Meet the primates of Rwanda See Rwanda's Gorillas & Golden monkeys
- Information
- Tour Plan
- Gallery
- Similar Safaris
- Notes & Packing
What's included
- 1 Gorilla tracking permit per person
- Accommodation as mentioned in the itinerary
- Bottled drinking water throughout the safari
- English-speaking driver/guide
- Ground transportation in 4WD safari car
- Meals indicated in the itinerary
- Park / Activity Fees
- International flights
- Personal expenses
- Personal travel insurance
- Services not specifically stated in the itinerary
- Tips and gratuities
- Visa fees
4 Days Rwanda Tour
Quick Overview
This 4 day Rwanda tour takes you to meet the primates of Volcanoes National Park – the mountain gorillas and golden monkeys.
Starting in Kigali, you will go to Volcanoes where you will get the chance to hike and search for gorillas, and then spend 1 hour with them. After your time with gorillas, you will have time to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
You will go back into the park to track golden monkeys – the playful and less-known about primates that are very endangered. From the golden monkeys, you have the option of visiting the local area and enjoying some cultural experiences and presentations to teach you about the ways and norms of the Rwandan people.
Finally, you will return to Kigali for your onward flight back home. You will have some time for a city tour and souvenir shopping in Rwanda’s capital.
This Rwanda tour can be personalized to best match your interests and wishes, so that your experience and journey is unique to you.
Highlights
Destinations: Kigali, Volcanoes National Park, Iby’iwacu Cultural Village, Ruhengeri
Activities: Gorilla trekking, Golden monkey tracking,Cultural Experiences, Kigali city tour
- Day 1:
- Day 2:
- Day 3:
- Day 4:
Arrival, Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Today, your guide will meet you in Kigali and drive you to Volcanoes National Park. The drive to Volcanoes takes around 2 hours, and you might choose to explore Kigali first, or go early and have some time to explore Ruhengeri and Volcanoes NP.
You will reach Volcanoes early and you can relax or explore the surrounding areas. You shall have dinner and rest as you await the gorilla experience of the next day.
Accommodation
- Budget: Muhabura Guest House
- Mid-range: Da Vinci Lodge
- Luxury: Virunga Lodge
Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes NP
After breakfast, you will go to the park offices where your driver-guide will accomplish the necessary formalities for you. You will meet your ranger guide(s) for a briefing about the upcoming gorilla trekking.
After assigning your gorilla group you will then enter the jungle for your gorilla trekking experience in Rwanda. You will hike through the park and after meeting the gorillas, you will spend 1 hour with them and then return to the starting point to meet your guide.
After the trekking, the evening is spent on a community walk in Ruhengere to take you through the local communities, how they live plus their ordinary life style especially those staying near the park.
Accommodation
- Budget: Muhabura Guest House
- Mid-range: Da Vinci Lodge
- Luxury: Virunga Lodge
Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Golden Monkey Tracking, Optional Afternoon Community Visit
Today, you will go back for more primates, but this time it is the jolly and stunning golden monkeys.
While they are not as popular as gorillas, golden monkeys can only be found in the Virunga massif which covers the 3 connected parks of Mgahinga, Volcanoes and Virunga in Uganda, Rwanda and DR.Cong respectively.
They are very playful and intelligent animals with intricate social structures, and of course the distinct golden fur which stands out against the green background of the bamboo forests where they like to spend their day.
In the afternoon, you can choose to go for a community visit to learn about the culture and norms of the Rwandans who live near gorillas.
The village also gives a chance to the visitors to enjoy the eight different local dances, listen to Gorilla songs, local food preparations, visit the local healer, visit the king’s place and get to hear all the old stories.
Accommodation
- Budget: Muhabura Guest House
- Mid-range: Da Vinci Lodge
- Luxury: Virunga Lodge
Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Drive to Kigali, Departure
After your breakfast, you will leave for Kigali.
Depending on your flight time, you might have some hours for shopping and enjoying Kigali City. Our guide will take you to the airport for your flight, and this will mark the end of your safari.
Accommodation
- (X) - Last day
Notes of Chimp & Gorilla Trekking
Here are some important things to know about tracking gorillas or chimps in Uganda and Rwanda.
- Minimum age allowed to track chimps is 12 years old.
- Minimum age allowed to track gorillas is 15 years old.
- Tracking gorillas is quite strenuous and one should be physically fit to best enjoy the experience.
- Anyone with signs of communicable diseases will not be allowed to track chimps or gorillas.
- Maximum time allowed with the gorillas or chimps is 1 hour.
Packing Recommendation
Here are some general safari packing recommendations to consider. Your agreed itinerary will have recommendations based on your trip and schedule.
- Lightweight rain poncho
- Long sleeve shirt
- Sturdy hiking shoes
- Waterproof trousers
- gardening-type gloves
- Sunscreen
- Wide brim hat
- Insect repellent
- Camera with extra batteries and cards
- Your regular medication
- Phone/gadget chargers
Visas for Uganda or Rwanda
Both Rwanda and Uganda have simple to use online visa self-service portals where you can apply and get your visa in a few days. Here are the full articles to guide you about visas.
- Uganda visa requirements and processes for tourist
- Rwanda visa requirements and processes for tourist
Best time to visit Uganda or Rwanda
For most people, it is more pleasant and enjoyable to visit Uganda or Rwanda during the dry season months (June to September and December to February). The general climate is warm and sunny all year round, and you can visit at any time of the year.
If you don't enjoy crowds, the shoulder seasons are ideal since the tourist numbers are lower and the attractions are more intimate to explore.
Safety. Is its safe to visit?
Both Uganda and Rwanda are very safe countries to visit and live in. They are some of Africa's most visited countries and hailed for the friendly locals and warm welcoming smiles.
If you have any safety concerns or specifics your are worried about, simply reach out to us and we'll do everything to help you.
Why Choose Exclusive African Safaris
We are a full service Destination Management Company started and operating in Uganda since 2008. In more than 15 years, we have served guests from all parts of the world and helped them to enjoy wonderful experiences of the wild places, cultures and people in Uganda and Rwanda.
Choosing Exclusive African Safaris, is choosing to go with a trusted company whose wide network, experienced guides and staff will make sure that your safari experience is all that you wanted - and more.
Customizing your safari experience
All our safari packages can be customized and personalized to fit your budget, preferences and schedule. You can start the process through an already existing safari which is speaking to you - but not quite fully, and we shall tailor that trip to your wishes.
You can also directly reach out for us and request for a custom safari, and we shall work closely with you, start from scratch and build a safari that is 100% you.
