4-Day Gorillas and Golden Monkeys Safari

In the heart of Central Africa, so high up that you shiver more than you sweat,” wrote the eminent primatologist Dian Fossey, “are great, old volcanoes towering almost 15,000 feet, and nearly covered with rich, green rainforest – the Virungas.” Situated in the far northwest of Rwanda, Volcanoes National Park protects the steep slopes of this magnificent mountain range – home of the endangered mountain gorilla and a rich mosaic of montane ecosystems, which embrace evergreen and bamboo forest, open grassland, swamp and heath. Volcanoes National Park is named after the chain of dormant volcanoes making up the Virunga Massif: Karisimbi – the highest at 4,507m, Bisoke with its verdant crater lake, Sabinyo, Gahinga and Muhabura.

The driver-guide will pick you up from your designated address or the airport in Kigali and proceed to Volcanoes National Park, located in the north of Ruhengeri. Travel via undulating and beautiful terraced hills, showing a clear picture of the general landscape and altitude of Rwanda. You will have a relaxed evening at the lodge as you prepare for the next day’s adventure.

After a briefing, you will embark on the golden monkey tracking. The encounter starts at 7 am at the Kinigi Park headquarters where you head to the forest in search of these endangered species. The tracking experience takes about 4 hours, including a 1-hour encounter with them. You will see them roll themselves on the bamboo stems and present themselves (their shyness has been reduced through habituation). Enjoy the sights of their silver patch.

You will then transfer to the gorilla land of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. The drive takes you through different features to include tropical rainforests and the undulating terraced hills of Kigezi, famously known as the "Switzerland of East Africa". Drive to the lodge for relaxation as you wait for the next day’s adventure with dinner and overnight.