Trek both Rwanda's mountain Gorillas as well as the lesser know Golden Monkeys

The Virunga Mountains that straddle the borders of Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, are home to around 480 mountain gorillas, more than half of the world’s entire population (the rest live in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda). The most popular times for gorilla tracking are during the drier months, between December and February, and from about June to mid-September.

This Rwanda 2 night/3 day Gorilla tour package adds an extra night at your mountain lodge, to enable you to trek both Rwanda's mountain Gorillas in the Volcanoes National Park (PNV), as well as the lesser know Golden Monkeys. In addition trek to Dian Fossey's grave to appreciate why this remarkable lady spent most of her working life in the Virungas trying to protect the endangered mountain gorillas. This 2 nights/3 days tour is also a great safari extension to a safari in Kenya or Tanzania for a full blown African wild safari holiday experience!

Day 1

This adventure tour starts with a meet and greet at Kigali airport your Kigali hotel. Time permitting we take you on a quick 2 hour Kigali city tour. After lunch your tour guide will brief you on your forthcoming Gorilla experience. Afterwards depart on a 2.5 hour drive for the Volcanoes National Park. Travel north through the beautiful terraced hillsides that characterise much of Rwanda's landscape, gradually climbing to the base of the awesome volcanoes, sometimes with as many as five peaks visible. Arrival in Ruhengeri and check into your overnight accommodation either at Muhabura Hotel or Kinigi Guest House.

Day 2

In the morning after breakfast proceed to PNV Park Headquarters for registration and briefing at 06:45. Depart on your adventure trek to see your assigned Gorilla group. When you find your group you will spend a very special 1 hour observing and taking photographs, before then returning to the base of the mountains. A trek can generally take between 2 to 4 hours. The Susa Gorilla Group (with the only known remaining Gorilla twins in existence) usually takes longer and can take up to 10 hours.

Look into the eyes of a large Silverback Gorilla and he'll look back with a thinking, intelligent gaze, mindful that you're another individual. Any apprehensions or nerves you might have had during your trek will melt away the minute you see your gorilla family. Return to the lodge in time for lunch. Afternoon at leisure in the greater Virunga area. Overnight.

Day 3

After breakfast check in for registration and proceed on a trek to get close up and witness the endangered Golden Monkey. The stunningly beautiful Golden Monkey (Cercopithecus Mitis Kandti) is a local subspecies of the Sykes Monkey, also known as the “Blue Monkey” and is endemic to the high altitude forests of the Volcanoes National Park area. The monkeys are playful and inquisitive and often spend their time leaping from bamboo branches or frolicking on the forest floor.

Return to the lodge in time for lunch. After lunch, time permitting, activity options include visiting a local market, or visit a local school, community projects or drive to the twin Lakes of Bulera and Ruhondo before heading back to your lodge. Overnight.

There are 10 groups of Gorillas in the PNV (Rwanda side). Each group has between 10-20 Gorillas. There is a maximum number of 8 visitors per trek per day, meaning a maximum number of 80 visitors per day. This is to protect the Gorillas and enable them to live happily undisturbed. The Gorillas are used to the occasional onlooker and are very content. There is no danger to visitors or the Gorillas. The major cost element to Gorilla trekking is the Gorilla permit. This is in place to enable the government to properly structure the visits and ensure the protection of the Gorillas and the Park.   Amongst other things, it also pays for a 24-hour guard for each gorilla group (armed teams constantly track each habituated group – like royal bodyguards!).

Inevitably, securing permits for trekking gorillas over these popular periods can be difficult at short notice, so you should plan well ahead if you can. Our exclusive agent Karibu Rwanda will make all the arrangements for obtaining  your permits. The permit costs usd $1,500.00 per person per day and is built into your tour price. It includes your guide and there is nothing else compulsory to pay in the PNV. All Accommodation, vehicles, guides and all other aspects of a holiday to Rwanda are in-expensive in international terms.