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$15,985 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.
Virunga Lodge (4-star)
Set on a stunning hillside, the magnificent Virunga Lodge boasts panoramic vistas of the Virunga Volcanoes and the beautiful lakes of Ruhondo and Bulera. Each of ten luxurious bandas named after the Rwandan lakes features a spacious bedroom with a cosy fireplace, as well as a private terrace with sweeping views of the breathtaking surrounds.
Those in need of relaxation can revel in the comfort of the main lodge or spend some time in the Dian Fossey Map Room. Each guest will enjoy the opportunity for a relaxing complimentary massage. It is worthwhile visiting the nearby village in the company of one of the staff members to get to know some of the local people.
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 (5.5-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
Meals and house drinks are included; premium drinks, gratuities and the night before in Kigali are not. Gorilla tracking is for guests of fifteen and over, golden monkeys for twelve and over; both treks are shared. If the gorillas move before the rangers find them, the trek can run two to six hours or more; the golden monkeys are found within the hour. You stay an hour with either. Cross-season pricing and a last-day Kigali tour are on enquiry.
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 and your chosen lodge. 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
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 to the starting point.
Trekking can take from two to six or more hours if the gorillas move before the park rangers locate them the next morning. Porters may be hired for the trek to carry your backpack and gear. The guides stop frequently to allow trekkers a chance to rest and take photos along the way. Once you have located the gorillas, you will spend approximately one hour quietly observing these charismatic creatures in their natural habitat. Witness the fascinating and awe-inspiring family interactions of the iconic mountain gorilla. Afterwards, you will be returned to your lodge to relax and reflect upon your experience.
Day 3 — Volcanoes National Park
Rise up early and report to the park headquarters 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.
Discover the playful and inquisitive nature of the golden monkey, a small, endangered primate found only in the high-altitude forests of the Volcanoes National Park. Spend the morning searching lush vegetation for one of two habituated troops, one of them boasting more than 80 members. Once located, enjoy observing the troop for approximately an hour as they leap amongst the slender bamboo shoots and tumble between the dense foliage on the forest floor. Trekking to find the golden monkey is one of the more leisurely activities available in Volcanoes National Park. Afterwards, you will be returned to your lodge to relax.
Day 4 — Volcanoes National Park › Kigali
After an early breakfast, begin your journey back to Kigali, and Kigali Airport, for your onward flight.
Pricing • New Zealand dollars, per person
By season and category
2027
| Season | Twin, per person | Single | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virunga Lodge · Guest Banda | |||
| 01 Jan – 28 Feb; 01 Jun – 30 Sep; 15 Dec – 31 Dec | NZ$22,545 | NZ$27,785 | Enquire → |
| 01 Mar – 31 May; 01 Oct – 14 Dec | NZ$15,985 | NZ$18,330 | Enquire → |
| Sabyinyo Lodge · Cottage | |||
| 01 Jan – 28 Feb | NZ$22,170 | NZ$28,450 | Enquire → |
| 01 Mar – 30 Apr | NZ$18,040 | NZ$23,225 | Enquire → |
| 01 May – 31 May; 01 Nov – 15 Dec | NZ$19,200 | NZ$24,700 | Enquire → |
| 01 Jun – 31 Oct; 16 Dec – 31 Dec | NZ$22,970 | NZ$29,475 | Enquire → |
| Bisate Lodge · Forest Villa | |||
| 01 Jan – 28 Feb | NZ$29,755 | NZ$38,770 | Enquire → |
| 01 Mar – 30 Apr | NZ$23,475 | NZ$30,610 | Enquire → |
| 01 May – 31 May; 01 Nov – 15 Dec | NZ$25,340 | NZ$33,035 | Enquire → |
| 01 Jun – 31 Oct; 16 Dec – 31 Dec | NZ$31,090 | NZ$40,505 | Enquire → |
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 lodge of choice
- All meals (B, L, D) during your stay
- House alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
- Meet & greet at Kigali International Airport
- Private transfers 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
- National Parks, concession, and landing fees where applicable
- Community Leaders Education Fund donation
- Emergency medical evacuation insurance
- Laundry
Not included
- Pre-night accommodations in Kigali, Rwanda
- Premium beverages
- Gratuities
Booking conditions
Booking conditions as supplied by World Journeys.
- Pricing varies due to fluctuations in exchange rates; please contact us for current pricing or other changes
- Please enquire about cross-season pricing
- Please also enquire about pricing to add-on a Kigali city tour on Day 4
- Gorilla and golden monkey tracking are shared activities
- Guests aged 15 years and older are eligible to participate in Mountain Gorilla tracking
- Guests aged 12 years and older are eligible to participate in Golden Monkey tracking
- Another property to consider for your stay is Singita Kwitonda Lodge
Journey operated by World Journeys and booked through Fine Travel.
The Fine Travel Difference
A trusted travel agency since 2000 • TAANZ • CLIA • IATA Accredited
The whole trip, one booking
We arrange your international and regional flights alongside your journey — in whichever cabin suits — with stopovers, travel insurance and the rest of your time in Africa, so it’s all priced, ticketed and looked after together.
Why book through us
An African itinerary takes significant co-ordination: international airfares, hotels, game reserves, internal transfers and flights. Booking through Fine Travel, you benefit from partners on the ground who have been chosen and tested over many years by our specialist partners — and you deal with one TAANZ-accredited agency in New Zealand.
One consultant, first call to home again
Your Fine Travel consultant looks after your enquiry and your booking from the first conversation to your return, with the operator’s on-the-ground partners behind the journey itself.
Complimentary documentation
If you prefer printed copies of your travel documentation, we’ll courier a full hard-copy set to you at no cost — a service few agencies still offer, and one our clients tell us they value.
Plan your journey with Fine Travel
Talk to Fine Travel
Book your journey on its own, or let us add your flights and the rest of your time in Africa.
Tell us the journey — or just the idea.
Or call us on 0800 00 34 63