3 Day Gorilla Trekking Rwanda
Overview
This 3 Day Gorilla Trekking Rwanda safari is a short yet extraordinary primate adventure to Volcanoes National Park, home to the endangered mountain gorillas. Located in the Virunga Mountains in northern Rwanda, the park offers one of the most accessible and well-organized gorilla trekking experiences in Africa.
This itinerary is ideal for travelers with limited time who want a premium gorilla encounter combined with scenic countryside views, cultural experiences, and comfortable lodge stays.
Detailed Tour Plan
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be welcomed by your safari guide for a short briefing.
Depending on arrival time, enjoy a brief Kigali city tour including:
Kigali Genocide Memorial (optional)
Local craft markets
After lunch, drive approximately 2.5 hours to Volcanoes National Park. The scenic drive offers spectacular views of rolling hills and terraced countryside.
Check in at your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation Options:
- Luxury: Bisate Lodge / Singita Kwitonda Lodge
- Midrange: Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge / Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
- Budget: Kinigi Guesthouse / Hotel Muhabura
Meal Plan: Lunch & Dinner
Early breakfast at the lodge, then transfer to the park headquarters in Kinigi for registration and briefing by Rwanda Development Board rangers.
You will be allocated a gorilla family group based on fitness level and preferences. The trek can take anywhere from 2 to 6 hours depending on the gorillas’ movement.
Once located, you will spend one magical hour observing the gorillas in their natural habitat — watching them feed, groom, play, and interact.
After trekking, return to the lodge for relaxation.
Optional afternoon activities:
Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village visit
Nature walk around the lodge
Accommodation: Same as Day 1
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast, drive back to Kigali. Depending on your flight schedule, optional stops may include:
Local markets
Coffee shops
Craft centers
Drop-off at Kigali International Airport for departure flight.
Meal Plan: Breakfast
End of Safari.
Included/Exclude
- Airport pick-up and drop-off
- Private 4x4 safari vehicle with professional driver-guide
- Gorilla trekking permit (USD 1,500 per person)
- 2 nights’ accommodation
- Meals as specified in itinerary
- Park ranger fees
- Bottled drinking water during transfers
- International flights
- Rwanda visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses (tips, laundry, drinks)
- Optional activities (cultural visit, city tour extras)