The golden monkey trekking tour in Volcanoes NP is one of the top adventures in Rwanda. The activity involves a relatively easy trek through the bamboo jungles in the lower zones of the Virunga Volcanoes. Afterward, head to misty Bwindi which is home to gorillas. Enjoy some relaxation at Lake Bunyonyi before having the experience of a lifetime watching these majestic apes at close range as they feed, play, and relax. You then head to Queen Elizabeth NP for a great game-viewing experience.
You’ll be collected from the airport.
Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.
Day 1
Transfer to Volcano NP, golden monkey trekking and transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest NP
You will be met by our driver guide in Kigali at 6 am and we then transfer you to the park head offices in Kinigi by 7 am. You join the other golden monkey trekkers and meet the ranger guide for a few minutes to talk about the activity and the park. By 8 am, you transfer to the trailhead just outside the park. Enjoy great views of the mountain scenery as you start your trek into the park. The golden monkeys live near the edge of the park in the bamboo forests where the ground is relatively flat and easy to trek. Find the monkeys and follow them as they feed. Notice how they skillfully pick the young bamboo leaves from the tip of the bamboo tree. They may also move out of the park into the potato fields which they love!
After an amazing 1 hour with the golden monkeys, you will return to the trailhead and drive back to the lodge for lunch. Thereafter, head to the border, and after clearing, we will proceed to Bwindi.
Day 2
Gorilla trekking in Bwindi and transfer to Lake Bunyonyi for a boat ride
You will have an early breakfast and then head to the park’s headquarters to join other trekkers for a briefing about the gorilla-trekking rules at 7:45 am. You will trek through thick creepers and undergrowth with your guides to find the gorillas, which can take anything between 1 and 8 hours. The steeply forested landscape is incredibly dense but crisscrossed by numerous animal trails, allowing access to tourists. Once you find the gorillas, you will have 1 hour with them.
We then transfer to Lake Bunyonyi. The drive will be through a beautiful part of the country often referred to as the “Switzerland of Africa” because of its unique, cool weather. The lake is said to be one of the most beautiful places in Western Uganda. It is the second-deepest lake in Africa (900 meters) and one of the few places in the country where it is considered safe to swim as it is bilharzia free. You will take a boat ride and hike to different viewpoints before returning for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 3
Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Wake up early for breakfast and then set off for Queen Elizabeth National Park through the volcanic formation of the Western Rift Valley. The descent reveals a stunning panorama of Lake George and Lake Edward amidst game-filled plains. You will arrive in the afternoon for check-in at the lodge. Have lunch and get some rest.
In the afternoon, you go on the unique 2-hour boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel and Lake Edward. The trip passes through possibly the highest hippo concentration in Africa and many mammals may be seen drinking water. The cruise offers an excellent platform for photography and game viewing. The birdlife is colorful and abundant. In the evening, you go for a game drive with a chance to see elephants, lions, buffaloes, etc. Later, you return for dinner and an overnight stay
Day 4
Chimpanzee trekking and travel to Kigali
You wake up early in the morning for breakfast. We head to the Kalinzu Forest Reserve for chimpanzee trekking with a tracker and guide for up to 4 hours. The forest reserve is home to 6 groups of chimps comprising over 300 animals. Please bring suitably closed walking boots and long trousers! Afterward, we transfer to Kigali Airport with an en-route lunch to catch your evening departure flight back.
Accommodation:No accommodation (End of tour)Meals & Drinks:
- Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included)
- Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
End of tour
You’ll be dropped off at the airport.
Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost.
Important to Know
- Rates are per person and exclude the international flight from/to your home country.
- This tour is not available to groups larger than 2 people.
- This tour is unavailable for children.
Rates Per Person
Jan 1, 2026 – Dec 31, 2026
Per person
Solo traveler (1 room)
$2,420
2 people (1 room)
$2,200
Included
- Park fees (For non-residents)
- Gorilla permits(One per person, non-resident)
- Chimp permits(One per person, non-resident)
- All activities (Unless labeled as optional)
- All accommodation (Unless listed as upgrade)
- A professional driver/guide
- All transportation (Unless labeled as optional)
- All Taxes/VAT
- Roundtrip airport transfer
- Meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
- Drinking water (On all days)
Excluded
- International flights (From/to home)
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
- Tips (Tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day)
- Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
- Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees