Embark on an unforgettable journey through Rwanda, the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” where breathtaking landscapes meet extraordinary wildlife encounters. This 6-day safari takes you deep into the heart of Volcanoes National Park, following in the footsteps of the legendary Dian Fossey to experience one of the world’s most profound wildlife adventures – tracking the endangered mountain gorillas.
Guided by expert trackers and rangers, you will spend precious time with habituated gorilla families, observing their complex social interactions and gaining a rare insight into their world. Beyond gorillas, your primate odyssey continues with a thrilling golden monkey trek, where playful troops dart through the bamboo forests at the foothills of the Virunga Volcanoes.
Complementing these primate encounters are opportunities to explore Rwanda’s rich cultural heritage, picturesque countryside, and the warm hospitality of its people. From misty volcanic peaks to lush forests, every moment is designed to connect you with Rwanda’s natural wonders in an intimate and meaningful way. This safari is more than a wildlife experience—it is a journey of conservation, discovery, and connection with some of the planet’s most extraordinary creatures.
Detailed itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Kigali
Upon arrival you will be met by our Nyumbu Beyond Journeys safari guide and driven to your lodge in Kigali. The rest of the day is yours to settle in and start thinking about the adventures that lay before you. The Kigali City is perfect for an overnight stop either before or after visiting Volcanoes National Park for gorilla trekking.
Day 2: Kigali City tour & transfer to Volcanoes National Park
This morning, you have the chance to visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre. After lunch, you travel north 2.5 hours to Ruhengeri and the Volcanoes National Park. In the evening, enjoy dinner and a talk with the Gorilla trackers. After a day of exhilarating mountain gorilla tracking, guests can find respite in the warm embrace of open fireplaces in the lounge and dining room.
Day 3: Mountain Gorilla trekking in the Virunga Massif
Embark on the special day of gorilla tracking as you are accompanied by experienced ranger guides. The gorillas we are allowed to track belong to either one of ten habituated family groups. An early breakfast and you’re off to the park headquarters at Kinigi to register and be allocated your gorilla family for today. Having a member of the gorilla trackers on your trek will allow you to learn more about their everyday experiences and challenges as the work to protect the mountain gorillas. In the afternoon, if time and weather permits, you will be able to visit the twin lakes of Burera and Ruhondo, or the local markets in the town of Musanze.
Day 4: Golden Monkey Trek and Visit the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund.
Rise early this morning for an exciting trek into the bamboo forests of Volcanoes National Park, home to the endangered golden monkey. These striking primates, often referred to as blue monkeys, are a rare subspecies of the Sykes monkey found only in this region. Known for their cheeky, playful, and inquisitive nature, they dart swiftly among the bamboo stems, their golden-orange coats shimmering in the morning light. Accompanied by an experienced ranger guide, you’ll follow fresh signs of the troop, pausing to watch them forage, leap between branches, and interact socially within the dense vegetation. This experience offers excellent opportunities for photography and a unique glimpse into the behavior of one of the Albertine Rift’s most charismatic primates.
After descending from the forest, return to your lodge for lunch and a short rest. In the afternoon, transfer to Musanze to Visit the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund. This conservation hub is dedicated to continuing the legacy of Dian Fossey, whose groundbreaking research and protection efforts helped save the mountain gorillas from extinction. At the center, you’ll gain fascinating insights into gorilla ecology, ongoing scientific research, and community-based conservation programs. The exhibits and educational presentations provide a deeper understanding of the challenges and successes in protecting Rwanda’s mountain gorillas and their fragile habitat.
End the day with a relaxed evening at your lodge, reflecting on the remarkable wildlife encounters and conservation stories that make Volcanoes National Park such a special destination.
Day 5: Hike to the Dian Fossey Grave and follow her trail
An early start to make your way to the park headquarters where you are assigned a ranger and hike to Dian Fossey’s original Karisoke Research Camp in Volcanoes National Park, where you’ll be able to imagine what it must have been like for Dian when she arrived in Rwanda to set up her research camp to study and protect the endangered mountain gorillas back in 1967, and have the chance to pay respects at the gravesite of Dian Fossey and her favorite gorilla friend, Digit.
Return to the lodge later in the afternoon to relax, have a hot shower or massage and reflect on the day’s activities.
Day 6: Transfer to Kigali & Airport drop off
Enjoy breakfast and spend your morning at leisure at your lodge. Following lunch, drive back to Kigali and transfer to Kigali International Airport in time to check in for your flight home. End of 6 Days Adventure with Dian Fossey Gorilla Conservation Safari