Rwanda Gorillas & Golden Monkeys Safari

What makes this journey.

• Two mountain gorilla treks in Volcanoes National Park, spend time observing habituated gorilla families in their natural mountain habitat.
• Golden Monkey Trekking, you get a chance to track Rwanda's endangered golden monkeys in the bamboo forests of Volcanoes National Park
• Volcanoes National Park -Explore the spectacular Virunga volcanic landscape in northern Rwanda. The park is surrounded by dramatic volcanic peaks and lush green mountain slopes.
• Lush Mountain Forests, Trek through dense bamboo and montane vegetation.
• Dian Fossey & Gorilla Conservation, Learn about Dian Fossey's pioneering work with mountain gorillas.
• Private Safari Experience , Travel by private 4x4 rather than joining a large group.
• Conservation-Focused Safari This is more than a traditional wildlife safari. Gorilla trekking directly contributes to Rwanda's conservation and tourism economy.

1. Day1

   Arrival in Kigali

   Arrival

   On arrival at Kigali International Airport you are met by our representative for the short transfer to the Kigali Serena Hotel, an elegant retreat in the heart of the city. Depending on your arrival time, join a guided city tour taking in the local craft markets, the vibrant streets of one of Africa's most forward looking capitals and, for those who wish, the moving Kigali Genocide Memorial. Spend the evening at leisure ahead of your safari.

   Where you stay Kigali Serena Hotel
2. Day2

   Drive to Kinigi, In the Footsteps of Dian Fossey

   After a relaxed breakfast, set off on the scenic drive northwest through Rwanda's famous terraced hills towards Kinigi, at the foot of the Virunga volcanoes, a journey of around two and a half hours. On the way, stop at the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, where the museum's interactive galleries tell the story of Dian Fossey's pioneering work at Karisoke and the remarkable recovery of the mountain gorilla. It is the perfect introduction to the forests you will enter tomorrow. Continue the short distance to Sambora Kinigi for lunch and spend the afternoon settling in, with the cones of Sabyinyo, Bisoke and Karisimbi rising above the gardens. For those with energy to spare, an afternoon visit to the Gorilla Guardians cultural village offers a warm introduction to local life through drumming, dance and tradition.

   Where you stay Sambora Kinigi Lodge
3. Day3

   First Gorilla Trek

   Rise early for a hearty breakfast before the short drive to the park headquarters at Kinigi for your briefing and allocation to one of the park's habituated gorilla families. Then follow your rangers up through farmland and into the ancient afro montane forest. Treks can take from one to several hours depending on where the family has moved, and the reward is a full hour in the presence of these extraordinary animals. Return to the lodge for a late lunch and a restful afternoon, with time for a massage or simply the volcano views.

   Where you stay Sambora Kinigi Lodge
4. Day4

   Second Gorilla Trek

   Return to the park headquarters for your second trek, this time with a different habituated family. No two encounters are ever alike, and a second trek reveals new personalities, new behaviour and, for photographers, a second chance at the images of a lifetime. Return to the lodge in the afternoon to relax and celebrate an extraordinary few days in the Virungas.

   Where you stay Sambora Kinigi Lodge
5. Day5

   Golden Monkey Trek, Return to Kigali, Depart

   Departure

   A final early briefing at the park headquarters, this time for the golden monkeys. The trek into the bamboo zone is gentler than the gorilla treks, and the reward is an hour among a large, playful troop of these rare, copper coated primates, found only in the Virungas. Return to the lodge for brunch before the drive back to Kigali, arriving in good time to connect with your evening international flight.