8-Day Primate Cinematography Masterclass — Double Gorilla Trekking

Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by Primates Africa's professional representative, assisted with your luggage, and briefed on your journey ahead. You will then proceed to visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, where you will gain a profound understanding of Rwanda's history and resilience. After this visit, enjoy a scenic drive to Musanze, the gateway to Volcanoes National Park, where your gorilla trekking experience and exclusive wildlife cinematography masterclass will take place. Upon arrival, check into the luxurious lodge, beautifully set within eucalyptus forests and offering an exceptional blend of comfort and nature in preparation for your upcoming adventure.

Day 1 — Arrival & Orientation

Kigali Genocide Memorial

Scenic Drive to Musanze

Lodge Check-In

Volcanoes National Park Views

Wake up to a fresh and energizing breakfast at your lodge, set against the breathtaking backdrop of Volcanoes National Park. Begin your day with an exclusive two-hour wildlife cinematography masterclass led by Vianet Djenguet. During this immersive session, you will learn professional filming techniques, including camera angles, shot composition, and how to adapt to natural lighting conditions in the forest. This is also an opportunity to engage directly, ask thoughtful curiosity-driven questions, gain insider knowledge from global productions such as BBC Wildlife, and build a personal connection with your mentor. Following the session, enjoy a relaxed lunch before visiting the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, where you will deepen your understanding of gorilla conservation, research, and Rwanda's ongoing efforts to protect these remarkable primates. Later in the afternoon, return to your resort for leisure.

Day 2 — Masterclass & Conservation

Cinematography Masterclass

BBC Wildlife Techniques

Dian Fossey Campus

Conservation Research

This morning at 6:30 a.m. at your lodge, a park ranger will give you a briefing on the gorilla family to visit in Volcanoes National Park. Begin your day with an unforgettable gorilla trekking experience — spending one magical hour with the gorilla family. Immerse yourself in the excitement of spotting these majestic creatures and capturing every thrilling moment on camera. After lunch and relaxation, return to your resort for leisure. In the evening, have a one-hour session with Vianet Djenguet, discussing the challenges you encountered while filming and preparing for the second filming day with the same gorilla family.

Day 3 — First Gorilla Trek

Mountain Gorilla Trekking

Wildlife Cinematography

Evening Review Session

Bamboo Forest Exploration

After an early breakfast, embark on your second gorilla trekking experience, returning to the same gorilla family in Volcanoes National Park. This second encounter is designed to deepen your understanding of gorilla behaviour while allowing you to capture different moments, refine your composition, and take the shots you may have missed during your first trek — spending one hour with the gorilla family. By revisiting the same family, you will gain valuable insight into their routines, interactions, and individual personalities, enhancing both your storytelling and wildlife cinematography skills. Return to the resort for afternoon relaxation.

Day 4 — Second Gorilla Trek

Return to Gorilla Family

Refined Cinematography

Behaviour Documentation

Afternoon Relaxation

After breakfast, embark on a golden monkey trekking experience in Volcanoes National Park — a perfect second primate encounter that complements your gorilla experience. Unlike gorilla trekking, this experience introduces you to the playful and fast-moving golden monkeys, offering a dynamic opportunity to learn about their unique behaviours, social structures, and habitat. Their agility and energy provide a different cinematographic challenge, allowing you to refine your ability to capture movement, timing, and spontaneous moments in the wild. Later, visit Iby'Iwacu Cultural Village (Gorilla Guardians Village), where you will gain insight into the vital role local communities play in conservation. In the evening, return to your lodge for a final one-hour review session with Vianet Djenguet, focusing on refining footage, storytelling, and final edits.

Day 5 — Golden Monkeys & Culture

Golden Monkey Trekking

Iby'Iwacu Cultural Village

Community Conservation

Evening Footage Review

Enjoy a full day at leisure near Volcanoes National Park, at your hotel, dedicated to editing your footage and crafting a short documentary. Using your preferred software, develop a compelling narrative that highlights primate conservation and the role of local communities. Your final film should be no longer than 3 minutes and will be reviewed the next day by Vianet Djenguet.

Day 6 — Documentary Editing

Footage Review & Selection

Documentary Editing

Narrative Crafting

Conservation Storytelling

Continue refining and finalising your short documentary in the morning, completing all edits by 1:00 PM for official submission. Ensure your 3-minute film presents a strong narrative on primate conservation and community impact around Volcanoes National Park. After submission, prepare for transfer to the final gathering and awards ceremony. In the evening, arrive at Meza Malonga, where you will experience an immersive Afro-European fusion culinary journey inspired by African spices and refined European techniques, featuring an exclusive 8-course tasting menu per guest with sunset views over Twin Lakes. The program concludes with a certificate award, recognising your participation in the wildlife cinematography masterclass, followed by recognition of the top three best short documentaries. A farewell dinner marks the closing of the experience in a celebratory atmosphere.

Day 7 — Submission, Awards & Celebration

Documentary Submission

Meza Malonga 8-Course Dinner

Certificate Awards Ceremony

Burera Twin Lakes Sunset