5 Days Primate Ecounter in Volcanoes national park 

Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our professional safari guide. Enjoy a smooth and comfortable transfer to your hotel in Kigali where you can relax, unwind, and prepare for the thrilling primate adventure ahead. Depending on your arrival time, you may enjoy an optional short Kigali evening tour or dinner in the city.

Meal Plan: Bed and Breakfast

TRANSFER TO VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK AND IBYI'WACU CULTURAL EXPERIENCE

After breakfast, your safari guide will brief you about your journey as you begin your scenic drive to Volcanoes National Park. This drive is one of the most beautiful in East Africa, taking you through Rwanda's famous rolling hills, green plantations, local markets and vibrant countryside life. Along the way, you will witness why Rwanda proudly carries the title "Land of a Thousand Hills." Upon arrival in Musanze. You will visit the famous Ibyi'wacu Cultural Village, a remarkable community initiative that showcases Rwanda's rich traditions and culture. Enjoy local dance performances, storytelling, traditional practices and learn how conservation and gorilla tourism have improved the livelihoods of surrounding communities. This cultural visit gives your safari a deeper meaning and offers authentic interaction with local people.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

MOUNTAIN GORILLA TREKKING IN VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK

Today is the highlight of your safari, Mountain Gorilla Trekking. After an early breakfast, you will transfer to the park headquarters for registration and a detailed briefing by Rwanda Development Board (RDB) rangers. You will be assigned a gorilla family group and guided into the forest by experienced trackers and armed rangers.

The trek may take between 2 to 6 hours, depending on the movement of the gorillas. As you hike through thick bamboo forest and lush mountain vegetation, your guide will share fascinating information about gorilla behavior, plant species and conservation efforts. Once you locate the gorillas, you will spend one magical hour observing them up close. Watching a silverback lead his family, mothers nursing infants and young gorillas playing is a deeply moving experience that few people in the world ever get to enjoy. After the trek, return to the lodge for relaxation and an evening at leisure.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

GOLDEN MONKEY TREKKING

After breakfast, return to Volcanoes National Park for an exciting golden monkey trekking experience.

Golden monkeys are rare, active, and highly photogenic primates found in the bamboo forests of the Virunga Mountains. As you trek through the forest, you may hear their calls before spotting them among the bamboo trees. They are known for their playful nature and energetic movements. Compared to gorilla trekking, golden monkey trekking is generally less demanding. Once you locate the troop, you will spend up to one hour observing and photographing them as they move through the forest, jump between trees, and interact with each other.

After the golden monkey experience, return to the park headquarters. Next, begin another meaningful activity with a hike to the Dian Fossey Tomb and the former Karisoke Research Station.

During the hike, you will learn about the life and conservation work of Dr. Dian Fossey, one of the world's renowned primatologists. Through her dedication to gorilla research and protection, she made a lasting contribution to mountain gorilla conservation. Her work later became widely known through her book and the film Gorillas in the Mist.

Fossey's research

Along the way, your guide will share stories about Fossey's research, conservation efforts, and the challenges she faced while working to protect mountain gorillas. In addition, you will learn about the history of the Karisoke Research Station. Its name was formed from the names of two nearby volcanoes, Mount Karisimbi and Mount Bisoke.

Although the original Karisoke Research Station is no longer operational, its conservation legacy continues through modern research and protection programs. Today, these efforts include the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, which supports ongoing mountain gorilla research and conservation.

Finally, after completing the hike, return to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

After breakfast, check out and drive back to Kigali. Upon arrival in Kigali, you will visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial Museum, a powerful and emotional site that honors the victims of the 1994 genocide. This visit provides an important understanding of Rwanda's history and the remarkable progress the country has made since then.

After the tour, you will be transferred to Kigali International Airport in time for your departure flight, bringing your unforgettable Rwanda primate adventure to an end.

Meal Plan: Breakfast.