4-Day Rwanda Gorillas, Monkeys, and Fossey Tour is a short trip that introduces you to Volcanoes National Park. At Volcanoes National Park, you will embark on three distinct experiences: a lifetime mountain gorilla trekking experience, golden monkey tracking, and a hike to the Dian Fossey graveyard.
Volcanoes National Park is located in Ruhengeri, Northern Province of Rwanda. It is Rwanda’s oldest park, founded in 1925 primarily to provide refuge to mountain gorillas. Today, it is home to numerous floral and faunal species. The 160 sq. km Volcanoes Park hosts up to 12 habituated gorilla families, five volcanoes (Bisoke, Muhabura, Karisimbi, Gahinga, and Sabyinyo), and over 200 species of birds. Your 3 nights, 4-day Rwanda tour begins and ends in Kigali.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Kigali City Excursion & Travel to Volcanoes Park
Meet your tour leader for a briefing about this rewarding 4-day Rwanda gorillas, golden monkeys, and Fossey safari. This trip takes you to Volcanoes National Park, located in Northwestern Rwanda, the country’s leading gorilla trekking destination.
Before heading to Volcanoes Park, spend 2 hours exploring Kigali, visiting the Kigali Genocide Memorial, local market – Kirimonko, the Presidential Palace Museum, and nearby craft shops. Afterward, enjoy a leisurely lunch and transfer to Volcanoes National Park, a 2-3 hours’ drive from Kigali city.
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking – Volcanoes Park
Briefing on gorilla trekking rules begins at 7:00 am at the Kinigi offices of Volcanoes Park, Ruhengeri region. At 8:00 am, the briefing and allocation of gorilla families will be done, and you will begin your trek, which may last 2-6 hours. This includes an hour of close encounter with a mountain gorilla group, photography, and an in-depth exploration of their daily behaviors in the wild. Throughout your long day of gorilla trekking adventure, ensure you observe the guidelines and follow your guide’s instructions. Return to the lodge for relaxation after taking pictures and exploring about gorillas. Stay at the lodge for the rest of the evening or visit the Twin Lakes – Burera & Ruhondo (optional).
Day 3: Golden Monkey Tracking & Iby’Iwacu Village Tour
Wake up early to enjoy a delicious breakfast, then proceed to the Volcanoes Park offices at Kinigi for a briefing by park officials on golden monkey trekking guidelines. Golden monkeys are strikingly charming creatures, and tracking them today takes 2-4 hours, with one hour guaranteed for photography and face-to-face encounters. During photography, ensure your shots are sharp as golden monkeys keep jumping from one tree to another, unlike mountain gorillas. In the evening, enjoy a tour of the Iby’Iwacu cultural village to learn more about Rwandese cultures, norms, and traditions.
Day 4: Dian Fossey Trek & Depart
Enjoy an early breakfast before leaving the lodge for a briefing at Kinigi and start your trek to visit Dian Fossey’s tomb site. Learn in-depth about Dian Fossey, her legacy in mountain gorilla conservation, and more. Afterward, return to the lodge to relax briefly, then check out and meet your driver guide to return to Kigali.
End of Safari.
