
One-Day Rwanda Golden Monkey Trekking Tour
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 8 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is One-Day Rwanda Golden Monkey Trekking Tour worth booking?
One-Day Rwanda Golden Monkey Trekking Tour is a 5-hour experience in Kigali, Rwanda, from $267 per person. It scores 64 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 8 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 64 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (8)
- Duration
- 5 hours
- From
- $267 per person
Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime trek into Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park with Afri Safaris to encounter the rare and playful Golden Monkeys—found only in the misty Virunga Mountains. This thrilling one-day adventure is perfect for travelers short on time but craving unforgettable wildlife experiences. Watch these curious, golden-furred primates leap through bamboo forests in one of Africa’s most biodiverse regions. Kick off your epic day with an early departure from Kigali on a scenic 2–2.5 hour Enjoy a seamless and comfortable journey with our premium 4×4 safari vehicles, equipped with Wi-Fi connectivity to keep you in touch with your loved ones & the world, plus onboard power charging systems to keep your devices fully powered throughout your adventure. Enhance your day with an optional visit to the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund or the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village—an ex-poacher community celebrating Rwandan culture and conservation. Ideal for nature lovers, photographers, and explorers
What you get
About this experience
Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime trek into Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park with Afri Safaris to encounter the rare and playful Golden Monkeys—found only in the misty Virunga Mountains. This thrilling one-day adventure is perfect for travelers short on time but craving unforgettable wildlife experiences. Watch these curious, golden-furred primates leap through bamboo forests in one of Africa’s most biodiverse regions. Kick off your epic day with an early departure from Kigali on a scenic 2–2.5 hour Enjoy a seamless and comfortable journey with our premium 4×4 safari vehicles, equipped with Wi-Fi connectivity to keep you in touch with your loved ones & the world, plus onboard power charging systems to keep your devices fully powered throughout your adventure. Enhance your day with an optional visit to the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund or the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village—an ex-poacher community celebrating Rwandan culture and conservation. Ideal for nature lovers, photographers, and explorers
What's included
Included
- • Golden Monkeys trek Permit fee in Rwanda when opted.
- •Stay Connected On Board with Wi-Fi and Power Charging System for your devices & comfortable Journey
- • Golden Monkeys Trekking Certificate by Afri Safaris
- • Lunch • Coffee & Plenty of Water (Beverage)
- • Private Transport: 4x4 Safari vehicle, 4x4 Safari Car.
- • Unforgettable photo opportunities that last a lifetime – every moment is wild and wonderful.
- •Unforgettable Photo Opportunities – Every moment is wild and wonderful!
- •Pick-up and drop-off anywhere in Kigali City and or Kigali airport
- •Optional Visit to Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund or Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village.
- • Professional driver guide by Afri Safaris
Not included
- • Golden Monkeys Permit fee when not opted. And must be purchased once booking is confirmed.
- • Tips • Porter fees •Personal expenses • Everything else not mentioned in the inclusions
What you'll see and do
Volcanoes National Park Rwanda
A transfer, begins & ends in Kigali SIMPLE ITINERARY: You should wake up early & order for breakfast as you wait for the driver to pick you up. Afri Safaris driver guide will take you to the RDB headquarter in Kinigi for briefing by 7:00am. This briefing is very important and is where you will meet other tourists and Rangers who will be leading you to the forest. The briefing covers many topics but the most important is how to behave around the golden monkey, what to expect and what to carry along while tracking the golden mok. You will be assigned a golden mok taking into consideration your overall fitness & age. This is because some of the golden monkey groups are located deeper in the forest hence requiring more hours of trekking. Porters are available to help you with extra luggage. Park Rangers will lead you into the forest to track the primates. Trekking takes btn 2 to 5 hours. After an hour of observing the golden mo, our Guide will be waiting for you at the starting point.
300 minutes here · Admission included
Iby'iwacu Cultural Village
After Golden trekking, then you will be transferred to Iby'iwacu cultural village. Iby'iwacu Cultural Village is a village of ex-poachers, those previously stealing the gorillas due to poverty, they now stopped poaching. The Iby’iwacu cultural village is one of the leading cultural attractions in Rwanda. The Village combines all of Rwanda’s known cultural traditions, people & history into one place for display & a personal experience. International visitors get to see what life was in a typical African village setting – the lifestyle, houses, traditional dances, dressing code, food, herbs & how the ancient kingdoms were generally organized. Tourists are given an opportunity to learn ancient hunting skills, try weaving baskets/mats, carpentry. This unique experience has won the hearts of many visitors who wish to indulge in the culture of Rwanda’s native community after seeing gorillas. Village offers an opportunities to purchase local craft, gifts & souvenir to show friends back home.
