This three-day gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda begins and ends in Kigali, the capital. The trip includes the trekking permit ($1,500 per person). You will track mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, home to over 400 gorillas. Additional activities during the safari will include a city tour of Kigali, a visit to the twin lakes Bulera and Ruhondo, and a community walk.
Day 1: Arrival and Transfer to your Hotel in Kigali
Upon arrival, your driver-guide will provide detailed information about your 3-day safari. You will then be transferred north to Volcanoes National Park, located 80km (50 mi) from Kigali—approximately a two-hour drive. If you arrive in Kigali early, you can take a city tour, where you can visit the National Museum and the Genocide Memorial Center. After lunch, you will be transferred to the park in the afternoon.
Day 2: Volcanoes National Park, Gorilla Trekking, Twin Lakes Visit and Community Walk
Enjoy an early and delicious breakfast before your driver-guide takes you to the park headquarters by 8 AM for a briefing. Afterward, embark on an incredible adventure—gorilla tracking! This activity usually requires hikers to have a moderate level of physical fitness. The trek can take anywhere from 1 to 6 hours, and once you locate the gorillas, you will have the opportunity to observe them for 1 hour. It is truly a remarkable experience to see them play, care for each other, and feed.
During the trek, hikers may also spot other wildlife, including golden monkeys, elephants, buffalos, and a variety of birds. After the trek, you will be escorted back to the lodge for lunch. You can then choose to visit the beautiful twin lakes, Burera and Ruhondo, take a walk through the local community to watch traditional dances, or simply relax in the afternoon at your lodge.
Day 3: Transfer to Kigali
Be early to rise and have breakfast before you check out of the lodge. After that, your driver-guide will transfer you to Kigali, where you can spend a short time shopping at local markets. You can also buy souvenirs. If you have extra time, you could also visit the pottery project and the Franco-Rwandan Cultural Center. Enjoy lunch and transfer to the airport for your flight home.