• Overview
  • Trip Outline
  • Trip Includes
  • Trip Excludes
  • FAQ

Experience one of the world’s most magical wildlife moments on this 3-day journey through Rwanda’s lush highlands. Trek into Volcanoes National Park to observe the majestic mountain gorillas in their natural habitat, watch golden monkeys swing among bamboo forests, and explore Rwanda’s history with a moving visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial. This trip balances unforgettable wildlife encounters with cultural insight—all with comfortable lodgings and expert guiding.

Your adventure begins in Kigali, where you’ll be welcomed before traveling north into the lush highlands of Volcanoes National Park. The next day takes you deep into the forest for a once-in-a-lifetime gorilla trekking experience, followed by cultural encounters in the local village. On the final day, you set out again for a golden monkey trek before returning to Kigali, enriched with unforgettable memories of Rwanda’s wildlife and heritage.

Itineraries

Gorilla & Golden Monkey Trekking

3-Day Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Adventure

  • Day 1 — Arrival in Kigali & Welcome
    Arrive in Kigali at the International Airport. You will be warmly greeted by your Severius guide and transferred to your hotel. After settling in, enjoy dinner and spend the evening preparing for the adventure ahead, with optional sightseeing or resting to recover from travel.
  • Day 2 — Gorilla Trekking & Cultural Village
    Wake before dawn for an early breakfast, then head north to Volcanoes National Park, arriving at Musanze. At the park headquarters you’ll receive a ranger briefing on safety, wildlife ethics, and the trekking rules. Trekging for mountain gorillas generally lasts 2–6 hours depending on their location; once you find them, spend an unforgettable hour observing their behavior—watching mothers with infants, silverbacks’ movements, and hearing gorilla calls echo through the forest. After returning, you will visit Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village where you can learn about local traditions, customs, and ways of life. Evening at the lodge with dinner and overnight stay.
  • Day 3 — Golden Monkeys, Kigali & Departure
    Daybreak brings a trek for golden monkeys—a gentler walk in the forest, with the same guidelines and expectations as the gorilla trek. After enjoying time with these lively primates, return to your lodge for lunch, then drive back to Kigali. En route, visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial to reflect on Rwanda’s history and the spirit of reconciliation. Later in the day, you will be dropped off at the airport for your onward flight, carrying memories of wildlife, landscape, and cultural insight.
  • Transportation in 4×4 safari vehicle throughout the trip 

  • Accommodation (double or single occupancy) as per itinerary with meals included 

  • Gorilla permit (approx. USD 1,500) for Day 2 trek 

  • Golden Monkey permit for Day 3 trek 

  • English-speaking driver/guide 

  • Entrance fee to Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village 

  • Kigali Genocide Memorial entry and visit 

  • Daily meals (full board when in park), soft drinks, bottled water (1 liter/day) 

  • International flights and visas to/from Rwanda 

  • COVID-19 PCR test (required 48 hrs before gorilla trekking) 

  • Personal items: alcoholic drinks, laundry, telephone calls, porter fees during treks, personal insurance, souvenirs 

  • Tips & gratuities for local guides and staff.

Moderate to high. Trekking can be physically demanding; expect hikes through steep, uneven terrain, possibly muddy, and at high altitude.

Yes, children are generally allowed but must be accompanied by adult guardians. Age limits may apply for gorilla permits; check at booking.

Golden monkey trekking is included on Day 3. Gorilla availability is generally reliable, but in rare cases of closure, alternative wildlife walks or activities may be offered.

Gorilla permit (~USD 1,500) includes the right to trek and spend one hour with gorillas, ranger guidance, and briefing. Golden monkey permit covers the trail, ranger support, and similar one-hour encounter.

June to September and December to February are generally good for drier weather and easier trekking conditions. Rwanda is green and beautiful year-round, but hiking in rain can be harder.