Tour Overview
Experience the adventure of a lifetime on this 2 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari, designed for travelers with limited time who want to experience Rwanda’s world-famous mountain gorillas. This short but rewarding safari combines the vibrant culture and history of Kigali with an unforgettable gorilla trekking adventure in Volcanoes National Park, home to the endangered mountain gorillas of the Virunga Mountains.
From scenic countryside drives and breathtaking volcanic landscapes to the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of spending an hour with a habituated gorilla family, this itinerary offers the perfect introduction to Rwanda’s incredible natural beauty and conservation success.
Safari Highlights
- Scenic transfer from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park.
- Optional Kigali city tour and Kigali Genocide Memorial visit.
- Spectacular drive through Rwanda’s “Land of a Thousand Hills.”
- Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park.
- Spend one unforgettable hour with a mountain gorilla family.
- Guided by experienced Rwanda Development Board (RDB) ranger guides.
- Comfortable accommodation near Volcanoes National Park.
- Return transfer to Kigali.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali and Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your professional safari guide, who will brief you about your upcoming gorilla trekking adventure before beginning your journey.
Depending on your arrival time, you may enjoy a short tour of Kigali, one of Africa’s cleanest and safest cities. Highlights can include a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, where you will gain a deeper understanding of Rwanda’s history, resilience, and remarkable transformation. You may also explore local craft markets or cultural centers to experience Rwanda’s vibrant art and traditions.
After the city tour, begin the scenic drive to Volcanoes National Park, located approximately 2½ to 3 hours northwest of Kigali. Along the way, admire Rwanda’s spectacular rolling hills, terraced farms, picturesque villages, and beautiful mountain scenery that have earned the country its nickname, the “Land of a Thousand Hills.”
Stop for lunch at a local restaurant en route, where you can sample delicious Rwandan cuisine before continuing your journey.
Upon arrival near Volcanoes National Park, check in to your safari lodge and spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing while enjoying breathtaking views of the Virunga Volcanoes. Your guide will also brief you on what to expect during the gorilla trek and help you prepare for the following morning’s adventure.
Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at your lodge.
Accommodation Options
Budget
- La Palme Hotel
- Muhabura Hotel
Mid-range
- Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge
- Gorilla Solutions Lodge
Luxury
- Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel
- Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
- Ingagi Park View Lodge
Main Destination: Volcanoes National Park
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking Experience and Return to Kigali
Wake up early and enjoy breakfast before transferring to the Kinigi Park Headquarters, arriving by 7:00 AM for registration and a detailed briefing by Rwanda Development Board (RDB) park rangers.
During the briefing, you’ll learn about mountain gorilla behavior, conservation efforts, trekking safety, and the guidelines that help protect these endangered primates. You will then be assigned to one of the park’s habituated gorilla families based on your fitness level and the location of the gorillas.
After the briefing, drive to the trailhead where your trekking adventure begins. Accompanied by experienced ranger guides and trackers, hike through cultivated farmland before entering the dense bamboo forests and montane rainforest of the Virunga Mountains.
The trek may take anywhere between 1 and 6 hours, depending on the movement of the gorilla family. Along the way, your guides will point out interesting plant species, birds, animal tracks, and other wildlife while sharing fascinating information about the park’s unique ecosystem.
Once the gorillas are located, you’ll spend one unforgettable hour observing them in their natural habitat. Watch the dominant silverback protect the family, mothers nurture their infants, and playful juveniles interact with one another. This intimate wildlife encounter is widely regarded as one of the greatest safari experiences in the world.
After the trek, return to the park headquarters where you will receive a gorilla trekking certificate before meeting your driver-guide.
Enjoy lunch at your lodge or a nearby restaurant before beginning the scenic drive back to Kigali.
Depending on your departure schedule, you may have time to visit a local craft market to purchase handmade souvenirs, coffee, baskets, or traditional artwork before being transferred to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight or dropped off at your hotel.
This marks the end of your unforgettable 2 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari.
Main Destination: Kigali
Tour Inclusions
- Gorilla trekking permit.
- Accommodation for one night.
- Meals as specified in the itinerary.
- Transportation in a comfortable 4×4 safari vehicle.
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide.
- Park entrance and ranger fees.
- Bottled drinking water during transfers.
- All activities mentioned in the itinerary.
- Airport pick-up and drop-off.
- Tour can depart on any day.
- Private safari with customization options available.
- Solo travelers are welcome.
Tour Exclusions
- International and domestic flights.
- Rwanda visa fees (where applicable).
- Travel and medical insurance.
- Tips for guides, porters, and hotel staff.
- Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks.
- Personal expenses such as souvenirs, laundry, telephone calls, and optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary.