Overview
Experience the perfect combination of Rwanda’s history, culture, wildlife, and breathtaking landscapes on this 3 Days Rwanda Genocide Memorial, Gorilla Trekking & Golden Monkey Safari. Begin your journey with a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, where you’ll gain a deeper understanding of Rwanda’s remarkable journey of resilience and reconciliation. Continue to the spectacular Volcanoes National Park, home to the endangered mountain gorillas and the rare golden monkeys of the Virunga Mountains. Complete your adventure with a visit to the beautiful Twin Lakes of Burera and Ruhondo, where stunning scenery and tranquil waters provide the perfect ending to an unforgettable safari.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Kigali Genocide Memorial & Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport or your hotel, you will be welcomed by your professional driver-guide before beginning your journey with a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial. This important historical site commemorates the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and provides a moving insight into Rwanda’s history, resilience, and remarkable transformation.
After the memorial visit, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before departing for Volcanoes National Park. The scenic drive takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours through Rwanda’s beautiful countryside, passing rolling hills, terraced farms, and picturesque villages that have earned the country its nickname, the “Land of a Thousand Hills.”
Upon arrival, check in to your lodge and spend the remainder of the afternoon relaxing while enjoying magnificent views of the Virunga Volcanoes. Depending on your arrival time, you may choose to take a short nature walk or visit a nearby local community.
Dinner and overnight at your lodge.
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking Experience & Optional Cultural Visit
After an early breakfast, transfer to the Kinigi Park Headquarters for registration and a briefing by experienced park rangers before beginning your gorilla trekking adventure.
Accompanied by expert guides and trackers, hike through the lush bamboo forests and volcanic slopes of Volcanoes National Park in search of one of the park’s habituated mountain gorilla families. The trek may last between one and six hours depending on the gorillas’ location.
Once you locate the gorillas, you’ll spend one unforgettable hour observing these gentle giants as they feed, groom, play, and interact in their natural habitat. This once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounter offers exceptional photography opportunities and is considered one of Africa’s greatest safari experiences.
After the trek, return to your lodge for lunch and relaxation. If time permits, you may visit the Iby’Iwacu (Gorilla Guardians) Cultural Village, where you’ll experience traditional Rwandan music, dance, storytelling, and learn about the culture and conservation efforts of the local communities.
Dinner and overnight at your lodge.