Volcanoes National Park
3-Day Rwanda Gorilla and Golden Monkey Trekking Safari
Price on request
View itinerary12-Day Safari Combining Three National Parks
Volcanoes, Nyungwe and Akagera at an unhurried pace
- Duration12 days / 11 nights
- LocationRwanda, National Parks
- Minimum age15+
- DifficultyModerate
Tour overview
About this journey
Embark on an unforgettable 12-day journey through Rwanda’s most iconic and diverse landscapes, as you explore three of its renowned national parks: Volcanoes, Nyungwe, and Akagera. This expertly crafted safari experience offers the perfect blend of adventure, wildlife, and cultural immersion.
From trekking endangered mountain gorillas in the misty highlands of Volcanoes National Park, to walking beneath the forest canopy in Nyungwe and spotting the Big Five on game drives in Akagera, each day promises breathtaking encounters and enriching moments. Discover the very best of Rwanda—its wildlife, people, and natural beauty—all in one seamless, guided adventure.
Trip highlights
- King’s Palace Museum at Nyanza
- Canopy walk and chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe
- Two days by Lake Kivu
- Gorilla and golden monkey trekking
- Game drives in Akagera
- Kigali city tour before you fly
- Starts
- Kigali International Airport
- Ends
- Kigali
- Best time
- All year · best June–September & December–February
- Style
- Private & tailor-made
Your route
- Kigali
- Nyanza
- Nyungwe NP
- Lake Kivu
- Volcanoes NP
- Akagera NP
- Kigali
Day by day
Detailed itinerary
-
Day1
Arrive at Kigali International Airport, where our team will meet and transfer you to your hotel. After check-in, enjoy a relaxing evening to recover from your journey. If you’d like, take a short walk around Kigali or have dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight in Kigali at The Governor’s Residence.
- Arrival
-
Day2
After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Nyungwe Forest National Park. En route, stop at the Nyanza King’s Palace, a cultural heritage site showcasing Rwanda’s royal history. After the visit, proceed to Nyungwe and head straight to the park for the thrilling canopy walk experience, where you’ll enjoy breathtaking views from above the forest treetops. After this adventure, check in at your lodge and relax for the evening.
Overnight in Nyungwe at Nyungwe Top View Hotel.
- King’s Palace Museum
- Canopy walk
-
Day3
Start the day early with a chimpanzee trekking adventure in the dense Nyungwe Forest. As you follow expert guides, spot chimps in their natural habitat along with other primates and bird species. Return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation, with an optional short nature walk available. Overnight in Nyungwe at Nyungwe Top View Hotel.
- Chimpanzee trekking
-
Day4
Depart after breakfast for a drive to Lake Kivu, a scenic freshwater lake on Rwanda’s western border. Upon arrival, relax at your lakefront lodge and enjoy the serene surroundings. You can opt for a leisurely afternoon or partake in activities such as kayaking or a boat ride. Overnight in Gisenyi at Serena Lake Kivu Hotel.
- Kivu Belt drive
-
Day5
Spend the day relaxing by Lake Kivu. Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, take a swim, or explore the lake on a boat trip to discover small islands. This day allows for pure relaxation before heading back into the wildlife adventures. Overnight in Gisenyi at Serena Lake Kivu Hotel.
- Relaxation
- Optional boat trip
-
Day6
After breakfast, take a 2-hour drive to Volcanoes National Park, home to the famous mountain gorillas. Check into your lodge, and in the afternoon, you can visit the Iby’iwacu Cultural Village for a traditional cultural experience. Learn about local customs and history from the friendly community. Overnight near Volcanoes National Park at Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel.
- Musanze
- Cultural visit
-
Day7
Wake up early for a once-in-a-lifetime gorilla trekking experience. After a briefing, head into the misty forests to track these incredible creatures. Spend an hour observing the gorillas in their natural environment before returning to the lodge for a well-deserved lunch and rest. Overnight near Volcanoes National Park at Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel.
- Gorilla trekking
-
Day8
In the morning, set off for golden monkey trekking in the bamboo forests of Volcanoes National Park. After the trek, have lunch and then embark on a scenic drive to Akagera National Park (about 4-5 hours), famous for its game reserves. Check into your lodge in Akagera. Overnight in Akagera National Park at Ruzizi Tented Lodge.
- Golden monkey trek
-
Day9
Begin your day with an early morning game drive in Akagera National Park, searching for the Big 5—elephants, lions, rhinos, buffaloes, and leopards—along with zebras, giraffes, and more. After lunch, take an afternoon boat safari on Lake Ihema, where you’ll see hippos, crocodiles, and various bird species. Overnight in Akagera National Park at Ruzizi Tented Lodge.
- Full-day safari
-
Day10
Enjoy another morning game drive to explore a different part of Akagera, looking for wildlife you may have missed. Return to your lodge for lunch and spend the afternoon relaxing or take a nature walk. Overnight in Akagera National Park at Karenge Bush Camp.
- Morning game drive
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Day11
After breakfast, enjoy a final game drive in Akagera National Park before heading back to Kigali (3-hour drive). Upon arrival, check into your hotel and relax for the evening, or explore Kigali at your leisure. Overnight in Kigali at The Governor’s Residence.
- Free evening
-
Day12
On your final day, enjoy a Kigali city tour, visiting the Kigali Genocide Memorial, Inema Art Center, and Kimironko Market. This tour will give you insight into Rwanda’s history and culture. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time for some last-minute shopping before being transferred to the airport for your departure flight.
- City tour
- Departure
End of your Pride Adventure — with memories for life.
Drive times are approximate. Lodges are confirmed with you when you book, matched to your budget and availability.
Price details
What’s included
Included
- All permits & Entrance fees
- Accommodations
- Transportation
- Professional guide
Not included
- Airport taxes
- Tips & gratuities
- International Flights
- Insurance
Gallery
Photos from the trail
Before you go
Good to know
What to pack
- Waterproof hiking boots with good grip
- Light rain jacket (it can rain any time)
- Long trousers and long-sleeved shirt
- Gardening gloves for grabbing vegetation
- Day pack, 2 litres of water and snacks
- Camera without flash, and spare batteries
- Passport (needed to collect permits)
Travel with confidence
- Licensed and insured tours
- Local driver-guides who know every trail
- 24/7 on-ground support
- Permits and lodges booked for you
Questions
Frequently asked
Can this itinerary be customised?
Yes. Every Pride Adventure trip is tailor-made. We can add or remove days, change the order, upgrade or downgrade lodges and add activities. Send us a request and we will send you a proposal.
Is the gorilla permit included?
Yes, the gorilla permit is included in this tour. Permits are limited each day, so book early, especially for June–September and December–February.
How fit do I need to be for gorilla trekking?
You should be able to walk for 1 to 6 hours on steep, muddy forest paths. Porters and walking sticks are available at the park and help you a lot. Minimum age is 15.
Will we see the Big Five in Akagera?
Akagera is home to lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos and buffalo. Sightings are never guaranteed, but our guides know where the animals are likely to be.
What is the best time to go?
The long dry season (June–September) and the short dry season (December–February) are the easiest for trekking and game drives. The green seasons are quieter, lush and good value.
How do I book?
Send us a request with your dates and group size. We reply within 24 hours with a quote. When you confirm, we book permits and lodges and send you a full travel pack.
Free quote
Request this tour
Tell us your dates and group. We will confirm availability and send you a tailored price within 24 hours.
What travellers say
Traveller testimonials
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