Rwanda Gorillas & Golden Monkey Safari

HIGHLIGHTS

Starts/Ends: Kigali, Uganda

Country Visited: Rwanda

Main Activities: Gorilla Trekking, Golden Monkey Tracking

Strength Demand: Highly Demanding

5 Day Rwanda Gorilla & Golden Monkey Safari

Route: Kigali – Volcanoes – Bisoke – Kigali

Tour Highlights

• Gorilla Trekking is on top of the 5 Day Rwanda Gorilla & Golden Monkey Safari itinerary; The thrill and awesome sensation of looking into the eyes of the world’s largest living primates (mountain gorillas) in their natural habitat.
• Trekking the charming Golden Monkey in the airy bamboo forests of Volcanoes National Park
• Enjoying the dramatic landscape of the Virunga Mountains by climbing the thrilling Karisimbi and Bisoke volcanoes and touring the beautiful crater lakes and caves in the Volcanoes National Park
• Experiencing the dynamics of bargaining when buying items in one of the country’s shopping spots (Kimironko market) as you shop for your souvenirs.

Day 1: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

The 5 Day Rwanda Gorilla & Golden Monkey Safari begins with an early breakfast and drive to Parc Nationale des Volcanoes. You will check in at the lodge of your booking for lunch and spend the rest of the day sightseeing and relaxing around the hotel till dinner time.

Accommodation options:
Up-market: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge or Gorillas Nest Lodge
Midrange: La Palme Hotel / Volcanoes Gorilla Lodge
Budget: Kinigi Guest House / Muhavura Lodge
Meal plan: Lunch and Dinner

Day 2: Gorilla tracking

You will have an early breakfast and report at the Park Headquarters for a briefing on the rules to be observed during Gorilla trekking. You will be allocated a Gorilla family to track and guides to lead you to the Gorillas. The tracking will take 2-5 hours. Once found, you will spend a maximum of one hour observing the gorillas in their natural setting. After the tracking you will be returned to your hotel for lunch and to relax the rest of the day.

Accommodation options:
Up-market: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge / Gorillas Nest Lodge
Budget: La Palme Hotel or Volcanoes Gorilla Lodge
Budget: Kinigi Guest House / Muhavura Lodge
Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 3: Golden Monkeys tracking

You will have breakfast and set off to track the rare Golden monkeys in the Volcanoes National Park. You will also be able to see other primate species such as vervet monkeys, baboons, and a variety of bird species and butterflies. The guide will explain to you how the primates behave and about the fauna and flora in this park.

Accommodation options:
Up-market: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge / Gorillas Nest Lodge
Budget: La Palme Hotel or Volcanoes Gorilla Lodge
Budget: Kinigi Guest House / Muhavura Lodge
Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 4: Hike Mt Bisoke and visit the Crater Lake on its top

Take the 5 Day Rwanda Gorilla & Golden Monkey Safari a notch higher with a mountain hike. You will have an early breakfast and drive with your guide to Parc Nationale des Volcanoes from where you will start hiking Mt Bisoke. Hiking this mountain takes 1-2 hours depending on your physical fitness. Besides enjoying the beautiful scenery, the cool breeze and marveling at the beautiful Crater Lake the guide will explain to you the cultural significance of this Mountain to the local people. Climbing down the Mountain takes 1-1½ hours. You will return to the Hotel for lunch and later drive to Kigali.

Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 5: Kigali city excursion and departure

You will have an early breakfast after which you will set off for Kigali City excursion. You will visit the Genocide memorial site, the colourful markets and the craft centres. You will return to your hotel for lunch after which you will be transferred to the Airport for your departure flight.

That will mark the end of the 5 Day Rwanda Gorilla & Golden Monkey Safari. Safe Journey home.

Meal plan: Breakfast and Lunch