This 5 Days Rwanda gorilla tour is designed for primate enthusiasts especially those interested in trekking mountain gorillas in Volcanoes national park. In addition to gorillas, visitors will also encounter the beautiful golden monkeys in the same park. You will get the chance to track the endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat, which will be followed by a golden monkey tracking adventure. You will also visit the nearby Gorilla Guardian’s Village for a relaxing and amazing cultural experience. This will provide an opportunity to get immersed in a typical Rwandan culture and lifestyle.
Highlights
- Visit the spectacular Volcanoes National Park, one of the mountain gorilla Sanctuaries.
- See the endangered mountain gorillas in the wild.
- Enjoy unforgettable birding opportunities to see Albertine Rift endemics.
- Spend a productive afternoon with the community by visiting the Gorilla Guardian’s Village.
- Get a chance to track the endangered Golden monkeys in their natural habitat.
Brief Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Rwanda.
Day 2: Travel to Volcanoes National Park in Northwestern Rwanda.
Day 3: On safari in Volcanoes National Park: Gorilla trekking and visit to Gorilla Guardian’s Village.
Day 4: Search for the golden monkeys and go for a village/cultural tour.
Day 5: Return to Kigali, Departure.
Detailed Itinerary – 5 Days Rwanda gorilla tour
Day 1: Arrive in Rwanda
Welcome to Rwanda! You can fly into Kigali International Airport or travel by road across the border from neighboring Uganda.
Depending on the time you arrive in the country, you will either relax or take some time to explore its unmissable spots. You can taste the mouthwatering Rwandan coffee by checking out the Cafes and restaurants for a taste of delicious cuisines.
Overnight accommodation at Hemingways Retreat Kigali (luxury), Flame Tree Village Kigali (midrange).
Meal Plan: On the visitor’s account.
Day 2: Travel to Volcanoes National Park in Northwestern Rwanda
Enjoy breakfast at the Hotel and continue traveling to Volcanoes National Park, where you will spend two days experiencing the natural beauty of the area and have an opportunity to later track the mountain gorillas and golden monkeys in their natural habitats.
As you drive, the rolling hills and savannah plains give way to the forest, open plains, and bamboo forest, where over 35% of the World’s population of these Giant Apes and many other wildlife species and birds call home. Lunch will be after settling in and freshening up, then later go for a village walk.
Overnight accommodation at Singita Kwitonda Lodge (luxury), Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge (midrange), or Kinigi Guesthouse.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
Day 3: On safari in Volcanoes National Park: Gorilla trekking and visit to Gorilla Guardian’s Village
When it comes to gorilla trekking experiences, Volcanoes National Park doesn’t disappoint. First, it is home to 12 habituated gorilla families, hence 96 gorilla permits are issued each day by the Rwanda Development Board for this Park. You have a chance to explore varying ecosystems to get up close and personal with these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.
Be up early for breakfast and converge at the Kinigi Park Headquarters for a mandatory pre-tracking briefing. You will go through the guidelines of the adventure that include how to conduct yourself in their presence, before driving to the trailhead (starting point). Experienced Ranger guides will take you through the forest to search for them, and this should last 1-6 hours before they are finally located.
Once located, you will leave your bags behind and slowly approach the Giant Apes, with whom you will spend one hour watching and taking photos of them as they go about their daily routines- interacting, playing, resting, and grooming each other. After this productive day, you will return to the base to meet your guide, who will transfer you to the Lodge for lunch and afternoon activities.
Your afternoon is when the adventure continues, and this time you will be visiting the Gorilla Guardian’s Village to learn about Rwanda’s traditional cultures and customs. A number of activities await, and these include visits to the traditional healer, visits to the Royal Palace replica, visits to the local banana brewery, to the local school, and being entertained in traditional dance performances. Spend your evening at the Lodge enjoying breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes, dinner, and overnight.
Overnight accommodation at Singita Kwitonda Lodge (luxury), Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge (midrange), or Kinigi Guesthouse.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
Day 4: Search for the golden monkeys and go for a village/cultural tour
Have breakfast and go back to Volcanoes National Park to search for the endangered golden monkeys in their natural habitat. You will track one of the two habituated troops of these Primates occupying the lower slopes of Mount Sabyinyo. These treks are shorter (than gorilla treks) and in 1-3 hours, you will find them. Once located, you will spend 60 minutes taking photos and observing them, and then return to the Lodge for lunch.
In the afternoon, you will relax at the comfort of your Lodge and later take a cultural/village walk for a detailed insight into the lifestyle of communities living around Volcanoes National Park.
Overnight accommodation at Singita Kwitonda Lodge (luxury), Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge (midrange), or Kinigi Guesthouse.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
Day 5: Return to Kigali, Departure
Enjoy one more breakfast at the Lodge before you transfer to Kigali City to head home or onward to your next safari destination. You can connect through Kigali International Airport or the neighboring Uganda border, depending on your itinerary.
The 5-day Rwanda Gorilla Tour includes;
- 4 nights’accommodation in Kigali and Volcanoes National Park.
- Meals as per the stipulated meal plan.
- Gorilla permit/s.
- Golden monkey tracking permit/s.
- Entry fees to Volcanoes National Park and other safari destinations indicated on the itinerary.
- Ground transportation in our customized safari vehicle.
- Driver allowances.
- Fuel fees.
- Bottled water.
- Services of a full-time professional English-speaking guide.
- Relevant Government taxes.
The 5-day Rwanda Gorilla Tour excludes;
- Extra/optional activities.
- Visa fees.
- Tips and gratuities to Lodge/Hotel staff, Ranger guides, safari guide/s, porters, and others.
- Airfares.
- Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
- Laundry fees.
- Telephone calls.
- Souvenir shopping.
- Cigarettes.
- Porter fees.