A 3-day Rwanda gorilla trekking tour offers an exhilarating adventure that brings you face-to-face with mountain gorillas, one of the world’s most iconic and endangered species. Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is home to a significant population of these gentle giants, and the opportunity to track them is an experience like no other.
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali and Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Arrival at Kigali International Airport.
Meet and greet with your guide/driver at the airport.
Depart from Kigali and head northwest towards Musanze (formerly Ruhengeri), the base town for Volcanoes National Park.
Stop along the way for lunch (your guide can recommend a suitable restaurant).
Check into your accommodation, which could be a luxury lodge, a mid-range hotel, or a budget option depending on your preferences.
Optional activity: visit the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village, a community-based tourism initiative that offers insight into the traditional way of life of the Rwandan people, including their dance, art, and handicrafts.
Dinner and overnight at your lodge/hotel.
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Early breakfast at your accommodation.
Proceed to the park headquarters for a briefing on the gorilla trekking rules and regulations.
Once the briefing is completed, you will be assigned to a specific gorilla family and guide. The trek can vary in length and difficulty, but generally, the hike to find the gorillas can take anywhere from 1-4 hours.
Spend an hour in the company of the gorillas, observing their behaviors, taking photos, and simply marveling at the experience of being so close to these majestic creatures.
Return to your lodge for lunch and a well-deserved rest.
In the afternoon, you can choose to relax at the lodge or explore other optional activities, such as visiting the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International (a research and conservation organization dedicated to the protection of mountain gorillas and their habitats) or going for a nature walk.
Dinner and overnight at your lodge/hotel.
Day 3: Departure
Breakfast at your accommodation.
Depart from Volcanoes National Park and head back to Kigali.
If time allows, you can visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a powerful museum that provides insight into Rwanda’s tragic history.
Drop-off at Kigali International Airport for your departure flight, or at your chosen accommodation in Kigali.