4 Days Rwanda Gorilla and Golden Monkey Safari

Safari Overview

Two memorable primate experiences in the Virunga foothills, with scenic highland travel and time at Lake Kivu. This is a private safari proposal, with your accommodation choices and activity arrangements agreed before booking. Travel times are indicative and depend on roads, weather, park arrangements and border formalities where applicable.

Suggested route: Kigali – Volcanoes National Park – Lake Kivu – Kigali.

Detailed Day-by-Day Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Kigali to the Virunga foothills

After meeting your guide in Kigali, travel north through rolling hills to Musanze. Stop for refreshments and countryside views before settling into a lodge near Volcanoes National Park. Your guide will go over park timing and trek expectations, leaving the evening free to rest before an active morning.

Overnight: A suitable lodge or hotel in the overnight destination, chosen after your preferred comfort level and availability are confirmed.

Day 2: Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes

Start early at the park briefing centre in Kinigi and continue with your ranger group to the appropriate trailhead. Hike through highland vegetation to find your assigned gorilla family; the route and duration depend on their location. Follow viewing rules and enjoy the encounter before returning to your lodge for lunch and recovery.

Overnight: A suitable lodge or hotel in the overnight destination, chosen after your preferred comfort level and availability are confirmed.

Day 3: Golden monkey tracking and Lake Kivu

Return to the park area for a guided golden monkey tracking excursion through bamboo habitat. Afterwards, travel toward the shores of Lake Kivu, a scenic freshwater lake along Rwanda's western side. Check in to a lakeside hotel and enjoy a relaxed late afternoon, with a gentle waterfront walk if time permits.

Overnight: A suitable lodge or hotel in the overnight destination, chosen after your preferred comfort level and availability are confirmed.

Day 4: Lake Kivu and Kigali departure

Take breakfast by the lake, then begin the drive back to Kigali. The route offers memorable hillside views and small-town scenes. Stop for lunch if time allows and finish with a hotel or airport drop-off. Travel time should be checked carefully against any same-day international departure.

Overnight: Safari ends after the agreed drop-off; additional accommodation can be arranged if required.

What Your Safari Quotation Can Include

• Private vehicle and professional driver-guide for the agreed route
• Accommodation in the agreed category for the confirmed nights
• Meals as specified in your final written quotation
• Park entries and pre-booked activities explicitly listed as included
• Airport, hotel or border transfers listed in the itinerary

Normally Excluded Unless Quoted Otherwise

• International flights, visa costs and personal travel insurance
• Gratuities, extra drinks and personal purchases
• Optional experiences not specified in the confirmed programme
• Gorilla, chimpanzee and golden monkey permits unless clearly included in the final quotation
• Any costs arising from independent programme changes

Important Safari Planning Notes

Gorilla trekking participants must be at least 15 years old. Permit availability is limited and every trek follows the relevant park authority rules. Wild animals move freely, so sightings and trekking durations cannot be guaranteed. Accommodation and activities are proposed options until we confirm space and receive your approval. Please share your travel dates and group size for a current quotation.

Ready to enquire? Use the safari enquiry form below and mention this itinerary. We can discuss preferred lodges, routing and a realistic travel pace before finalising your booking.