45 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 60 minutes before departure.
Options you can book
Golden Monkey Trekking
Golden Monkeys Trekking : Journey into Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park for an exciting encounter with playful golden monkeys in their natural habitat. World-class: Ideal for travelers with limited time, this day trip includes golden monkey trekking, lunch, and return to Kigali. Duration: 8 hours Lunch and drinks are included Kigali - Volcanoes National P: Kigali - Musanze - Volcanoes National Park 4WD : 4x4 safari vehicle, SUV Tourist permit fee excluded : Foreign non-residents: $100 USD Pickup included
Monkeys Trek with Dian Fossey
Golden Monkeys Trekking: Journey into Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park for an exciting encounter with playful golden monkeys in their natural habitat. Dian Fossey's legacy: After your Golden Monkey trek, visit the Ellen DeGeneres Campus to discover gorilla conservation and Dian Fossey’s legacy. Duration: 8 hours Lunch and drinks are included Kigali - Volcanoes National P: Kigali - Musanze - Volcanoes National Park 4WD: 4x4 safari vehicle, SUV Tourist permit fee excluded : Foreign non-residents: $100 USD Pickup included
Golden Monkey Trek & Guardians
Golden Monkeys Trekking: Journey into Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park for an exciting encounter with playful golden monkeys in their natural habitat. Iby'iwacu Cultural Village : Visit Gorilla Guardians Village (Iby’Iwacu), where former poachers now protect gorillas and share Rwanda’s culture. Duration: 9 hours Lunch and drinks are included Kigali - Volcanoes National P: Kigali - Musanze - Volcanoes National Park 4WD: 4x4 safari vehicle, SUV Tourist permit fee excluded : Foreign non-residents: $100 USD Pickup included
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en, fr
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Afri Safaris
Know before you go
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 8 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
5 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Organization
3 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Physical effort
3 mentionsExpect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Traveler reviews
8 verified traveler reviews for One-Day Rwanda Golden Monkey Trekking Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Great experience
Perfect, I really enjoyed. I love my guide, the hike, seeing these beautiful monkeys and the time in Dian Fossy museum
Response from the operator: Dear Valued Guest, Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed your experience with us. It is especially rewarding to know that you loved your guide, the hike, the incredible Golden Monkeys, and your visit to the Dian Fossey Museum. Your kind words mean a great deal to our team, and we truly appreciate you choosing Afri Safaris. We hope to welcome you back to Rwanda for another unforgettable adventure in the future. Kind regards, Afri Safaris Team
via Tripadvisor
Golden Monkey Trek — Up Close and Unforgettable
I did two tours with AfriSafari during my stay in Rwanda, and both were phenomenal. Elysee, my guide, was so knowledgeable about Rwanda, the golden monkeys, Akagera Park, and safaris — he helped make the trip so special. I also truly appreciated how responsive Alfa was before my trip, answering all my questions and reaching out to make sure I had everything I needed ahead of time. If you’re visiting Rwanda, I highly recommend the Golden Monkey Trek. These monkeys can only be found in this part of the world, in the mountains of Rwanda, Uganda, and the DRC, and I think they’re often overlooked. The trek I did was very short, since the monkeys had come down out of the mountains to raid the local village’s sweet potato farm — but this gave us the opportunity to interact with them on the ground. The park ranger did give us the option of hiking further into the volcano mountains if we wished, but we chose to stay where we were since we were having such a great experience. The monkeys were so cute, roaming around and walking right by us. It was a truly magical experience, and I highly recommend it. I also recommend visiting the Ellen DeGeneres campus of the Diane Fossey Foundation. It was so informative and interactive. She truly was an amazing woman. (Don’t miss out on the VR experience at the end )
Response from the operator: Dear Guest, Thank you so much for your wonderful review and for choosing Afri Safaris during your stay in Rwanda. We are delighted to hear that you had such a phenomenal experience on both of your tours. Your kind words about Elysee and our team are truly appreciated, and we will be sure to share your compliments with him. It is also rewarding to know that our support before your trip helped make your travel experience smooth and enjoyable. We are especially pleased that you enjoyed the Golden Monkey Trek and the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund. Your thoughtful description of the experience and recommendation will certainly inspire other travelers to discover these unique attractions. Thank you once again for your trust and recommendation. It was a pleasure hosting you, and we look forward to welcoming you back to Rwanda for another unforgettable adventure. Warm regards, The Afri Safaris Team
via Tripadvisor
Once in a lifetime experience
It was perfect from the beginning to the end. Everything was well explained before the tours, therefore my expectations were definitely met, but Sammuel (with Afris Safaris) went over the too with his services. He was amazing, very pleasant, and always making sure that I was having a good time, and also having great pictures too. The tour itself is really special, therefore monkeys are ADORABLE and also super playful. On the site they let you walk and get close as much as you want which in incredible.
