5 Day Gorilla Trekking and Golden Monkey Tour In Rwanda
More Than Gorillas Safari
Prepare for an unforgettable adventure as you embark on a 5 day gorilla trekking and golden monkey expedition in the breathtaking landscapes of Rwanda. This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity offers you a chance to connect deeply with nature and witness the majestic mountain gorillas and playful golden monkeys in their natural habitat. Picture yourself trekking through lush rainforests and rugged terrain, surrounded by the stunning peaks of the Virunga Mountains. Each day promises exhilarating encounters and awe-inspiring moments that will leave you with memories to cherish forever. Get ready to immerse yourself in Rwanda's rich biodiversity and experience the thrill of being up close with some of the world’s most remarkable wildlife! Amahoro Tours present the best 5 day gorilla trekking and golden monkey tour in Rwanda. Read more about our itinerary below from the best gorilla trekking service in Rwanda now.
5 Days (4 Nights) Gorilla Tour and Golden Monkey Expedition
Get ready for an extraordinary journey that invites you to connect with nature like never before! This 5-day gorilla trekking and golden monkey expedition in Rwanda offers a rare opportunity to immerse yourself in the heart of the wild. Picture yourself trekking through lush landscapes, where you will meet the majestic mountain gorillas and playful golden monkeys, our closest living relatives. Experience the tranquility of their natural habitat and share precious moments with these remarkable creatures. This adventure is not just a trek; it’s a profound connection to the beauty and wonder of the natural world, creating memories that will last a lifetime!
DAY 1: ARRIVE (KGL) KIGALI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, an Amahoro driver/guide will greet you and transfer you to your hotel in Kigali, where you'll settle in for an overnight stay with bed and breakfast. The first leg of your 5 day gorilla trekking tour has begun!
Driving distance: 30 Minutes
Activity: 0
Overnight: Value – Ubumwe Grande Hotel | Midrange – Mille Collins Hotel | Luxury – Governor’s Residence
Meal Plan: Bed & breakfast
DAY 2: KIGALI, RWANDA CITY TOUR + DEPART FOR THE RUHENGERI
After breakfast your day starts with a tour of the city. Named in 1907 by Dr. Richard Kandt, the first colonial resident governor of Rwanda; city of Kigali is surrounded by lush hills of green and is referred to as the land of a thousand hills. Get to visit interesting spots which may include; the craft market, Gisozi genocide memorial site & Kigali museum. Depart for a 3 hours’ drive to Ruhengeri the second largest town in Rwanda, with its stunning backdrop of five volcanic mountains – The Virungas. Arrive at your hotel for check in and lunch, the afternoon at leisure then later stay for dinner and overnight.
Driving distance: 3 hours
Activities: Kigali City Tour
Overnight: Value - Mountain Gorilla View Lodge | Midrange –Tiloreza Eco Lodge | Luxury - Bisate Lodge
Meal Plan: Full board – Lunch, Dinner, bed & breakfast
DAY 3: GOLDEN MONKEY TOUR + KARISOKE RESEARCH CENTER VISIT
This day is dedicated to an exhilarating golden monkey tracking adventure in Volcanoes National Park. As you navigate through dense bamboo forests and open glades, your experienced tour guides will lead you deep into the heart of golden monkey territory. You’ll have the chance to observe groups of habituated golden monkeys, who are comfortable with human presence, for up to an hour. Witness these lively creatures frolicking, feeding on bamboo leaves, and effortlessly leaping from branch to branch.
Watch as mothers carry their young, all while being at ease in their natural habitat. After this unforgettable experience, you'll visit the Karisoke Research Center, now known as the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund. Founded by Dr. Fossey in 1967, this renowned center has spent over five decades conducting groundbreaking research on gorilla behavior and conservation efforts. Finally, return to your hotel for a delightful dinner and a restful overnight stay. You're halfway done with your 5 day gorilla trekking and golden monkey tour!
Driving distance:
Activities: 1 Golden Monkeys Trek + Karisoke Research Center tour
Overnight: Value - Mountain Gorilla View Lodge | Midrange – Tiloreza Eco Lodge | Luxury -Bisate Lodge
Meal Plan: Full board – Lunch, Dinner, bed & breakfast
DAY 4: GORILLA TRACKING IN VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK + INTERCULTURAL EXCHANGE (RWANDA)
After an early breakfast, you will head to the National Park headquarters in Kinigi to meet your guides for the day. Once you complete the necessary park formalities, you will embark on an unforgettable adventure tracking mountain gorillas for your 1 day gorilla trekking Rwanda experience. Upon spotting them, you will have the incredible opportunity to spend an hour observing these magnificent creatures up close, experiencing one of the most breathtaking wildlife encounters on Earth.
As you navigate through the light mountain forest on the slopes of the Virungas, you'll find yourself within meters of a rare gorilla family—one of fewer than 700 remaining in the wild. This magical trek may be physically demanding, lasting up to six hours at high altitudes, so it's essential to be fit and healthy. Don't worry if you're less experienced; we’ve had participants as old as 70 successfully complete the trek! Just inform your driver/guide if you prefer a shorter group.
To prepare for the day, bring sturdy hiking boots, long trousers, gloves (for protection against stinging nettles), snacks (for yourself, not the gorillas), and plenty of water to stay hydrated in the humid rainforest. The hour spent with the gorillas will be an experience you won't forget.
Red Rocks Intercultural Exchange
After this exhilarating adventure, return to the lodge for lunch before heading to the Red Rocks Intercultural Exchange Center. Here, you will engage with local brew makers and learn about the traditional process of brewing banana beer. If you're intrigued, you can participate by helping to squeeze the banana juice and even enjoy a glass of fresh juice. You’ll also discover how the juice ferments into alcohol with the addition of sorghum flour.
Additionally, you’ll witness local artisans weaving beautiful baskets, providing vital support to their families through tourism. After this enriching experience, return to your hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.
Driving distance: 45 minutes
Activities: 1 Gorilla Trek + Intercultural Exchange
Overnight: Value - Mountain Gorilla View Lodge | Midrange –Tiloreza Eco Lodge | Luxury -Bisate Lodge
Meal Plan: Full board – Lunch, Dinner, bed & breakfast
DAY 5: DEPARTURE
After breakfast, you'll set off on a three-hour drive to Kigali. Depending on your flight schedule, you can enjoy some last-minute shopping in one of Africa's most welcoming capitals before heading to the airport for your international flight home or next step in your journey.
End of service
Driving distance: 3 Hours
Activities: At Leisure
Overnight: Own arrangement
Meal Plan: Breakfast
Cost Includes
- Exclusive transport in a 4WD safari vehicle with pick-up and drop-off at Kigali International Airport
- An English-speaking driver guide
- All guide fees included
- One golden monkey tracking permit per person
- One gorilla tracking permit per person
- Meals and accommodation as outlined in the itinerary
Cost Excludes
- International flights and visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Tips for driver guides or local escorts
- Tips for drinks and dining, as well as porterage, personal travel, and baggage handling
- Telephone charges, laundry services, and other personal expenses
- Meals and accommodation not specified in the itinerary
- Activities not included in the program