Tour Overview

The 1 Day Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Tour is the perfect safari for travelers with limited time who wish to experience one of the world’s most extraordinary wildlife encounters. Starting and ending in Kigali, this tour takes you to the renowned Volcanoes National Park, home to the endangered mountain gorillas that inhabit the Virunga Mountains.

Although it is a short adventure, the experience is truly unforgettable. Trek through lush bamboo forests and mist-covered mountain slopes before spending one magical hour observing a habituated gorilla family in its natural habitat. From playful infants and nurturing mothers to the impressive dominant silverback, every moment offers a rare glimpse into the lives of these remarkable primates.

Tour Highlights

  • Early morning pick-up from Kigali hotel or Kigali International Airport.
  • Scenic drive through Rwanda’s beautiful “Land of a Thousand Hills.”
  • Gorilla trekking adventure in Volcanoes National Park.
  • One unforgettable hour with a habituated mountain gorilla family.
  • Guided experience led by professional park rangers.
  • Return transfer to Kigali after the trek.

Detailed Itinerary

Pick Up: Transfer from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park

Your adventure begins with an early morning pick-up from your hotel in Kigali or Kigali International Airport at approximately 4:30 AM to 5:00 AM. After meeting your professional driver-guide, you’ll begin the scenic drive northwards to Volcanoes National Park, a journey of about 2½ to 3 hours.

As you travel through Rwanda’s picturesque countryside, enjoy spectacular views of rolling green hills, neatly terraced farms, rural villages, and the towering Virunga Volcanoes in the distance. Along the way, your guide will share interesting information about Rwanda’s history, culture, wildlife, and conservation efforts.

Morning: Gorilla Trekking Experience

Upon arrival at the Kinigi Park Headquarters, you’ll register for the trek before attending a comprehensive briefing conducted by Rwanda Development Board (RDB) park rangers. During the briefing, you’ll learn about mountain gorilla behavior, conservation efforts, safety guidelines, and the rules for responsible gorilla trekking.

Visitors are then assigned to one of the park’s habituated gorilla families based on factors such as fitness level, age, and the location of the gorillas on that particular day.

After the briefing, you’ll drive a short distance to the trailhead where your trekking adventure begins. Accompanied by experienced ranger guides and trackers, you’ll hike through farmland before entering the dense bamboo forests and montane rainforest of the Virunga Mountains.

The trek may take anywhere between 2 and 6 hours, depending on where the gorillas have moved that morning. Along the way, you’ll encounter beautiful forest scenery, unique vegetation, birds, butterflies, and possibly other wildlife that inhabit the park.

The highlight of the day comes when you finally encounter the mountain gorillas. Visitors are allowed to spend one unforgettable hour observing the family from a safe distance. Watch the dominant silverback protect his family, mothers lovingly care for their infants, and playful juveniles interact with one another in their natural habitat. This close encounter with one of the world’s most endangered primates is an emotional and truly life-changing experience.

Afternoon: Return to Kigali

After your hour with the gorillas, you’ll begin the hike back to the park headquarters where your driver-guide will be waiting. Depending on the duration of your trek, you’ll enjoy lunch before starting the return journey to Kigali.

The drive back offers another opportunity to admire Rwanda’s breathtaking landscapes and rural scenery. Upon arrival in Kigali in the late afternoon or early evening, you will be dropped off at your hotel or Kigali International Airport, marking the end of your memorable one-day gorilla trekking adventure.

Tour Inclusions

  • Gorilla trekking permit (USD 1,500 per person).
  • Transportation in a comfortable 4×4 safari vehicle.
  • Professional English-speaking driver-guide.
  • Services of experienced park ranger guides and trackers.
  • Park entrance and ranger fees.
  • Bottled drinking water.
  • Lunch.
  • All activities mentioned in the itinerary.

Tour Exclusions

  • International and domestic flights.
  • Rwanda visa fees (where applicable).
  • Travel and medical insurance.
  • Tips and gratuities.
  • Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks.
  • Personal expenses such as souvenirs, laundry, and telephone calls.