Gorilla and Golden Monkey Discovery
A succinct trip to the emerald slopes of Volcanoes National Park to meet the rare and enchanting Mountain Gorilla and Golden Monkey
Personalised journeys from start to finish
Every trip helps support Conservation
Every detail taken care of
What's included
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All accommodation including breakfast (some hotels may include more meals & activities)
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All tours specified in the example itinerary
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All private ground transfers
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One gorilla tracking permit per person
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One golden monkey tracking permit per person
At a glance
This five-day tour of Rwanda takes you from the capital of Kigali to the lush Volcanoes National Park for an exceptional and exclusive Mountain Gorilla encounter.
Spend your days meeting these mighty but gravely endangered creatures alongside your specialist guide on an intrepid and intimate trek through the east African rainforest. Then, go on to see the rare and charismatic Golden Monkey for yet another special primate adventure.
Staying in luxury, hand-picked hotels, this exciting itinerary includes private-led tours for animal encounters and other excursions such as visits to Dian Fossey’s research station and the beautiful twin lakes, Burera and Ruhondo.
Example trip itinerary
Kigali
Arrival at Kigali Airport
On arrival at Kigali airport clear Rwanda customs & immigration formalities and proceed to Arrivals where you will be met by your private transfer driver.
Accommodation in Kigali
Kigali
Highlights
- Entirely solar-powered
- 11 rooms with outdoor rain showers and private patios
- Indulge on international cuisine combined with Rwandan and African flavours
- Relax at the hotel's spa
- The Retreat supports and develops the local community through various programmes
Overview
The Retreat by Heaven is a charming and inviting small boutique hotel, recognised as Kigali’s first entirely solar-powered resort, as well as maintaining countless other eco-friendly credentials throughout its make up, including locally crafted sustainable teak wood furniture. The hotel enjoys a great location on a quiet and peaceful, tree-lined street in the Kiyovu neighbourhood of the city, and is just minutes from the city centre, ensuring it’s in a prime location for discovering Kigali.
At the centre of everything The Retreat does is its people, and support and development of the local community are important parts of its operation. Through various programmes they hope to help develop future leaders in Rwanda’s fast-growing hospitality industry.
Guests will have a choice of 11 expansive rooms, with features such as peaked ceilings, front and rear private patios, bathrooms with indoor and outdoor rain showers, and air conditioning. The interior of each room is light, airy and spacious, featuring plenty of wood for a natural vibe, as well as touches of local art and decoration to add an element of tradition.
There’s a fantastic on-site restaurant in which to indulge, known as Fusion. Blending international cuisine with local Rwandan and African flavours with a focus on quality local ingredients, the restaurant is set beside the hotel’s inviting saltwater swimming pool. Guests can find further relaxation in the shape of the hotel’s spa, giving them the chance to nurture themselves across a range of skincare or massage treatments, as well as relax in the Jacuzzi or sauna.
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The impact of your stay:
- The hotel is part of the Heaven portfolio, a purpose-driven social enterprise founded by Josh and Alissa Huxin, who, captivated by Rwanda during their honeymoon, envisioned contributing to the development of its most crucial resource: its people. Originating as a restaurant and hospitality training facility in 2008, they have since trained over 3000 Rwandans and expanded to include two hotels and restaurants, including The Retreat.
- Custom-built by local craftspeople, The Retreat showcases Rwandan arts, photography, experiences, and agriculture. Central to its operations is the empowerment of the local community, with a focus on sourcing locally.
- At present, The Retreat assists several staff members in ongoing education programs and offers crucial support to vulnerable youth, covering their education, food, and housing.
Kigali
Overview
A very comfortable business-style hotel in central Kigali and only ten kilometres from the city’s international airport, this is a good option for those passing through onto other destinations or to relax before your flight home.
A good and efficient level of facilities means you don’t have to go far for beverage, swim, stroll or meal and the staff are always very helpful here.
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Overnight in Kigali
Enjoy a night in Kigali, you'll have our list of recommended restaurants and attractions to make sure you make the most of your time here.
Kigali City Tour
You will be met with your private guide and explore the city of Kigali, including the Genocide Museum.
Transfer
Private road transfer from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park
Accommodation in Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park
Highlights
- Six forest villas
- Dining area and bar
- Spa
- Tree nursery
- Gorilla treks
- Forest hikes and village walks
- Golden monkey treks
- Tree planting
- Visit Dian Fossey's research camp
Overview
Utterly unique in its design, six sumptuous forest villas are luxurious while retaining environmental principles and reflecting the culture of the surrounding country. Each has a generous yet intimate combination of bedroom, reception space and bathroom, heated by a central fireplace and a private deck looking out to Mount Bisoke.
The spherical stone and thatch architecture, said to be inspired by the Royal Palace of traditional monarchs, continues through to the communal areas such as the dining room, bar and spa, detailed with a variety of woven materials, local crafts and more modern touches.
Wilderness Bisate is a short drive to the national park’s headquarters, from where gorilla treks depart daily, and you can also embark upon forest hikes to see rare Golden Monkeys and other wildlife. Visit the site of Dian Fossey’s research camp and grave, meet the community on guided village walks, plant a tree as part of the Wilderness Bisate’s reforestation project or perhaps tag along with the chef to the local market to buy ingredients for dinner.
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The impact of your stay:
- Originally spanning 28,000 hectares, Gishwati Forest dwindled to just 886 hectares, a 98% reduction post-genocide and refugee return. This loss led to a significant biodiversity decline. Wilderness Bisate encourages guests to join the reforestation programme, offering visits to the indigenous tree nursery and bamboo greenhouse. Guests learn about various tree species, ongoing reforestation, and can actively contribute by picking saplings and planting their own trees.
- The reforestation programme at Bisate has proven successful as mountain gorillas now explore the regenerated area beyond the park boundaries. A notable achievement occurred when the lodge realised it had hosted its first forest elephant. Further confirmation of the program’s impact on expanding wildlife habitat came from trail cameras capturing images of various species, including iconic golden monkeys, servals, buffalos, side-striped jackals, and numerous forest bird species. These animals, typically residents of the neighbouring Volcanoes National Park (VNP), have now established themselves on the recently reforested grounds.
- Wilderness Bisate Lodge fosters a strong connection with the Bisate Community Committee, employing a collaborative and participatory approach to decision-making. This ensures that their initiatives have the most significant and pertinent impact possible.
Volcanoes National Park
Highlights
- Community-owned lodge
- Cottage with views over the volcanoes
- Direct access to Volcanoes National Park for gorilla trekking
- In-room massage
- Local village visits
- Organic vegetable garden on-site
- Traditional cuisine served throughout your stay
Overview
Views of the Virunga Massif will have you spellbound here, as this cosy lodge sits within the foothills of some of Rwanda’s highest mountains. With just six stone cottages, each with bright airy decor that complements the natural surroundings, this lodge is an intimate place to hide away between adventures in the surrounding jungles.
Whether it’s gorilla trekking or golden monkey tracking, or perhaps a cultural visit to nearby villages, your days here will always be enthralling. Return to the lodge and you can opt for a soothing massage to repair aching muscles after long hikes, or relax in the comfort of your cottage by the warming fire. If you prefer to stay put, you can wander the beautiful gardens and see endemic Rwandan birdlife within the lodge’s grounds.
With low-impact food on the agenda, you’ll dine on fine food made with vegetables from the lodge’s own gardens. Expect traditional Rwandan meals with sweet potato and plantain at its heart, each with its own modern twist invented by the creative chefs. And you’ll rest easy at night knowing this lodge is a community-owned endeavour, empowering locals to engage with the country’s popular gorilla tourism industry.
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The impact of your stay:
- Wilderness Sabyinyo, Rwanda’s inaugural community-owned lodge, partners closely with the Sabyinyo Community Livelihood Association to drive social empowerment and conservation in the surrounding areas. Employing local staff and sourcing crafts locally, the lodge is dedicated to enhancing the region’s economic sustainability.
- Situated near Volcanoes National Park in north-western Rwanda, Sabyinyo Lodge rests in the foothills of the Virunga Massif – a chain of eight volcanoes housing endangered mountain gorillas. Through a gorilla habitat expansion and reforestation project, Wilderness Sabyinyo plays a vital role in revitalising the indigenous landscape, promoting the resurgence of gorilla populations in the region.
- In collaboration with Rushubi Primary & Secondary School near Sabyinyo and Volcanoes National Park, Wilderness has initiated successful eco-club programmes. These initiatives provide students a platform to deepen their environmental knowledge, while the partnership improves the school’s learning environment through initiatives like solar electricity, vegetable gardens, libraries, rainwater harvesting systems, and essential repairs and maintenance.
Volcanoes National Park
Highlights
- 8 stone cottages
- Restaurant
- Bar & lounge
- Gorilla trekking and tracking
- Dian Fossey hike
- Golden Monkey tracking
- Climb Karisimbi and Visoke volcanoes
- Cultural visits
- Walk to Lake Bulera
- Hike the Crater View Trail
- Visit Lake Kivu
Overview
The lodge sits atop a 2,300-metre hilltop with panoramas of the ‘twin lakes’ of Ruhondo and Bulera and the string of Virunga volcanoes laid out in front of you.
Eight ‘naturally’ stylish banda cottages (4 double, 4 twin) are set out in this property’s beautiful terraced gardens, affording each a share of the superb views and a good helping of privacy too. En suite bathrooms and running solar hot water allow you to enjoy luxurious comfort with always a minimal environmental impact too. Paved pathways converge on the property’s main lodge for dining, massages, the curio shop, bar and lounge, and all with stunning views.
Apart from the truly personable level of luxury and staff hospitality here at Virunga the lodge also excels in a wonderfully diverse and extensive menu of daily activities and local cultural excursions.
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The impact of your stay:
- Designed with a focus on sustainability and community support, the lodge was built by an in-house team using local materials. Solar power provides energy, rainwater is harvested, and waste is recycled and upcycled. The lodge’s kitchen exclusively uses local ingredients and supplies, while hydroponic systems on the premises aid food cultivation. Ingredients sourced from local producers reduce plastic packaging and transport distances, contributing to the economic well-being of the local community.
- Virunga Lodge stands as a crucial partner in the fight to protect the endangered mountain gorilla. Agricultural and livestock activities have threatened the habitat, putting gorillas at risk of extinction. Through the revenue generated from your stay, Virunga Lodge supports the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, actively involved in safeguarding mountain gorillas and their natural habitat through research and action.
- Volcanoes Safaris created the Virunga Lodge Community Projects to enhance the lives of local communities near Virunga Lodge. The funded initiatives include donating solar panels to 25 families, providing 200 water tanks, implementing a microfinance savings scheme, gifting sheep to local families, and supporting a local dance troupe.
Four days exploring Volcanoes National Park
Spend your days here in the magnificent Volcanoes National Park tracking the rare and endangered Mountain Gorillas with expert guides and trackers. In Rwanda there are 10 habituated gorilla groups in Volcanoes National Park, with a maximum of 8 tracking permits per group per day. Other activities to enjoy whilst in this magical terrain are; trekking to volcano craters, tracking golden monkeys, cultural tours and the Dian Fossey Hike. Speak to your travel designer about how you wish to spend your time here.
Golden Monkey tracking in Volcanoes National Park
The endangered Golden monkey enjoys a territory of highland forests, especially bamboo, living in groups of up to thirty individuals. A handful of troops in Volcanoes National Park have been habituated and can be tracked in a similar way to the gorillas. The monkeys are playful and inquisitive and often spend their time leaping from bamboo branches or frolicking on the forest floor towards the base of the volcanoes and have overcome their initial shyness to accept their daily visit by researchers and tourists.
One day of hiking and tracking to observe Mountain Gorillas in Volcanoes National Park
The gorillas cover large distances overnight, and they are never constantly in one area. The guides will use their knowledge of the gorillas’ habits and information from the previous day to locate the group’s whereabouts. For this reason, one group cannot be said to be easier to track than another. The time taken to track the gorillas varies enormously, from as little as half an hour to as much as 9 hours before returning to camp. The terrain can be extremely difficult, with steep slopes, and dense vegetation. In addition, the altitude means participants do need to be physically fit in order to enjoy the hike.
Once the gorillas are located, your group will be allowed a maximum of one hour with them.
Visit the 'Twin Lakes' of Burera and Ruhondo
Between Musanze and the Ugandan border are two scenic lakes usually referred to as the twin lakes; Lake Burera and Lake Ruhondo. They are fed by rivers and a lake in Uganda. The twin lakes area is very scenic, with steep and intensively farmed hills surrounding the pristine dark blue waters. They offer magnificent views over the whole of the Virunga Volcanoes.
