Day-by-day itinerary
Rwanda Safari: 4 Day Gorillas & Golden Monkeys Trek
Pricing
Price per person
Rates below are for this 4-day itinerary and scale with your group size. Every safari is private and tailor-made — final pricing is confirmed with your dates and chosen lodges.
How many travellers?
Your price
$3,208per person
$6,417 total for 2 travellers
Route map
Where you'll travel
Tap any stop to jump to that day in the itinerary.
Trip highlights
- Gorilla trek
- Golden monkeys
- Iby'iwacu community visit
Day 1
Welcome to Kigali →Arrive at Kigali International Airport and transfer to your hotel for an evening briefing on your safari.
Full day details →MorningAirport meet-and-greet and private transfer.
AfternoonWelcome dinner with your guide and trip overview.
Good to know · Bring your passport copy and yellow fever certificate.Day 2
Transfer to Volcanoes National Park →Drive north through Rwanda's rolling hills to Musanze, gateway to the Virungas.
Full day details →MorningDeparture after breakfast with photo stops along the way.
AfternoonCultural village visit at Iby'iwacu and lodge check-in.
Good to know · Pack hiking shoes for tomorrow's trek.Day 3
Gorilla Trekking Experience →Spend a once-in-a-lifetime hour with a habituated gorilla family in their natural bamboo forest habitat.
Full day details →MorningPark briefing, allocation to a gorilla family, and the trek itself.
AfternoonReturn to lodge for hot lunch and rest; optional twin-lakes excursion.
Good to know · Hire a porter to help carry gear and support local livelihoods.Day 4
Golden Monkeys and Return →Track endangered golden monkeys in the bamboo zone, then return to Kigali.
Full day details →MorningGolden monkey trek (1–3 hours).
AfternoonDrive to Kigali, craft shopping, and airport transfer.
Good to know · Departure flights after 6pm recommended.
From the trail
Moments from this safari
Before you book
What to know about travelling in Rwanda
Visas, permits, health requirements, seasons, money and tipping — everything specific to this destination.
Before you book · Rwanda
Travelling in Rwanda
- Visas & entry
- Visa on arrival for all nationalities (USD 50, 30 days) or apply via Irembo in advance; many African and Commonwealth passports enter visa-free. The East Africa Tourist Visa (USD 100) covers Rwanda, Uganda and Kenya. Yellow fever certificate required if arriving from an endemic country.
- Arrival gateway
- Kigali International Airport (KGL) — most parks are a 2–4 hour drive on excellent tarmac.
- Permits
- Rwanda gorilla permits are USD 1,500 per person (golden monkey USD 100, Nyungwe chimpanzee USD 150). Only 8 trekkers per gorilla family per day; permits are non-refundable and sell out for June–September, so book early.
- Best time to travel
- June–September (long dry season) and mid-December–February are best for trekking and game drives. March–May is the long rains — lush, atmospheric and quieter.
- Health & vaccinations
- Malaria prophylaxis recommended, particularly for Akagera and Lake Kivu. Rwanda has excellent private clinics in Kigali. Trekkers must be symptom-free of respiratory illness on the day of the trek.
- Money & payments
- Rwandan Franc (RWF). Cards and mobile money are widely used in Kigali; carry USD or RWF cash for rural markets, tips and community visits.
- Weather & climate
- Temperate 'land of a thousand hills' climate: 22–27°C by day in Kigali, 10–15°C nights at Volcanoes National Park (2,500 m+), regular afternoon showers in the green seasons.
- Connectivity
- One of the best-connected countries in Africa — fast 4G nationwide and Wi-Fi in nearly every lodge.
- Tipping guideline
- USD 15–20 per guest for the tracking team after a gorilla trek, USD 15–20 for a porter, USD 10–15 per day for your driver-guide, and 5–10% in Kigali restaurants.
- What to pack
- Waterproof hiking boots, long trousers and sleeves, gaiters, gloves, rain shell, warm layer for the volcano slopes, daypack, and 2 litres of water for trekking days.
- Local etiquette
- Plastic bags are banned nationwide. Rwanda is exceptionally clean and orderly — photography of government buildings, airports and military sites is not permitted. Genocide memorials require quiet, respectful dress.
Requirements and fees change. We reconfirm current visa, permit and health rules in writing before you pay any balance.