3 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari in Volcanoes National Park

Welcome to Rwanda, the “Land of a Thousand Hills.” Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, a representative from our team will meet and assist you with immigration formalities before a short briefing on your Rwanda gorilla trekking tour.

Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a guided Kigali city tour visiting the Kigali Genocide Memorial, local craft markets, and Nyamirambo, a vibrant neighborhood known for cultural diversity. Learn how Rwanda rebuilt itself into one of Africa’s cleanest and safest countries.

In the afternoon, depart on a scenic 2.5-hour drive northwest to Musanze, the gateway to Volcanoes National Park. The route offers picturesque views of terraced hillsides, rural farms, and the towering volcanic peaks of the Virunga range.

Dinner and overnight in Musanze, at Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, or similar.
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After an early breakfast, transfer to the Volcanoes National Park headquarters in Kinigi for a detailed pre-trek briefing by park rangers. You’ll be assigned to one of the 12 habituated gorilla families, with treks ranging from 1 to 6 hours depending on the group's location. A Rwanda gorilla trekking permit, costing $1,500 per person, is required and included in your package.

Your guided trek through the dense bamboo forests and montane vegetation is a true highlight of any Rwanda wildlife safari. Once you locate the gorilla family, you’ll be allowed to spend one magical hour observing them at close range. Watch as silverbacks guard their group, mothers cradle their young, and juveniles play with one another in their lush rainforest home.

Volcanoes National Park is home to an estimated 30% of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, making it one of the best places globally for this rare encounter. The park also hosts golden monkeys, forest elephants, and over 200 species of birds.

Return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation. In the afternoon, optional activities include:

Visiting the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village to learn about traditional Rwandan life and dances

Taking a guided nature walk or birding excursion around the park buffer zone

Booking a massage to relax after the trek

Dinner and overnight in Musanze.
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After breakfast, enjoy a relaxed morning or choose one of the following optional activities:

Visit the Dian Fossey Research Center to learn about her pioneering conservation work and legacy

Explore Twin Lakes Burera and Ruhondo, known for their dramatic volcanic scenery

Take a short hike to nearby caves used by locals for centuries

Afterward, transfer back to Kigali for lunch and final souvenir shopping at Caplaki Craft Village. Depending on your departure time, we’ll transfer you to Kigali International Airport for your onward flight, marking the end of your 3 days Rwanda gorilla safari.

End of Tour
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