Transfer
Private transfer from Volcanoes National Park to Kigali Airport
We design private journeys for people who wish to go beyond the typical and experiencing something truly special. Our amazing team of travel designers, concierges and local guides work together to create unique journeys that get deep under the skin of where you’re visiting.
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Gorilla and Golden Monkey Discovery
How we work
This five-day tour of Rwanda takes you from the capital of Kigali to the lush Volcanoes National Park for an exceptional and exclusive Mountain Gorilla encounter. Spend your days meeting these mighty but gravely endangered creatures alongside your specialist guide on an intrepid and intimate trek through the east African rainforest. Then, go on to see the rare and charismatic Golden Monkey for yet another special primate adventure. Staying in luxury, hand-picked hotels, this exciting itinerary includes private-led tours for animal encounters and other excursions such as visits to Dian Fossey’s research station and the beautiful twin lakes, Burera and Ruhondo. | Whats included?
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Days 1-2 |
Kigali |
| Arrival at Kigali Airport On arrival at Kigali airport clear Rwanda customs & immigration formalities and proceed to Arrivals where you will be met by your private transfer driver. |
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|
Accommodation in Kigali
•
The Retreat by Heaven - $$$$$
The Retreat by Heaven is a charming and inviting small boutique hotel, recognised as...
•
Kigali Serena Hotel - $$$$$
A very comfortable business-style hotel in central Kigali and only ten kilometres from the...
|
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| Overnight in Kigali Enjoy a night in Kigali, you'll have our list of recommended restaurants and attractions to make sure you make the most of your time here. |
|
| Kigali City Tour You will be met with your private guide and explore the city of Kigali, including the Genocide Museum. |
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Flights & transfers
Private road transfer from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park |
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Days 2-5 |
Volcanoes National Park |
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Accommodation in Volcanoes National Park
•
Wilderness Bisate Lodge - $$$$$
The spectacular Wilderness Bisate Lodge is located in the natural amphitheatre of an eroded...
•
Wilderness Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge - $$$$$
Seated in the foothills of the Virunga mountains there are three things to look forward to...
•
Virunga Lodge - $$$$$
Sitting atop a 2,300-metre hilltop with panoramas of the ‘twin lakes’ of Ruhondo and...
|
|
| Four days exploring Volcanoes National Park Spend your days here in the magnificent Volcanoes National Park tracking the rare and endangered Mountain Gorillas with expert guides and trackers. In Rwanda there are 10 habituated gorilla groups in Volcanoes National Park, with a maximum of 8 tracking permits per group per day. Other activities to enjoy whilst in this magical terrain are; trekking to volcano craters, tracking golden monkeys, cultural tours and the Dian Fossey Hike. Speak to your travel designer about how you wish to spend your time here. |
|
| Golden Monkey tracking in Volcanoes National Park The endangered Golden monkey enjoys a territory of highland forests, especially bamboo, living in groups of up to thirty individuals. A handful of troops in Volcanoes National Park have been habituated and can be tracked in a similar way to the gorillas. The monkeys are playful and inquisitive and often spend their time leaping from bamboo branches or frolicking on the forest floor towards the base of the volcanoes and have overcome their initial shyness to accept their daily visit by researchers and tourists. |
|
| One day of hiking and tracking to observe Mountain Gorillas in Volcanoes National Park The gorillas cover large distances overnight, and they are never constantly in one area. The guides will use their knowledge of the gorillas’ habits and information from the previous day to locate the group’s whereabouts. For this reason, one group cannot be said to be easier to track than another. The time taken to track the gorillas varies enormously, from as little as half an hour to as much as 9 hours before returning to camp. The terrain can be extremely difficult, with steep slopes, and dense vegetation. In addition, the altitude means participants do need to be physically fit in order to enjoy the hike.
|
|
| Visit the 'Twin Lakes' of Burera and Ruhondo Between Musanze and the Ugandan border are two scenic lakes usually referred to as the twin lakes; Lake Burera and Lake Ruhondo. They are fed by rivers and a lake in Uganda. The twin lakes area is very scenic, with steep and intensively farmed hills surrounding the pristine dark blue waters. They offer magnificent views over the whole of the Virunga Volcanoes. |
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Flights & transfers
Private transfer from Volcanoes National Park to Kigali Airport |
