4 days gorillas, Golden monkeys and Bisoke hike

4 days gorillas, Golden monkeys and Bisoke hike – Volcanoes National Park, Volcanoes National Park is home to Rwanda’s mountain gorillas, and many tourists assume that going there is the only popular gorilla trekking experience. The park is situated in the north of Rwanda in Musanze District, about 96km from Kigali the capital city of Rwanda and can be reached within 2 hours drive on a well -maintained road. However, the park has more to offer than mountain gorillas, and visitors can still have a good time without taking the costly gorilla tour.

 As part of this 4-day tour of Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, you will participate in a day hike, introducing you to rare mountain wildlife and providing you with stunning views of the Virunga Mountain ranges. The golden monkeys, a stunningly beautiful species of monkey unique to the Virungas, can also be found there. You will trek with golden monkeys and have a pleasant experience with these adorable primates

 Trip highlights

  • Day 1: Transfer to Musanze and afternoon  cultural visit
  • Day 2: Gorilla trekking
  • Day 3:Bisoke hike
  •  Day 4:Golden Monkey trekking and departure

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Transfer to Musanze and afternoon  cultural visit

Our tours generally start with a company guide picking you up from your hotel or airport very early in the morning. This 4 days tour will start with a transfer to Volcanoes National Park through the rolling hills of the Rwandan countryside. The journey takes 3 hours. On arrival,  check into the accommodation for lunch and later in the afternoon, visit the gorilla guardians’ village. This place is formerly known as Ib’yiwachu Cultural Village. This is a place occupied by former poachers who present the best of Rwandan cultural history. At this place, witness the different cultural practices, like the herbal medicine, iron working,  in the traditional palace, get to dress like a king or queen, traditional marriage, and interesting cultural Intore dance where you will be requested to take part.

Dinner and overnight at Kinigi guest house (budget), Davinci Gorilla Lodge (mid-range),Virunga Lodge(Luxury).

Day 2: Gorilla trekking

After an early morning breakfast,  you will be transferred to  Kinigi park headquarters for a briefing about the gorilla trekking experience. With your trekking gear, packed lunch and water, you will head to the starting point. Under the leadership of armed game guides and rangers, you will head into the jungle on a search that will last 1-6 hours, depending on the movement of the gorillas.

 Send one rewarding hour with the apes, study them,  take photos, and short videos for memories of your expedition.  Later, return to the accommodation where you will spend the rest of the evening. Dinner and overnight as above.

Day 3:Bisoke  hike

Today you will return to the park for another day of exploring the volcanoes national park while hiking Mount Bisoke. This is a 6-hour round trip and is rewarded with breathtaking scenery, rare mountain life, and a beautiful crater lake at the top of Mt. Bisoke. On a lucky day, you will find mountain gorillas, you will be allowed to watch them for a few minutes, but you will not be allowed to take photos. More wildlife to encounter includes forest elephants, buffalos, monkeys, and birds.

 At the summit,  you will be able to see the beautiful landscape that surrounds the  virungas,  mount Karisimbi and Mount Mikeno, and Mount Bisoke crater Lake. After having good time at the summit, descend to the starting point to meet your driver guide who will transfer you to the accommodation where you will spend the rest of the day.

An optional activity on this day can be hiking to the Dian Fossey gravesite if you are not fit for the volcano hike.  The Dian Fossey Trail is a scenic route between Mount Karisimbi and Mount Bisoke. Using leads, trail leads you to the grave of Dian Fossey and the Karisoke research center, where you get to learn more about Dian Fossey, a great primatologist who devoted her life and efforts to protecting mountain gorillas.

Day 4: Golden monkey trekking and transfer to Kigali.

On the last day of your trip, transfer to the park office in Kinigi to meet the park guides for a briefing about the golden monkey trekking and transfer to the base of the Virungas to start your trek to find a troop of golden monkeys, another group of endangered primates. The monkeys live in bamboo forests at the base of the mountains, which makes sighting them easy. The approximate trekking time is 1-3 hours. You will enjoy an hour following and photographing these beautiful monkeys. Later return to the accommodation, check out.  You will have lunch at any good eatery along the way to Kigali.

End of safari

Tour Inclusions

  • A 4×4 WD vehicle with fuel
  • English-speaking driver/guide
  • All meals on full board
  • Accommodation
  • Golden monkey tracking permits
  • Hiking permits
  • Gorilla permits
  • Packaged drinking water

Tour Exclusions

  • Optional activities
  • Flight and visa fees
  • Personal Insurance
  • Tips
  • All personal expenses such as laundry, phone bills, and soveniers.