3 Day Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Photo Safari

3 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trekking

A 3-day photo safari in Rwanda from Kigali, with gorilla trekking and golden monkey trekking in Volcanoes National Park and an optional visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial before your flight.

This itinerary is specifically designed for a photo safari featuring gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park and golden monkey trekking.

Why this safari works

This short trip is planned as a photo safari, with a gorilla trek and a golden monkey trek in Volcanoes National Park. Both primates are photographed in the same park, so there is no long drive between the two treks, and the hour with the gorillas is set aside for watching and taking photographs. Starting and ending at Kigali International Airport makes it easy to add to a longer trip or a business visit.

Highlights

  • Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park
  • An hour photographing a mountain gorilla family
  • Golden monkey trekking in the Virunga forest
  • Optional visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial before your flight

Your route

  1. Kigali Rwanda · 1 night
  2. Volcanoes National Park Rwanda · 1 night
  3. Kigali International Airport Rwanda · Departure

Day-by-day itinerary

  1. Day1

    Arrival in Kigali, Rwanda

    As soon as you touch down at Kigali International Airport your guide will warmly greet you and accompany you to your hotel. Take some time to unwind and get ready for the adventure of gorilla trekking that lies ahead.

    • Airport pick-up
    • Hotel in Kigali
  2. Day2
    Baby mountain gorilla lying on mother, Rwanda

    Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

    After an early morning meal embark on a tour to Volcanoes National Park, which is home to the endangered mountain gorillas. When you arrive attend a briefing by park authorities before commencing your gorilla trekking experience. Accompanied by trackers and armed rangers, venture into the forests in search of a gorilla family.

    Once you encounter the gorillas, savor an hour observing and capturing photographs of them amidst their surroundings. Seize moments, witness behaviors and marvel at the sheer beauty of these gentle giants. The thrill of being so close to these creatures is an experience that will stay with you forever.

    • Gorilla trekking
  3. Day3
    Two golden monkeys close-up, Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

    Golden Monkey Trekking and Departure

    On your final day seize the opportunity to trek through Volcanoes National Park again and photograph another remarkable primate species: the golden monkeys. After enjoying breakfast return to the park for a golden monkey trekking experience.
    These playful and charming monkeys make for a great subject to capture in your photographs.

    Afterward you’ll head back to your lodge for lunch before driving to Kigali. If you have time you can explore the city, including a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial Center where you can learn about Rwanda’s history and resilience. Finally you’ll be taken to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight, marking the end of your 3-day Rwanda gorilla trekking photo safari.

    • Golden monkeys and departure
    • Breakfast, lunch

Where you will stay

Volcanoes NP Rwanda — Day 2
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What's included

Optional add-ons

  • Kigali city visit with the Kigali Genocide Memorial on Day 3, if time allows

Frequently asked questions

Is this trip designed for photographers?

Yes. The itinerary is planned as a photo safari, with time on both treks for taking photographs of the gorillas and golden monkeys.

How many treks are included?

Two: a gorilla trek on Day 2 and a golden monkey trek on the morning of Day 3, both in Volcanoes National Park.

Who leads the gorilla trek?

After a briefing by the park authorities, you go into the forest with trackers and armed rangers to find a gorilla family.

How long do I get with the gorillas?

You spend one hour with the gorilla family once you find them.

Can I fly out on the last day?

Yes. After the golden monkey trek and lunch you drive to Kigali, and you are taken to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight.