3 Days Rwanda Gorilla Safari in Volcanoes National Park
This 3 Days Rwanda Gorilla Safari in Volcanoes National Park begins with a Kigali city tour and a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial before continuing with a scenic drive to the iconic Volcanoes National Park, with stops along the way to experience local culture and glimpse the vibrant rhythms of Rwandan life.
The undoubted highlight of the trip is a gorilla trekking experience deep in the Virunga Mountains, where you’ll observe these remarkable, gentle giants at close range in their natural habitat.
Compact but genuinely immersive, this itinerary combines Rwanda’s difficult but important history with its natural wonders, offering a short trip that leaves a lasting impression.
Highlights of 3 Days Rwanda Gorilla Safari in Volcanoes National Park
- Day 1: Arrival in Kigali, Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
- Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
- Day 3: Departure
Detailed Itinerary of 3 Days Rwanda Gorilla Safari in Volcanoes National Park
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali, Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Your Rwanda gorilla trekking adventure begins with pick-up from your hotel in Kigali, or directly from Kigali International Airport on arrival, followed by a Kigali city tour that includes a poignant and enlightening visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial.
A local guide will walk you through this pivotal chapter of Rwanda’s history, as the memorial preserves the stories and memory of the 1994 genocide. It’s a powerful, sobering experience, offering genuine insight into the nation’s resilience and the long road it has walked toward healing.
As your emotions settle, you’ll set off on a scenic drive toward Volcanoes National Park, watching the landscape shift and unfold along the way. The journey involves more than just road time; several stops along the route give you the chance to engage directly with local communities. Each of these stops offers a window into the rhythm of rural life, an opportunity to exchange smiles, and a chance to understand the vibrant culture that shapes Rwanda as a nation. These small cultural interactions deepen your connection to the land and its people, turning the drive itself into a series of memories worth keeping.
On arrival at your lodge in Volcanoes National Park, settle in, take in the fresh mountain air, and prepare for the experiences ahead.
Accommodation: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge Meal Plan: Lunch and Dinner
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
The day begins early, with a genuine sense of anticipation building as you head into the heart of the Virunga Mountains. At park headquarters, you’ll join fellow trekkers for a briefing on how to behave in the presence of the gorillas and while moving through the forest.
Accompanied by experienced rangers and trackers, you’ll venture into the misty forest in search of mountain gorillas. As you hike, the vibrant greenery closes in around you, and the anticipation builds with every step.
Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park is a genuine adventure, taking you across varying terrain, each twist and turn bringing you closer to the gorilla families. Once you locate them, time seems to slow down. The hour you spend observing these majestic creatures, their interactions, their expressions, and their evident sense of family is unforgettable. It’s a rare window into their world, a genuine connection across species, and a quiet reminder of the delicate balance that sustains life on this planet.
After the trek, you can choose to return to your lodge for an evening of relaxation or head to Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village for an immersive experience with Rwandan culture and a chance to interact with the local community. In the evening, you’ll return to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.
Accommodation: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 3: Departure
Today marks the final day of your 3 Days Rwanda Gorilla Safari in Volcanoes National Park. You’ll set out on a scenic drive back to Kigali, passing through landscapes that have grown familiar over the past few days, with time to reflect on the adventure behind you.
On arrival in Kigali, you’ll be dropped off at the airport in time for your flight home, bringing your Rwanda trip to a close.
End of 3 Days Rwanda Gorilla Safari in Volcanoes National Park
Price Includes:
- Accommodation in mid-range-priced lodges and meals as indicated in the itinerary
- One gorilla trekking permit ($1,500)
- Park entrance fees
- All excursions and activities indicated in the itinerary, under the supervision of a professional English-speaking safari guide
- Ground transport and transfers in a custom 4×4 safari Land Cruiser
- AMREF evacuation insurance cover
- Government taxes
Exclusions:
- Travel insurance
- International flights
- Visa fees and processing
- Extra activities and meals not indicated in the itinerary
- Extra luggage on domestic flights
- Service tips, gratuities, souvenirs, and snacks
- Accommodation after the end of the trip
