Embark on an unforgettable 3 Days Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda adventure, designed for wildlife lovers and nature seekers looking for a short yet life-changing safari. This tour takes you deep into the heart of Volcanoes National Park, home to Rwanda’s famed mountain gorillas, just a few hours’ drive from Kigali.
3 Days Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda journey begins with a scenic transfer from Kigali, where optional stops at the Kigali Genocide Memorial or the vibrant Gorilla Guardians Village offer cultural depth and local insight. After a comfortable night at a lodge near the park, the highlight awaits, a thrilling trek through the misty forest for a close-up encounter with a mountain gorilla family in their natural habitat.
With all logistics taken care of from gorilla permits to professional guides and cozy accommodations, this 3-day gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda is the perfect way to experience one of the world’s rarest wildlife encounters, even on a short schedule.
3 Days Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda Itinerary Summary
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali you will transfer to Volcanoes National Park (Option to visit Kigali Genocide Memorial or Iby’iwacu Cultural Village)
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park – Overnight near the park
Day 3: Optional nature walk or twin lakes visit – Transfer back to Kigali
Day-by-Day Itinerary – 3 Days Mountain Gorilla Trekking in RwandaDay 1: Kigali Arrival – Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
- Distance: ~110 km
- Drive Time: 2.5 to 3 hours
Your 3 Days Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda begins with a warm welcome in Kigali. You’ll be met by your private driver-guide and begin the scenic transfer northwest toward Volcanoes National Park.
Depending on your arrival time and interests, you may opt to visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a powerful and reflective museum documenting Rwanda’s history, or take a cultural detour to the Iby’iwacu Cultural Village (Gorilla Guardians), where you’ll experience traditional Rwandan culture through music, dance, and storytelling.
Arrive at your lodge near Volcanoes National Park in the late afternoon. Settle in, enjoy the mountain air, and prepare for your gorilla trekking adventure the next day.
Recommended Lodges:
- Budget: Kinigi Guesthouse / La Locanda
- Midrange: Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge / Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge
- Luxury: Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge / Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel / One&Only Gorilla’s Nest
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Rise early and head to the Kinigi Park Headquarters for a 7:00 AM briefing on gorilla trekking. You will be assigned a gorilla family group and receive a safety orientation before setting off with experienced trackers and armed rangers.
The trek can take between 2–6 hours, depending on the location of your assigned group. Hiking through bamboo forests, volcanic slopes, and lush vegetation, you’ll finally come face-to-face with a mountain gorilla family a profound and emotional experience.
After spending up to one hour in their presence, you’ll trek back, receive your gorilla trekking certificate, and return to your lodge for a hot lunch and some well-deserved relaxation.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & DinnerOvernight at your chosen lodge near Volcanoes National Park
Day 3: Optional Twin Lakes Visit – Transfer to Kigali
On your final day, enjoy a leisurely breakfast. If time allows, you may take an optional guided nature walk or visit the nearby Twin Lakes of Burera and Ruhondo, known for their serene landscapes and birdlife.
Afterwards, begin your return journey to Kigali. Depending on your flight time, we can drop you at the airport or your hotel in the city marking the end of this 3 Days Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda
Meals: Breakfast & LunchDrop-off: Kigali International Airport or city hotelWhat is Included
- One gorilla trekking permit per person ($1,500 value)
- Private roundtrip transfers Kigali – Volcanoes National Park
- Accommodation for 2 nights (Budget, Midrange, or Luxury)
- All meals as listed (2x breakfast, 3x lunch, 2x dinner)
- Bottled drinking water during the trip
- Services of a professional English-speaking driver-guide
- Volcanoes National Park ranger guides and armed escorts
- Visit to Gorilla Guardians Village (optional)
- All applicable park and community fees
What is Not Included
- International airfare & visa fees
- Travel insurance (recommended)
- Tips and personal expenses
- Additional activities not listed in the itinerary
- Soft drinks, alcoholic beverages, and souvenir purchases
- Accommodation in Kigali (optional on request)
