4-Day African Safari with Gorillas & Golden Monkeys
Witness up close the diversity of East Africa on a four-day trip to Rwanda and Uganda. This private safari includes golden monkey trekking in Rwanda, as well as an incredible mountain gorilla encounter in Uganda. Along the way, you’ll enjoy extraordinary scenic landscapes, meaningful conservation experiences, and other cultural activities that will help you feel a deeper connection to the area.
Every day brings a new perspective. Visit the Ellen Degeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, learn more about local culture through a Batwa performance, and explore the region’s natural beauty by canoe. Throughout your safari, you’ll be led by a knowledgeable local guide who’s there to help you have the best experience possible. This itinerary is ideal for travelers looking to see the incredible primates and landscapes of two neighboring East African countries—all in one amazing adventure.
Why You’ll Love This Safari
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Trip Details
Trip Details
Price
From $1850 per person
Meeting point
Kigali
Availability
Year-round, 7 days a week
Duration
4 days
Group size
Min. 1 person
Included
- Park fees (for non-residents)
- Gorilla permit (one per person, non-resident)
- All activities (unless labeled as optional)
- All accommodations (unless listed as upgrade)
- A professional driver/guide
- Private 4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof for optimal wildlife viewing and photography
- All transportation (unless labeled as optional)
- All Taxes/VAT
- Roundtrip airport transfer
- Meals (as specified in the day-by-day section)
- Drinks (as specified in the day-by-day section)
Not included
- International flights (from/to home)
- Additional accommodations before and at the end of the tour
- Tips
- Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
- Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
- Some meals (as specified in the day-by-day section)
What to bring
- Waterproof jacket
- Warm jacket (early mornings can be cold)
- Neutral-colored clothing (avoid Bright colors)
- Long-sleeved shirt
- Long trousers
- Good hiking shoes
- Hat
- Gloves
- Light backpack
- Sunscreen
- Snacks
- Light face mask
Participation requirements
- Min. age of 15 years old required to participate in this tour
- This tour is NOT for single travelers
About your guide
Your safari will be led by an experienced local guide who will share facts about the wildlife, landscapes, and culture. Your guide is dedicated to ensuring your safari is safe, informative, and tailored to your interests.
What You’ll See & Do
Day 1: Kigali to Volcanoes National Park
Your 4-day adventure begins with a warm welcome at Kigali International Airport, where you’ll meet your safari guide and receive a brief introduction. From there, enjoy a scenic 3-hour drive to Volcanoes National Park, passing through Rwanda’s beautiful green hills and gorgeous countryside.
Upon arrival, check into your lodge, relax, and enjoy dinner as you prepare for the exciting wildlife experience that awaits you.
Meals Included: Dinner
Day 2: Golden Monkey Trekking & Gorilla Conservation
After an early breakfast, you’ll head over to the park headquarters for a briefing before setting off to find golden monkeys in their natural habitat. Guided by experts, you’ll explore the bamboo forests of Volcanoes National Park, watching for these energetic primates as they move through their natural habitat.
The trek typically lasts between 2 and 4 hours, depending on the location and movement of the monkeys. After the trek, visit the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund to learn about the research and conservation efforts dedicated to protecting mountain gorillas.
Return to the lodge for lunch before driving across the border into Uganda. Take some time to relax and prepare for the next day’s gorilla trek.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Gorilla Trekking & Batwa Cultural Experience
Enjoy your breakfast before transferring to the park headquarters for your briefing at 7:30 AM. You will be assigned a gorilla family and afterwards travel through the forest on a fantastic gorilla trekking experience.
The trek usually lasts between 2 to 5 hours, depending on the location of the gorillas. The journey through the forest is an experience in itself, full of amazing views and beautiful scenery. You may even encounter other wildlife along the way. Once you reach your assigned gorilla family, you’ll have the opportunity to observe them for one hour while respecting strict guidelines created to protect both the gorillas and visitors.
After an unforgettable trek, enjoy a Batwa cultural performance before continuing to Lake Mulehe. Settle into your lodge and enjoy dinner surrounded by the peaceful beauty of Uganda.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Lake Mulehe & Return to Kigali
After breakfast, enjoy a relaxing canoe ride on Lake Mulehe, taking in stunning views and serene surroundings. The lake offers the perfect way to begin your final day in East Africa.
Once back on land, you’ll begin your scenic drive back to Kigali. Depending on your schedule, you may have time to visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial and learn about Rwanda’s history. Alternatively, you may also choose to explore Kimironko Market, a spot to shop for local crafts and souvenirs.
Finally, you will be dropped off at your hotel or airport, bringing your East African safari to a close.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Frequently Asked Questions
Visa requirements depend on your nationality and the specific entry requirements in place at time of travel. Our team can help you understand the requirements for your itinerary and advise you on the documentation you’ll need before your safari.
A habituated gorilla family is a group of mountain gorillas that has slowly become accustomed to the presence of humans through a careful, long process led by researchers and park staff. This allows visitors to observe the gorillas from a safe, respectful distance without causing stress or disrupting their natural behaviors. Only habituated gorilla families are visited during guided treks.
Gorilla trekking can range from moderate to challenging, as the gorillas live in a mountainous forest environment. Trekking times and terrain vary depending on the location of your assigned gorilla family. A moderate to advanced level of fitness is recommended, and comfortable hiking shoes are essential.
Golden monkey treks typically last between two and four hours, depending on their location and movement. The experience takes place in the bamboo forests of Volcanoes National Park.
Visitors are permitted to spend up to one hour observing their assigned gorilla family. This time is carefully managed to protect the gorillas and prevent disruption to their natural behavior.
Trekking conditions can be challenging, and the difficulty varies depending on the location of the animals and terrain. If you have concerns about your fitness level or mobility, speak with our team before booking so we can help you understand the experience and discuss the best options.
Yes, this safari can be customized with additional nights, activities, accommodations, or destinations depending on your interests and schedule. Contact our team to discuss creating a private itinerary around your travel plans.
