VISIT UGANDA AND RWANDA WITH BERENGEI AFRICA TOURS
3-Day Rwanda Gorilla & Golden Monkey Safari
Kigali – Volcanoes National Park. Experience two of Rwanda's most remarkable primate encounters — mountain gorillas and golden monkeys — on a short, carefully planned safari through the Virunga Mountains.
Destination
Volcanoes National Park
Duration
3 Days / 2 Nights
Tour Type
Private Safari
From
$2,550 / person
3-Day Rwanda Gorilla & Golden Monkey Safari
From $2,550 / person sharing
Designed for travelers who want to experience two of Rwanda's most remarkable primate encounters without spending a full week in the country. Start in Kigali, travel north to Volcanoes National Park, trek endangered mountain gorillas through the Virunga Mountains and track golden monkeys in the bamboo forest before returning to Kigali. This is one of the official tourism itineraries promoted by Rwanda.
3 Days / 2 Nights
Private Safari
Mid-Range Lodge
Kigali Start & End
Safari Highlights
Mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Golden monkey trekking
Scenic drive through the Rwandan countryside
Two nights near Volcanoes National Park
Private 4×4 safari transportation
Professional English-speaking driver-guide
Kigali pickup and drop-off
Virunga mountain landscape
Suitable for couples, solo travelers and private groups
Safari Details
Duration
3 Days / 2 Nights
Starting Point
Kigali
Ending Point
Kigali
Destination
Volcanoes National Park
Tour Type
Private Safari
Accommodation
Mid-range lodge
Main Activities
Gorilla trekking and golden monkey trekking
Why Choose This Safari?
Rwanda's official tourism itinerary also recommends this three-day format: travel from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park, trek mountain gorillas, then track golden monkeys before returning to Kigali. It is the most time-efficient way to experience two distinctive primates of the Virunga ecosystem.
3-Day Itinerary
Day 1Your 3-Day Rwanda Gorilla and Golden Monkey Safari begins with pickup from your hotel or Kigali International Airport. After meeting your driver-guide, you will leave Kigali and travel north towards Musanze and Volcanoes National Park.
The journey takes approximately three hours and passes through Rwanda's scenic countryside, with rolling hills, agricultural landscapes and views towards the Virunga volcanoes.
Upon arrival in the Volcanoes region, check in at your lodge and enjoy lunch. The afternoon is free to relax and prepare for the following day's gorilla trek. You can use this time to organize your hiking clothes, camera equipment, walking shoes and rain gear. If you would like an additional cultural experience, a community or cultural visit can be arranged depending on your arrival time.
Kigali pickup
Scenic drive north
Lodge check-in
Optional cultural visit
Day 2Today is the highlight of your Rwanda safari. Wake up early and have breakfast before driving to the Volcanoes National Park headquarters in Kinigi.
Visitors gather at the headquarters for briefing and allocation to a gorilla family. Visitors gather at Kinigi at 7:00 AM and are allocated a gorilla family according to fitness levels before receiving the trekking briefing.
After the briefing, you will drive to the trailhead and begin your trek. The trek takes you through the montane forest of the Virunga Mountains. The terrain can be steep, muddy and slippery, and the length of the trek depends on the location of the gorilla family assigned to your group. Tracking can take from around 90 minutes through to the whole morning.
Once you locate the gorillas, you will spend a strictly limited amount of time observing them. Gorilla groups have a maximum tourist contact period of one hour per day, helping reduce disturbance to the animals. Watch the gorillas feed, rest, climb and interact with one another while your guide explains their behavior and the conservation work protecting them.
After the encounter, trek back through the forest and return to the starting point. You will then return to your lodge for lunch and an afternoon of relaxation. Use the evening to prepare for the following morning's golden monkey trek.
Kinigi briefing
Gorilla family allocation
One hour with gorillas
Conservation insight
Day 3Wake up early for your second primate experience. After breakfast, drive to the park headquarters for the golden monkey trekking briefing.
Golden monkeys are one of the distinctive primates found in the Virunga region. Two golden monkey groups can be tracked in Volcanoes National Park, including a group on the slopes of Mount Karisimbi and another in the bamboo forest around Mount Sabyinyo.
The trek takes you into the forest in search of these active and colorful primates. Golden monkeys are generally more mobile than gorillas, so the experience can involve following them through bamboo and forest vegetation. The trekking terrain can be steep, slippery and muddy, so sturdy footwear is recommended.
After the trek, return to the lodge for a shower and lunch. You will then begin your journey back to Kigali. Depending on your departure arrangements, you can be dropped off at your hotel or Kigali International Airport.
Golden monkey briefing
Bamboo forest trek
Active primates
Return to Kigali
Suggested Pricing
From $2,550 / person sharing
Our private safari price depends on the number of travelers, accommodation category and travel dates. The final price should be confirmed based on the travel date and permit availability.
Per Person Pricing
Private Safari
Mid-Range Lodge
| Travelers | Price Per Person |
|---|---|
| 1 Traveler | US$3,150 |
| 2 Travelers | US$2,550 |
| 3 Travelers | US$2,350 |
| 4 Travelers | US$2,250 |
| 5 Travelers | US$2,150 |
| 6 Travelers | US$2,050 |
Starting from US$2,550 per person for 2 travelers. This is positioned within the current private mid-range market. Current SafariBookings listings for comparable 3-day Rwanda gorilla and golden monkey trips include examples around US$2,462–US$2,541 per person, while other operators list higher prices depending on accommodation and inclusions.
Important Permit Information
Gorilla Permit
The Rwanda tourism authority currently lists the international gorilla trekking permit at US$1,500 per person. Minimum age is 15.
Golden Monkey Permit
Golden monkey trekking is a separate activity and requires its own permit.
Confirmation
Because permit policies, promotional rates and availability can change, we confirm the applicable permit price before issuing the final quotation.
What Affects the Final Price?
Accommodation Category
Mid-range, luxury or budget
Travel Season
Peak vs. low season rates
Group Size
Larger groups receive lower per-person rates
Permit Availability
Gorilla and golden monkey permits
Optional Add-Ons & Extensions
Kigali City Tour
Add a cultural experience before or after the safari
Extra Night in Kigali
For late arrivals or early departures
Cultural Village Visit
Community experience near Volcanoes NP
Chimpanzee Tracking in Nyungwe
Extend your Rwanda primate safari
What's Included & Excluded
Transparent Pricing · No hidden costs
We believe in full transparency. Here is exactly what is included in your 3-Day Rwanda Gorilla and Golden Monkey Safari — and what is not.
Transport
Permits
Accommodation
Meals
What's Included
- Private 4×4 safari vehicle
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide
- Kigali pickup and drop-off
- Transportation to and from Volcanoes National Park
- Two nights' mid-range accommodation
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner as specified
- Gorilla trekking permit
- Golden monkey trekking permit
- Park entry and applicable activity fees
- Bottled drinking water
- Fuel
- Driver-guide services
- Applicable government taxes
What's Not Included
- International flights
- Rwanda visa
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
- Alcoholic beverages
- Laundry
- Tips and gratuities
- Porter fees
- Accommodation before or after the safari
- Meals not specified
- Optional cultural activities
- Personal purchases
- Anything not specifically mentioned under inclusions
Where Do You Stay?
Accommodation is normally arranged around Musanze or near the entrance to Volcanoes National Park. Possible mid-range accommodation can include:
- Hotel Muhabura
- Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge
- Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel
- Tiloreza Volcanoes Ecolodge
- A comparable lodge depending on availability
The exact lodge should be confirmed when the safari is booked.
Best Time for the Safari
Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park can be visited throughout the year. The trekking experience can change according to rainfall and forest conditions. Because the terrain can become slippery and muddy, good hiking shoes and rain protection are important regardless of the season.
For gorilla trekking, the most important consideration is securing your permit for the intended date.
What to Pack
- Sturdy hiking shoes
- Lightweight waterproof jacket
- Long trousers
- Long-sleeved shirt
- Gardening or leather gloves
- Gaiters
- Hat
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Camera
- Extra batteries or power bank
- Binoculars
- Small backpack
- Reusable water bottle
Gorilla Trekking vs. Golden Monkey Trekking
Although both activities take place in Volcanoes National Park, they offer different experiences. Gorilla trekking focuses on locating a habituated mountain gorilla family and observing the animals in their natural forest habitat. Golden monkey trekking involves following these smaller, faster-moving primates through bamboo and forest vegetation. Golden monkeys are more elusive and active, making the tracking experience quite different from gorilla trekking.
Responsible Gorilla Trekking
Gorilla trekking is carefully managed to reduce disturbance to the animals. Rwanda currently limits tourist contact with each habituated gorilla group to one hour per day and limits the number of permits issued per troop. Visitors should follow the instructions of their guide and trackers throughout the experience. Do not attempt to touch the gorillas, feed them or move closer without permission. If you are feeling unwell before the trek, inform your tour operator and park authorities because human illnesses can pose risks to gorillas.
Frequently Asked Questions
A private mid-range 3-day Rwanda gorilla and golden monkey safari can start around US$2,550 per person for two travelers, depending on the travel date, accommodation and permits. The final price should be confirmed before booking.
Rwanda's official tourism website currently lists the international gorilla trekking permit at US$1,500 per person per day. Special rates may apply to eligible categories, so travelers should confirm the applicable rate for their circumstances.
The total trek varies according to the location of the assigned gorilla family. Rwanda's official itinerary states that tracking can take around 90 minutes or extend through the morning.
The current Rwanda tourism guidance states that tourist encounters with gorilla groups are limited to a maximum of one hour per day.
The current minimum age is 15 years old.
This safari starts in Kigali and travels approximately three hours north to the Volcanoes National Park area.
Yes. This is one of the official tourism itineraries promoted by Rwanda: Day 1 Kigali to Volcanoes National Park, Day 2 gorilla tracking and Day 3 golden monkey tracking before returning to Kigali.
Golden monkey trekking requires walking through forest terrain that can be steep, slippery and muddy. A reasonable level of fitness and suitable footwear are recommended.
Yes. If your international flight arrives early enough, a Kigali city experience can be added before transferring to Volcanoes National Park. Alternatively, an additional night in Kigali can be added after the safari.
Why Book With Berengei Africa Safaris?
Berengei Africa Safaris is a locally owned East African safari company specializing in gorilla trekking, wildlife safaris, chimpanzee tracking, birding and cultural experiences. Our team helps travelers coordinate the major components of a comprehensive Rwanda safari — including accommodation, permits, private transportation, park activities, and local experiences.
Book the 3-Day Rwanda Gorilla & Golden Monkey Safari
Experience two of Rwanda's most remarkable primates on one carefully planned safari. We can arrange the permits, private transportation, accommodation and guiding around your preferred travel dates. Contact us today to check permit availability.
