3-Day Into the Wild: Trek Gorillas, Golden Monkeys & Culture｜Rwanda

Day 1: Kigali City Tour → Volcanoes National Park → Ellen DeGeneres Campus

Your adventure begins with a morning pickup from Kigali International Airport or your hotel by your professional driver-guide. Start with a short Kigali city tour and visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial to learn about Rwanda’s history, resilience, and journey of recovery.

After lunch at a local restaurant, drive north toward Musanze and Volcanoes National Park, home to Rwanda’s iconic mountain gorillas and golden monkeys. Enjoy breathtaking views of Rwanda’s rolling hills, green countryside, local communities, and volcanic landscapes along the way.

Upon arrival in Musanze, visit the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, an inspiring conservation and education center near Volcanoes National Park. Discover Dian Fossey’s legacy, explore her contribution to gorilla research, and learn about the ongoing efforts to protect mountain gorillas.

After this inspiring conservation experience, check in at your lodge, enjoy dinner, and relax ahead of your gorilla trekking adventure.

Day 2: Gorilla Trekking & Gorilla Guardians Village

After breakfast, your driver-guide will take you to the park Office for a briefing with the park guides. Learn about trekking guidelines, gorilla behavior, safety, and conservation before entering the misty Virunga rainforest.

Trek through lush vegetation and spectacular mountain scenery as you search for one of the park’s habituated gorilla families. The trek may take approximately 1–4 hours or more, depending on the gorillas’ location and movements.

Once you find the gorillas, enjoy a magical encounter observing their natural behavior, family interactions, and fascinating personalities. Take memorable photographs while respecting the park’s wildlife guidelines.

After the trek, return to Musanze for lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, visit Gorilla Guardians Village, formerly known as Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village. Experience traditional music, dance, storytelling, local traditions, and authentic Rwandan culture.

Return to your lodge for dinner, relaxation, and overnight stay.

Day 3: Golden Monkey Trekking → Kigali

After an early breakfast, head to the Volcanoes National Park headquarters for your golden monkey trekking adventure.

Meet your experienced park guides, receive a briefing, and enter the beautiful bamboo and montane forests in search of Rwanda’s playful and endangered golden monkeys.

Once you encounter a troop, watch these energetic primates as they leap through the trees, interact with each other, and explore their natural habitat. Enjoy an unforgettable wildlife experience and capture incredible photographs surrounded by the spectacular Virunga Mountains.

After completing the trek, return to Musanze for lunch at a local restaurant before beginning your scenic journey back to Kigali. you will be dropped off at your hotel or Kigali International Airport.