relaxed evening and overnight stay.
Day 3: Golden Monkey Trekking and Return to Kigali
This morning, after breakfast, you’ll head back to the park headquarters for a second briefing, this time for your golden monkey trekking experience. Golden monkeys are lively, playful primates that live in the bamboo forests of the Virunga Mountains. Unlike gorillas, they are highly active, often leaping between branches and foraging for bamboo shoots and fruits. This trek is generally less demanding, as the golden monkeys are usually found closer to the base of the forest. You’ll have the chance to follow and photograph them as they move through their habitat—even occasionally sneaking into local gardens for potatoes! After your trek, enjoy lunch in Musanze before beginning the return drive to Kigali, where you’ll be dropped off at your hotel or the airport, depending on your schedule.
End of the 3 Days Gorilla & Golden Monkey Trek Safari in Rwanda
Let us know if you would like this turned into a printable brochure or website itinerary format.
✅ What’s included of 3 Days Rwanda gorilla trekking
- Entrance Fee
- Gorilla Trekking Permit
- Entry fee-Golden monkeys
- Entry fee-Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village
- Accommodation: 3-4 Stars
- Transportation 4×4 jeep
- Meals and soft drinks
- Wi-Fi internet
- Bottled water
- Professional driver guide
- Pick-up and drop-off
- Pick-up & Drop-off.
❌ Exclusions of 3 Days Rwanda gorilla trekking
- Alcoholic drinks
- Anything not explicitly mentioned.
🧳 What do I need to bring?
- Comfortable clothing
- Sturdy and comfortable footwear
- Rain gear
- Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Camera and extra batteries
Cancellation policy:
- Bookings are non-refundable. All sales are final.
Book for this Gorilla trekking tour
Sandrine G2025-09-22Verified Rwanda Home of Big five Animals/ Akagera national park. Good safari Tour with Universal, animals were spotted very closer and guide John provided the necessary insights for animals behaviors/ Life style, we sow faux in big five which is not bad at all, Food was delicious too with lake view behind us.The list of animals viewed is too long: Elephants, buffalos, hypos, crocodile, giraffe, Lion, zebras, impala, Birds,.........Thank you John and your company to make this Tour enjoyable and funny. i highly recommend it to Anny one.Thank youSandrine. Dr. Katina2025-09-19Verified Amazing Experience from the state of Florida in the USA My experience was amazing from the start (booking) to the end of the tour! They contacted me and advised me what was needed for the tour via WhatsApp. Additionally, they were patient in answering all of my questions. The driver Shadady was skilled and knowledgeable. He was the best!! The porters helped me make it to the top to see the gorillas after having breathing issues due to the high altitude. We trekked up the mountain for 2 hours because the gorillas kept moving. We were able to see the silverback!! The guide Francis was knowledgeable and ensured we were all okay. I would highly recommend this company for your needs. My husband and I had an amazing experience!! Anona W2025-09-07Verified Exciting adventure with expert guides! The gorilla trek exceeding my expectations. Our driver and guide, Christian, did a great job of navigating busy traffic to get us safely to and from Volcanoes National Park. He managed the gorilla permits and park fees so we did not have to think about it. The trek was the adventure of a lifetime! The expert guide and gorilla trackers found our gorilla family right away and primed us on how to behave. Porters were friendly and available to carry bags and provide assistance as needed. Trekking in the park involved some slipping & sliding on roots, so I think you have to be ok with falling down. After the trek, Christian met us with a thoughtful refreshment and took us to a delicious restaurant. Highly recommended. Kaushik I2025-09-04Verified Kind guide/driver Good choice for safari experience, Universal has been a good and professional company for my trip in Akagera national park , Christian my guide went beyond my expectations , we drove all corners and find out the animals, We have been able to spot Elephant, big troop of buffalos, hyena , zebras, giraffes, birds, crocodile , lions, hypos,...... Thank you Christian to make this safari Easy and Possible. i highly recommend it to any one. Thank you. Khaled m2025-08-20Verified Top notch animals experience/ Akagera Amazing animals safari in Rwanda with my colleagues, within a short free period of our business trip in Rwanda we have booked the safari in Akagera one of the best national park of Rwanda, The company has provided excellent service and Richard the guide was friendly and passionate for his career job, he knows animas for any type and size. we did all park from southern to northern and have definitely enjoyed the safari, i can' wait to give recommendation for any one wish visit Rwanda and especial Akagera, Plan and Book Universal they are The Champion. Thank you. Shiloh Therrien A2025-08-19Verified Passionate Guide, Incredible Wildlife, Perfect Day! We had an unforgettable safari experience in Rwanda with Christian as our guide. From the very beginning, it was clear that he truly cares about the animals and the park. His passion and knowledge made the entire trip both exciting and educational.Christian made sure we felt safe, comfortable, and well taken care of the whole time. He explained what we were seeing in a way that was easy to understand and answered all of our questions with patience. Thanks to him, we were able to see elephants, giraffes, zebras, baboons, hippopotamus, and so much more—it was incredible!If you’re looking for a guide who is professional, caring, and genuinely invested in giving you the best experience possible, I highly recommend booking a tour with Christian. He truly made our safari one we will never forget! Jasmine C2025-08-14Verified Great experience It was a great experience with this company. On time . Professional. Highly recommend. Our driver was the best! Forgettable experience Heidi B2025-08-11Verified Memorable safari. Thank you very much for tour was a great experience! Definately Will do ir again. Our tour guide picked us up at the hotel early in the morning driving its about 3 hours and he took the time to explain everything we see during our way. Thank you Shaddi for taking us and driving so we can see a lot of the animals. We traveled to Kigali as a delegate of jehovahs witnesses our first time in Africa. And people are helpful and friendly. We went for breakfast as well where we meet a lot of friends there. He wasn’t in a rush. Thank you once again!! Highly recommended!! Marc H2025-08-10Verified An unforgettable trip to Uganda! 🦍🌿 Thanks to Rwindy, we had an exceptional experience: We had the chance to experience emotional highlights: watching mountain gorillas in their natural habitat, walking alongside chimpanzees, meeting elephants, lionesses, and so many other wildlife... All in absolutely spectacular landscapes, between jungle, savannah and misty hills, visits to schools and villages, all in breathtaking landscapes.Lodges (not high-end but very comfortable), tasty food with vegetarian options everywhere, and above all a remarkable guide, passionate and attentive, contributed greatly to the success of the trip.Surprisingly, we didn’t meet any French, only Belgians, Germans and Americans. A destination still little frequented... and to discover absolutely! KABERA S2025-08-10Verified Vacation trip I came to Rwanda with my entire family in vacation trip, we did a trip of two days in Akagera national park our tourist guide was Christian he really managed time he came on time for a pick up and he gave us a short well understandable briefing. On our way he drove us well, he could answer every question we could ask up to the park after we arrived in the park he suggested us about doing bot trip experience on ihema lake and we spotted all aquatic animals such as hippos, crocodiles and different species of birds. We saw Elphant and buffaloes drinking water on the lake actually this experience was very impressive we even spotted four out of five big animals as well others like giraffes, antelope. I would like to conclude by thanking universal ventures especially tourist guide Christian I am kindly requesting that who ever come to travel in Rwanda with universal ventures would ask for Tour guide Christian on his or her safari thanks ❤️