Response from the operator: Thank you very much for your wonderful feedback, Cristian! We are truly delighted to hear that your experience was perfect from beginning to end and that everything met your expectations. It’s especially rewarding to know that Samuel went above and beyond to make your tour memorable your kind words will certainly mean a lot to him. We’re also glad you enjoyed the Golden Monkey experience such a unique and playful encounter indeed! Thank you once again for choosing Afri Safaris. We look forward to welcoming you again in the future.
via Viator
GREAT EXPERIENCE!!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ This was truly an unforgettable experience! Sammy was an absolutely outstanding guide—professional, punctual, and attentive to every single detail. He picked me up right on time, made sure the journey was smooth, and went above and beyond to ensure all of my needs were met throughout the day. The Golden Monkeys Trekking was incredible—I was able to capture amazing photos up close of these rare and beautiful animals. The trek itself was well-paced and enjoyable, and Sammy made sure I didn’t miss a thing. The visit to the Iby’iwacu Cultural Village was just as memorable. It was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced before—immersive, educational, and deeply inspiring. I learned so much history and culture that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. It truly made me feel connected to my roots and reminded me of my kingship. If you are in Kigali, this is an absolute MUST-DO tour! Between the breathtaking nature, the rich cultural experience, and having a guide like Sammy, it’s a perfect combination of adventure and heritage that you will never forget.
Response from the operator: Dear Javaun, Thank you for your time and leaving a review about Golden Monkeys trekking experience with us,we are delighted that you enjoyed our service and your experience with our Driver guide Sammy. We appreciate your review and high ratings we look forward to welcoming you back! Best Regards, Afri Safaris Team
via Tripadvisor
GOLDEN MONKEYS EXPERIENCE
Wonderful experience. Every was unique but most of all trekking Golden Monkey. The driver was very kindly and helpful.
Response from the operator: Dear Kalliopi, Thank you for your time and leaving a review about Golden Monkeys trekking experience with us,we are delighted that you enjoyed our service and your experience with our Driver guide. We appreciate your review and high ratings we look forward to welcoming you back! Best Regards, Afri Safaris Team
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $267 to $549
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 3
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by Afri Safaris, who run 9 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 57.7.
See everything Afri Safaris runsWhy this scores 64
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
One-Day Rwanda Golden Monkey Trekking Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Kigali.
How much does One-Day Rwanda Golden Monkey Trekking Tour cost?
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Prices start at $267 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Kigali usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does One-Day Rwanda Golden Monkey Trekking Tour take?
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Plan for about 5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Kigali is not rushed.
Is One-Day Rwanda Golden Monkey Trekking Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 64 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 8 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Kigali, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule One-Day Rwanda Golden Monkey Trekking Tour?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is One-Day Rwanda Golden Monkey Trekking Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book One-Day Rwanda Golden Monkey Trekking Tour?
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Around 3 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Kigali can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Kigali and add a light layer if any part of the 5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does One-Day Rwanda Golden Monkey Trekking Tour start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Kigali within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Kigali?
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On Outty we rank every Kigali experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include One-day Akagera National Park Game Drive with a Choice 4x4, One Day Akagera Wildlife Safari, Kigali City Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Kigali?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Kigali?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in One-Day Rwanda Golden Monkey Trekking Tour?
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Included: • Golden Monkeys trek Permit fee in Rwanda when opted; •Stay Connected On Board with Wi-Fi and Power Charging System for your devices & comfortab; • Golden Monkeys Trekking Certificate by Afri Safaris; • Lunch • Coffee & Plenty of Water (Beverage); and • Private Transport: 4x4 Safari vehicle, 4x4 Safari Car. Not included: • Golden Monkeys Permit fee when not opted. And must be purchased once booking is confirme; and • Tips • Porter fees •Personal expenses • Everything else not mentioned in the inclusions. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does One-Day Rwanda Golden Monkey Trekking Tour include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 31 listed pickup locations in and around Kigali. Be ready about 60 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is One-Day Rwanda Golden Monkey Trekking Tour offered in?
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It is offered in English and French. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for One-Day Rwanda Golden Monkey Trekking Tour?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
What happens to One-Day Rwanda Golden Monkey Trekking Tour if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Kigali. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about One-Day Rwanda Golden Monkey Trekking Tour?
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Across 8 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, organization. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Expect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
What booking options are available for One-Day Rwanda Golden Monkey Trekking Tour?
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There are 3 options to choose from, including Golden Monkey Trekking, Monkeys Trek with Dian Fossey, Golden Monkey Trek & Guardians. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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