5-Day Rwanda Gorilla & Golden Monkey Highland Trek
Safari Overview
A transformative pilgrimage. Hike misty bamboo slopes of Volcanoes National Park to sit feet away from a wild Mountain Gorilla family, tracking playful Golden Monkeys the next morning.
Key Expedition Highlights
- An hour of silent connection with a wild Mountain Gorilla family
- Track rare, active Golden Monkeys in bamboo branches
- Follow the legacy of Dian Fossey at her historic gravesite
- Luxury forest log cabins with roaring hearth fires
Full Day-by-Day Itinerary
Kigali to Volcanoes National Park Mist
Arrive in Kigali. Visit the iconic, moving Kigali Genocide Memorial before taking a scenic drive through Rwanda's stunning rolling green hills. Ascend into the beautiful volcanic Virunga Mountain range, check in to your forest resort, and sip local tea by the fireplace.
Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda) Info & Metadata
Volcanoes: Dian Fossey's Sanctuary
A magnificent highland park encompassing five peaks of the Virunga chain, protecting the world's last Mountain Gorillas.
- Mountain Gorillas
- Stunning Virunga peaks
- Bambara forests
The Great Mountain Gorilla Trekking Experience
Rise early for briefing at Park headquarters, sipping warm organic robusta coffee. Set out into dense misty bamboo forests led by expert trackers and porters. Scramble up bamboo vines to meet a habituated gorilla family. Sit just meters away as giant silverbacks protect mothers and playful babies wrestle in branches. Return to lodge for boot detailing.
Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda) Info & Metadata
Volcanoes: Gorilla Habitats
A mystical forest region of damp moss and giant bamboo, offering life-altering wildlife connections.
- Intimate silverback meetings
- Expert wildlife rangers
- Rethinking nature lines
Lodges & Recommendation Options:
Golden Monkey Tracking & Cultural Bomas
Head back to park lines to track rare, critically endangered Golden monkeys. Scurry through bamboo undergrowth watching them leap, swing, and snack on raw bamboo shoots. Enjoy a gourmet lunch before visiting local cultural villages to listen to Swahili drumming.
Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda) Info & Metadata
Volcanoes: Dian Fossey's Sanctuary
Home to multiple unique primates and birds localized strictly inside this volcanic corridor.
- Golden Monkey colonies
- Swahili drum ceremonies
- Reforestation planting
Dian Fossey Grave Hike or Bisoke Volcanic Peak
Embark on a challenging but rewarding trek to Dian Fossey's Karisoke Research Center gravesite, located between Mount Karisimbi and Mount Visoke. Gain deep respect for her sacrifice to save primates. Later, unwind with a organic massage session.
Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda) Info & Metadata
Volcanoes: Dian Fossey's Legacy
Deep rainforest historical sites that changed global mountain gorilla conservation.
- Dian Fossey gravesite
- Challenging volcanic routes
- Wild forest orchids
Volcanoes Forest back to Kigali Departure
Have a peaceful late breakfast overlooking misty rainforest peaks. Savor the last views of green tea hills as you drive back to Kigali. Board your international flights with lifelong primate memories.
Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda) Info & Metadata
Kigali: Capital of Hills
A beautiful, exceptionally clean, modern capital set on beautiful rolling hills in Central Africa.
- Local Swahili spice markets
- Art galleries
- Genocide historical sites
Configure & Book
Customize your experience. See instant rates and secure your safari spots.
Related Itineraries in Rwanda
2-Day Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Express
An elite shortcut to the misty highlands of Volcanoes National Park. Hike bamboo paths to spend a magical hour with endangered mountain gorillas, returning via Kigali.
4-Day Gorillas & Golden Monkeys Highland Track
Double the wild primate adventure. Trek to sit face-to-face with Volcanoes’ mountain gorillas, and track the colorful, lively golden monkeys leaping through forest heights.
6-Day Rwanda Savanna & Mountain Gorilla Expedition
The perfect combination. Look for elephants, lions, and rhinos on boat cruises in Akagera’s savanna wetlands, then head to Musanze for gorilla trekking.