3-day Rwanda gorilla trekking safari
- 2
- Nights
- 3
- Days
- Destinations
- Volcanoes · Kigali
Journey overview
Volcanoes National Park is close enough to Kigali to make a focused three-day gorilla trip practical. The itinerary uses Day 1 for Kigali and the road north, Day 2 for the gorilla trek and Iby'Iwacu Cultural Village, and Day 3 for the return to the city. Five of the main Virunga volcanoes rise within the park: Muhabura, Karisimbi, Sabinyo, Bisoke and Gahinga. The park is also closely linked to Dian Fossey's gorilla research and supports golden monkeys and other forest wildlife. Kigali remains the arrival and departure point throughout the trip. The $1,500 permit fee shown in this itinerary should be reconfirmed for the intended travel date.
Key highlights
- Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park.
- Kigali city tour and visit to the Gisozi Genocide Memorial.
- Road transfer through Rwanda’s hilly northern landscape.
- Visit Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village for Rwandan music, dance and cultural interpretation.
- Look for golden monkeys and other forest wildlife in the wider Volcanoes National Park ecosystem.
Itinerary
3 days of guided travel, planned by our safari team from arrival to departure.
Kigali city tour - transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park
Kigali comes first, rather than driving straight to the mountains. Meet your guide at the airport or hotel, visit the Gisozi Genocide Memorial and selected markets or city landmarks, then stop for lunch before leaving the capital. The road to Volcanoes National Park takes about 2 to 3 hours through Rwanda's northern hills. Check in on arrival and keep the evening free for the early start at Kinigi the following morning.
- Luxury
- Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, The 5 Volcanoes Lodge
- Mid-range
- Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge, Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge
- Budget
- The Garden Place Hotel
Lunch · Dinner
Gorilla trekking and cultural village tour
Volcanoes National Park
Kinigi Park Headquarters is the first stop at 7:00 AM for the gorilla trekking briefing. Park officials cover safety, trekking rules and the day's group assignments before you enter the forest with rangers and, if hired, a porter. The search can take 1 to 5 hours depending on the gorillas' location, and the permitted hour begins once the assigned family is found. Lunch and rest at the lodge follow the trek. Later, Iby'Iwacu Cultural Village adds music, dance, storytelling and interpretation of selected Rwandan traditions to the afternoon.
- Luxury
- Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, The 5 Volcanoes Lodge
- Mid-range
- Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge, Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge
- Budget
- The Garden Place Hotel
Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner
Return to Kigali and departure
Kigali
The journey back to Kigali is kept relaxed, with photo stops where timing allows. Drop-off is at your hotel or Kigali International Airport. Any city sites missed on Day 1 can be fitted into the remaining time before departure, provided your flight schedule allows it.
Breakfast
Inclusions & exclusions
Included
- Gorilla trekking permit: $1,500 per person.
- Private transport in a 4WD safari vehicle.
- Services of an experienced English-speaking guide/driver.
- Accommodation as per the itinerary (luxury, mid-range, or budget options).
- Meals as specified in the itinerary (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
- Bottled drinking water during the safari.
- All park entry fees.
- Iby’iwacu Cultural Village visit.
- Pre-trek briefing by park officials.
Not included
- International flights.
- Rwandan visa fees.
- Tips and gratuities.
- Alcoholic beverages and personal expenses.
- Travel insurance.
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