Rwanda, Uganda · Primate Tours

3-Day Primate Safari from Kigali with Gorilla and Golden Monkey Treks

3 Days Round trip from Rwanda Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Trek through bamboo forests to encounter rare golden monkeys in their natural habitat
02 Experience the beauty of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest after crossing into Uganda
03 Embark on an unforgettable gorilla trekking adventure with expert guides
04 Observe mountain gorillas up close and witness their fascinating behaviors

Embark on a 3-day primate safari from Kigali through Rwanda and Uganda, combining two of East Africa's most memorable wildlife encounters. Travel through the scenic "land of a thousand hills" to Volcanoes National Park for a golden monkey trek in the bamboo forests, then continue across the border to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. The journey culminates with an unforgettable gorilla trekking experience, where you will observe a family of mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.

The journey culminates with an unforgettable gorilla trekking experience, where you will observe a family of mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 3 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

Cities Kigali, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Volcanoes National Park

Languages English, French, German, Italian, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Arrival in Kigali and Scenic Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

Meet your guide at Kigali International Airport.
Take a brief city tour with an optional visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, time permitting.
Drive through Rwanda's scenic "land of a thousand hills" en route to Volcanoes National Park.
Arrive at your mid-range lodge by midday.
Spend the afternoon at leisure, resting and preparing for the golden monkey trek.

Accommodation: Volcanoes Hotel

Meals: Full Board

Day 02

Golden Monkey Trek and Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Begin the day with an early breakfast.
Attend a briefing at Volcanoes National Park headquarters.
Trek for 2 to 4 hours through bamboo forests to find habituated golden monkeys.
Spend one magical hour observing the playful troop.
Return to the lodge for a short rest.
Drive to the Cyanika border and cross into Uganda.
Continue to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and arrive at your lodge by late afternoon.

Accommodation: Gorilla Safari Lodge

Meals: Full Board

Day 03

Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi and Return to Kigali

Wake early for gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Attend a detailed briefing at the park headquarters.
Hike through dense rainforest to find a family of mountain gorillas.
Spend one unforgettable hour observing their natural behavior.
Return to the lodge for lunch.
Drive back to Kigali for an evening drop-off at your hotel or Kigali International Airport.

Accommodation: Not included (End of tour)

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Where this trip takes you

Volcanoes National Park bamboo forests, golden monkeys, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park rainforest

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Rwanda 3 cities · 3 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Park fees for Volcanoes National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
One gorilla trekking permit and one golden monkey trekking permit per person
All trekking and activities as specified in the itinerary
Two nights' accommodation in mid-range lodges
A professional, English-speaking driver/guide
All ground transportation in a comfortable 4x4 vehicle
All taxes and VAT
Round-trip airport transfers
Meals as specified in the day-by-day section
Drinking water provided on all days

What's Not Included

International flights to and from Kigali
Any additional accommodation before or after the tour
Gratuities for guides, porters, and staff
Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, and other personal items
Any government-imposed increases in taxes and/or park fees

What to bring

Clothing: Pack long-sleeved shirts and trousers in neutral colors to protect against insects and scratches. A waterproof or rain jacket is essential, as the weather in the rainforest is unpredictable.
Footwear: Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots are a must for navigating muddy and steep trails.
Gear: A small backpack, a camera (without flash), extra batteries, and binoculars. Hiking gloves can be helpful for gripping branches.
Health and Safety: A face mask (required for gorilla trekking), hand sanitizer, and strong insect repellent.
Other: A reusable water bottle, energy-boosting snacks, and a hat.

Know before you go

Permits and Regulations: Gorilla and golden monkey trekking permits are pre-booked and included in the tour price. These permits are highly sought after, so booking in advance is crucial. Face masks are required when in the presence of the gorillas to protect them from human illnesses.
Physical Fitness: The treks can be strenuous and require a reasonable level of physical fitness. The duration can range from 2 to 6 hours or more, depending on the location of the primates.
Road Conditions: The journey between locations can be long and on bumpy roads. The drives are scenic but can be tiring.
Tipping: Tipping is not included and is highly appreciated for guides, porters, and lodge staff. A guideline of US$10 per person per day for the guide is recommended.
Currency: While major currencies like USD are accepted, it is advisable to have some local currency (Ugandan Shilling or Rwandan Franc) for small purchases.

Logistics