★★★★★4.9/5 · 1,200+ Verified Reviews
Since 2014 — 10+ Years
+250 796 077 321
hi@rwandatours.co.rw
RDB Certified
Best Price
Primate Tours

3-Day Rwanda Gorilla Experience

The complete Rwanda primate experience: gorilla trekking, golden monkey tracking and a full Kigali city tour over 3 days. This is Rwanda's most popular multi-day safari for first-time visitors.

3 Days / 2 Nights 1–8 People Moderate Volcanoes NP + Kigali
From $2,100 / person (all-inclusive)
Duration3 Days / 2 Nights
Group Size1–8 People
DifficultyModerate
LocationVolcanoes NP + Kigali

About This Tour

The 3-day Rwanda gorilla experience is our most popular itinerary and the perfect introduction to Rwanda for first-time visitors. Three days gives you time to experience Rwanda's greatest wildlife encounters without rushing, and to absorb the country's remarkable culture and landscape.

Day 1 is the centrepiece — gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, spending one unforgettable hour with a wild mountain gorilla family. Day 2 features golden monkey tracking in the bamboo forests of Volcanoes NP — these rare, playful primates are found only in the Virunga volcanoes and are a photographer's dream. The afternoon is free for optional volcano hiking or twin lakes visits.

Day 3 includes a comprehensive Kigali city tour on the drive back — the Genocide Memorial, Kimironko Market, Inema Arts Center and city highlights — before your hotel or airport drop-off.

This itinerary is suitable for solo travellers, couples, families (15+ years) and small groups. All permits, accommodation, transport and guide services are fully managed by Rwanda SafariTours.

Tour Highlights

Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes NP — 1 hour with a wild gorilla family
Golden monkey tracking in bamboo forest (Day 2)
Two nights lodge accommodation near Volcanoes NP
Full guided Kigali city tour (Day 3)
Optional volcano hiking or twin lakes visit (Day 2 afternoon)
Private 4×4 Land Cruiser throughout
Two RDB-certified primate guides
Best value multi-day Rwanda safari

What's Included

Included

Official RDB gorilla trekking permit ($1,500)
Golden monkey tracking permit ($100)
2 nights lodge accommodation near Volcanoes NP
All meals at lodge (breakfast + dinner)
Private 4×4 Land Cruiser (all transfers)
RDB-certified English guide (all 3 days)
Volcanoes NP entrance fee (both days)
Kigali city tour with guide (Day 3)
Genocide Memorial entrance
Bottled water and walking sticks
Hotel pick-up (Kigali Day 1) and drop-off (Day 3)

Not Included

International flights to Rwanda
Lunches (own expense — approx $8–15/meal)
Optional activities (twin lakes boat, volcano hike)
Travel insurance
Gratuities
Personal spending

Tour Itinerary

  • 1
    Day 1 — 5:00 AM
    Kigali to Volcanoes NP — Gorilla Trekking
    Early departure from your Kigali hotel. Drive 2.5 hours to Kinigi HQ (Volcanoes NP). 7:00 AM briefing and gorilla family assignment. Trek into the Virunga forest — spend one magical hour with your gorilla family. Return to lodge for dinner and rest.
  • 2
    Day 2 — Morning
    Golden Monkey Tracking
    After breakfast, head back to Volcanoes NP for golden monkey tracking. These beautiful, rare primates live in the bamboo forests at lower altitude than the gorillas and are usually found within 30–60 minutes. Spend 1 hour observing and photographing them among the bamboo.
  • 3
    Day 2 — Afternoon
    Optional Activities
    Free afternoon for optional activities: visit the twin lakes Burera and Ruhondo for stunning scenery, hike the lower slopes of Bisoke or Karisimbi volcano (guide required), or relax at your lodge. All optional activities are available at extra cost — ask your guide.
  • 4
    Day 3 — Morning
    Check-Out & Drive to Kigali
    Breakfast at the lodge. Check out and depart for Kigali with your guide. Stop at local craft shops in Musanze for Rwanda souvenirs (batik, basketry, local coffee).
  • 5
    Day 3 — 11:00 AM – 4:30 PM
    Kigali City Tour
    Guided city tour: Kigali Genocide Memorial (2 hours — deeply moving, essential visit), Kimironko Market, Inema Arts Center and Kigali viewpoints. Lunch at a local restaurant (own expense).
  • 6
    Day 3 — 5:00 PM
    Hotel or Airport Transfer
    Drop-off at your Kigali hotel or Kigali International Airport. Tour complete.

Frequently Asked Questions

Gorilla trekking ($1,500 permit) involves tracking endangered mountain gorillas — large primates living in family groups of 10–30 individuals in dense montane forest at high altitude. Golden monkey tracking ($100 permit) involves finding the playful, brightly coloured golden monkeys in lower bamboo forest. Both are incredible experiences — the 3-day itinerary includes both.
The 3-day Rwanda gorilla experience starts from $2,100 per person. This includes the gorilla permit ($1,500), golden monkey permit ($100), 2 nights lodge accommodation with breakfast/dinner, private 4×4, RDB guide for all 3 days and all transfers. Contact us for groups of 2+ for reduced rates.
We use comfortable mid-range lodges near Musanze (Ruhengeri) such as Lodge de la Paix or Mountain View Lodge. Upgrade options include luxury lodges like Bisate Lodge or Virunga Lodge. Please specify your budget when booking.
Absolutely — this is our most popular tour for first-time Rwanda visitors and first-time Africa visitors. Rwanda is extremely safe, well-organised and English-speaking. Our guide handles everything; you simply show up, trek and enjoy. Rwanda is consistently ranked the easiest African safari destination to navigate.

You May Also Like

Chat with us