Rwanda • Wildlife
Gorillas & Golden Monkeys
A wildlife experience like no other.
Hike through lush bamboo, hagenia rainforest and open grassland to find the habituated mountain gorillas and the no less precious and rare golden monkeys. These forests were once the research base for the late American primatologist Dian Fossey, and the setting of the film, Gorillas in the Mist.
From NZ$20,965 per person, twin share
4 Days / 3 Nights • Daily, year-round • Rwanda
Price quoted is a lead-in rate. As pricing may vary seasonally and according to standard/category selected, please contact us for a quote on your specific requirements.
Trek to see mountain gorillas and the mighty Virunga volcanoes
Wildlife journey. This is not a group tour. This itinerary can be tailor-made, with the number of days, places visited, and activities varied to suit you.
About
About this journey
The Virungas mountainous region includes Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda), Mgahinga Gorilla National Park (Uganda) and Virunga National Park (Democratic Republic of Congo) where over eight families (480 gorillas) live. Stay at your choice of lodges, all located in the Volcanoes National Park.
Wilderness Sabyinyo Lodge (5-star)
Discover the future of impactful tourism at Rwanda’s first-ever community-owned lodge. Set on a lush 10.78-hectare property, Sabyinyo invites you in with its dramatic backdrop of the misty volcanoes. Besides thrilling mountain gorilla and golden monkey trekking, there is much to see and discover. Guests can enjoy local hikes, walk to the ruin of Dian Fossey’s research centre and grave, take nature walks in search of endemic bird species, enjoy a stroll in the vegetable garden, or be inspired by a cultural tour.
Sabyinyo has six charming cottages, each with a spacious sitting area, a fireplace and extra-roomy en-suite bathroom. Space heaters by the beds supplement the log fire, to create a haven of warmth. Outdoors, a spacious veranda invites you to relax and enjoy the bird-filled gardens. There is also a spacious Family Cottage and two extra-spacious luxury Suites.
Wilderness Bisate Lodge (6-star)
This award-winning, sustainable lodge offers just six luxury Forest Villas, set in a cloud forest with breath-taking views of six volcanoes. Edifying cultural interactions, sophisticated, health-conscious dining, and exuberant hospitality all make your stay superior.
Although spacious, the Forest Villas feel warm and intimate, thanks to the carefully designed layout which includes a reception area, luxury bedroom and en-suite bathroom – all warmed by a generous central fireplace. The true luxury lies in the exclusivity and privacy that surrounds Bisate and the rare, raw beauty of its setting.
Who this suits
Travellers who want gorillas and golden monkeys from one base — three nights at your choice of lodge in Volcanoes National Park, an hour with a gorilla family one day and an hour with the golden monkeys the next, with private transfers from Kigali and both permits in the price.
Good to know
All meals and house drinks are included; premium spirits, Champagne, gratuities and the night before in Kigali are not. Minimum ages are fifteen for the gorilla permit and twelve for the golden monkeys, and both treks are shared activities. The gorilla trek can run from two to six hours or more, with an hour alongside the family once found. Ask us about cross-season pricing or a Kigali city tour on Day 4.
The journey
Day by day
Day 1 — Kigali › Volcanoes National Park
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be met and transferred to the spellbinding beauty of Volcanoes National Park. The park consists of mighty Virunga volcanoes and stands as one of the most enchanting national parks in Africa. One of the very rare places where mountain gorillas and golden monkeys – both declared ‘endangered’ by the World Wildlife Federation – can be seen in their natural habitat. Unwind and relax as you get ready for the following day’s gorilla trekking.
Day 2 — Volcanoes National Park
The lodges are situated a few minutes from the main entrance to the National Park where there are eight families of gorilla living on the slopes of the Virunga Volcanoes that you can trek to see.
Rise up early and assemble at the park headquarters for registration, where the park staff determines which group of gorillas you will visit. Each group’s Lead Guide briefs the trekkers on the trekking procedures as well as the “do’s and don’ts” while in the presence of gorillas. After the briefing, trekkers return to their respective vehicles for the drive up the mountain to the starting point. Porters may be hired for the trek to carry your backpack and gear.
Trekking can take from two to six or more hours if the gorillas move before the park rangers locate them the next morning. The guides stop frequently to allow trekkers a chance to rest and take photos along the way. Upon sighting the gorillas, you will stay with them for a magical hour as they go about their daily life, feeding, playing, resting and raising their young. Coming face to face with a giant silverback must truly be one of the greatest wildlife experiences on earth!
Day 3 — Volcanoes National Park
Rise up early and report to the park headquarters by 7am where you meet the ranger guides for a briefing and then drive to the starting point of today’s trek to visit the endangered Rwandan golden monkeys, located in the Virunga Mountain ranges and often caught swinging on bamboo or casually lounging in the shade. Tracking of the golden monkeys is a thrilling experience that gives an opportunity to witness this beautiful species of monkeys with their golden fur coats.
By just following the traces of fresh leftovers from the bamboo shoots eaten, the trackers are able to locate them within less than an hour. You will get to spend 1 hour watching these beautiful creatures as they try picking the bamboo shoots and make vast leaps from tree to tree and this is possible with their long tails that provide balance.
In the afternoon, you get to visit the Red Rocks Rwanda Initiative, a social enterprise that is all about the community promoting sustainable tourism through conservation programs bringing under-served communities into the tourism supply chain and supporting community development projects that help people help themselves. Here you can optionally choose to indulge in activities such as banana beer production, basket weaving, art & live painting, bee keeping and more.
Day 4 — Volcanoes National Park › Kigali
Transfer to Kigali Airport for your onward flight.
Pricing • New Zealand dollars, per person
By season and category
Price quoted is a lead-in rate. As pricing may vary seasonally and according to standard/category selected, please contact us for a quote on your specific requirements.
What’s included
- 3-nights’ accommodation at your property of choice
- All meals (B, L, D) during your stay
- Beverages including house wines, non-premium spirits, beers, and soft drinks
- Meet & greet at Kigali International Airport
- Private transfers with an English-speaking driver/guide as per the itinerary
- Private sightseeing with an English-speaking driver/guide as per the itinerary
- One golden monkey tracking permit in Volcanoes National Park
- One gorilla tracking permit in Volcanoes National Park
- A visit to the Red Rocks Initiative
- Emergency evacuation coverage
- National park fees
- Laundry
Not included
- Pre-night accommodations in Kigali, Rwanda
- Premium imported spirits and champagne
- Gratuities
Booking conditions
Booking conditions as supplied by World Journeys.
- Please enquire about cross-season pricing
- Please also enquire about pricing to add-on a Kigali city tour on Day 4
- Surcharges apply for the Christmas and New Year’s period
- Gorilla and golden monkey tracking are shared activities
- The minimum age requirement for the Golden monkey permit is 12 years old
- The minimum age requirement for the Mountain gorilla tracking permit is 15 years old
- Other properties to consider for your stay are Virunga Lodge and Singita Kwitonda Lodge
Journey operated by World Journeys and booked through Fine Travel.
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