🦍 Gorilla Trekking
Kigali history and two remarkable primate treks
Day 1
Your Rwandan adventure begins at Kigali International Airport.
Upon arrival, you will be welcomed by your safari guide and transferred to your hand-picked hotel.
Your guide will provide a short briefing about the journey, including the exciting gorilla trekking experience ahead.
Depending on your arrival time, there may be an opportunity for an additional activity or a little exploration of Kigali. Otherwise, enjoy a relaxing evening and prepare for the adventure ahead.
TODAY'S HIGHLIGHT: Airport Welcome • Safari Briefing • Kigali
Overnight: Hand-picked hotel, Kigali
Meals: Depending on arrival time
Day 2
After breakfast, visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial. This important memorial provides an opportunity to learn about Rwanda's history and remember the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
After the visit, leave Kigali and begin the scenic journey towards Volcanoes National Park.
As you travel north, the landscape gradually changes into Rwanda's famous mountainous countryside.
Arrive at your hand-picked lodge, check in and enjoy the surroundings of the Virunga region. Take the evening to relax and prepare for an early start the following morning.
TODAY'S HIGHLIGHT: Kigali Genocide Memorial & The Virunga Volcanoes
Overnight: Hand-picked lodge, Volcanoes National Park
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 3
Wake early and prepare for one of the world's most extraordinary wildlife experiences.
After breakfast, head into Volcanoes National Park for your mountain gorilla trek. With experienced guides and trackers, enter the beautiful rainforest in search of a habituated gorilla family.
The trek itself is part of the adventure as you move through the forest surrounded by the dramatic Virunga volcanoes. Then comes the unforgettable moment — finding the gorillas.
Spend your permitted time quietly observing their behaviour, interactions and family life. After the trek, return to the lodge to relax and recover.
Later, visit the Dian Fossey exhibition at the Ellen DeGeneres Campus. Discover the story of Dian Fossey, her pioneering work with mountain gorillas and the conservation legacy that continues today.
Before returning to your lodge, enjoy time for souvenir shopping and take home a meaningful reminder of your Rwanda journey.
TODAY'S HIGHLIGHT: Mountain Gorilla Trekking • Dian Fossey Exhibition • Souvenir Shopping
Overnight: Hand-picked lodge
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 4
Start the morning with another special experience in Volcanoes National Park — a golden monkey trek.
Enter the forest in search of these beautiful and energetic primates while enjoying the unique scenery of the Virunga region.
After the trek, begin your transfer back to Kigali.
Depending on your departure schedule, there may be time for a final meal, shopping or a short stop in Kigali before continuing to the airport.
Your four-day Rwanda adventure comes to an end as you depart Rwanda with memories of mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, volcanoes, culture and unforgettable moments in the forest.
TODAY'S HIGHLIGHT: Golden Monkey Trekking • Scenic Journey to Kigali • Departure
Overnight: —
Meals: Breakfast
Mountain Gorilla Trekking
Enter Volcanoes National Park's rainforest and spend an unforgettable moment observing a habituated mountain gorilla family.
Golden Monkey Trekking
Begin another forest adventure in search of Rwanda's playful and beautiful golden monkeys.
Dian Fossey Exhibition
Visit the Ellen DeGeneres Campus and discover the life, research and conservation legacy of Dian Fossey.
Kigali Genocide Memorial
Visit one of Rwanda's important historical sites and learn about the country's difficult past and journey of remembrance.
Local Souvenirs
Enjoy time for souvenir shopping and take home a meaningful reminder of your Rwanda experience.
Volcanoes National Park
Travel through the dramatic landscapes of Rwanda's Virunga region, surrounded by the country's volcanic mountains.
The Gorillas Are the Heart of the Journey
The opportunity to sit quietly in the forest observing a mountain gorilla family is an experience that can stay with you for a lifetime.
A Journey With Meaning
The Kigali Genocide Memorial and Dian Fossey exhibition provide important cultural, historical and conservation context alongside the wildlife experience.
Two Primate Experiences
Experience both mountain gorillas and golden monkeys, giving you two very different encounters within Rwanda's spectacular Volcanoes region.
Perfect for a Short Rwanda Escape
With only four days, the itinerary concentrates on some of Rwanda's most meaningful experiences without trying to cover too much ground.
Gorilla Trekking Is Active
Gorilla trekking takes place in a natural rainforest environment. Terrain can be steep, muddy and slippery, and trekking duration depends on the location of the gorilla family.
Forest Weather
Rain can occur in the mountains even during generally drier periods. Bring a lightweight waterproof jacket or poncho.
Good Footwear Is Important
Comfortable hiking shoes or boots with good grip are highly recommended.
Pack a Small Day Bag
Carry drinking water, rain protection, camera, insect repellent, personal medication, light snacks and sun protection.
Wildlife Is Wild
Gorilla and golden monkey sightings cannot be guaranteed. These are wild animals, and their movements determine where and how long you trek.
Camera & Respect
Bring your camera and follow the instructions of your guides and trackers when photographing wildlife.
Layer Your Clothing
Temperatures can change quickly in the mountains. Lightweight layers are recommended.
DAY 1: Arrival in Kigali • Airport pickup • Briefing • Hand-picked hotel
DAY 2: Kigali Genocide Memorial • Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
DAY 3: Gorilla Trekking • Dian Fossey Exhibition • Souvenir Shopping
DAY 4: Golden Monkey Trekking • Transfer to Kigali • Departure
WILDLIFE Mountain Gorillas • Golden Monkeys
Kigali Genocide Memorial • Dian Fossey Exhibition • Local Souvenir Shopping
Volcanoes National Park • Virunga Mountains • Rwanda's Scenic Countryside
A four-day journey may be short, but the experiences can last a lifetime.
You will leave Rwanda having walked through the forest in search of mountain gorillas, watched golden monkeys in their natural environment, learned about Dian Fossey's conservation legacy, reflected on Rwanda's history and experienced the beauty of the Virunga Mountains.
Your Rwanda adventure awaits.
