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
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✅ 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
Posted on Tripadvisor Geti LVerified 100% would recommend Amazing team and guide. I didn’t have to think about anything since they planned everything from airport pick up till drop off. Best value for buck but also great attitude and support. Got permission to visit the Pablo family thanks to our guide!Posted on Tripadvisor Yanis RVerified Thanks Kim for that wonderful day Kim was my guide for my experience with the gorillas. He made the day so comfortable. Everything was perfect! We also had many conversations about everything. I definitely recommend traveling with him!!Posted on Tripadvisor Aglaia OVerified Amazing Rwanda gorilla trek! Playful babies, calm silverback, great guides. Book permits well in advance. My gorilla trekking experience in Rwanda was absolutely incredible. We found the gorillas within about an hour of hiking, and seeing them up close was unforgettable. The baby gorillas were especially playful and entertaining to watch, constantly moving around and interacting with each other. In contrast, the silverback was calm, quiet, and completely self-focused — somehow both powerful and peaceful at the same time. The gorillas were not scary at all, and we never felt threatened during the experience. The guides were fantastic: experienced, knowledgeable, and very entertaining throughout the trek. One of our guides even shared stories about crossing paths with Dian Fossey, which made the experience feel even more special and connected to Rwanda’s conservation history. One important tip: make sure to secure your trekking permit well in advance, as spots are limited and can sell out quickly. A truly once-in-a-lifetime experience that I would highly recommend.Posted on Tripadvisor MARCELLE EVerified Gorilles Kigali Nous avons choisis la parcours long mais ca valait le coup. Nous en avons pris pleins les yeux les guides étaient top le trajet depuis Kigali pas trop long avec le chauffeur de l'agence , NEZA qui a vraiment été super du début à la fin . Il nous été d’une grande aide.le responsable de l’agence et était super et disponible il nous a aidé pour toutes les démarches.Posted on Tripadvisor Teresa BVerified The trek was perfect! We saw a beautiful family of gorillas including two Silverbacks! The best experience of my life! Seeing gorillas in their natural habitat was incredible! A truly serene experience. The tour was well planned and could not have been more perfect. The entire team guided with professionalism and love. My porter, Jacqueline, was wonderful and took great care of me. My personal guide/driver, Kim, was a delight! I learned much about Rwanda from him on the drive. I was surprised he greeted me with champagne toast! The day could not have been better.Posted on Tripadvisor Martin MVerified Top professionell! Everything was top. Very professional. I can highly recommend the company.Posted on Tripadvisor marius06Verified Unieke uitstap noorden Rwanda Super correcte organisatie stipt en vriendelijk behulpzaamPosted on Tripadvisor StyleemanVerified Gorilla Trek was Incredible Wonderful experience, Christian took care of us and gave us tour information on the way there and on the way back. The drive was comfortable and informative. The hand over to the trekking team was seamless and we were provided all the information we needed prior to arrival. Top tip bring a change of clothes and a towel, if it rains in the mountains you get very wet!! 2026- Gorilla trekking licence is an additional 1,500$ for non-Africans, 500$ for Africans. Bring additional cash for a porter to carry your bags and support you through the mud.Posted on Tripadvisor Thomas SVerified Perfect gorilla experience An early start (0430), but a smooth drive and the tour ran like clockwork. An excellent guide in Shadady, who spoke great English and has a comfortable 4WD car. We got to see the gorillas after approx. 1h 30 min walk, half of which was on farmland tracks and paths, the rest on muddy wet trails in the scrub/jungle. As my elderly mother was with us, the tour company made sure we were assigned a more easily accessible gorilla family. Younger people have to drive a lot further into the reserve and hike longer to see their allocated gorilla family. On the way back, stopped in a juice bar in Rwanda's second city for lunch, very good standard. Had great coffee on the way there. My only concern was that after transferring the company several thousand dollars for tours, communication was very thin. I had to chase the company up for booking confirmations, pick-up times etc and we never received any kind of itinerary. However, the company always replied quickly to emails. I had a nagging fear that the company had just taken my money and run off with it ! I needn't have worried, they were completely professional at all times. Maybe this "light communication" is just the Rwandan way. I hired them for a Kigali City Tour (one day) and also Lake Kivu Day Tour, both were equally professionally run. Highly recommended !Posted on Tripadvisor Bob VVerified Great tour in Rwanda My experience with Universal Ventures was excellent! The owner Emmanuel was very accommodating with revisions to my booking. Our driver/guide Christian was outstanding: friendly, professional and knowledgeable. Our flight to Kigali was significantly delayed, but Christian was happy to safely drive us to our hotel near Volcanoes National Park late into the evening in inclement weather. Highly recommended!
