3 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari
A 3-day Rwanda gorilla safari through Kigali and Volcanoes National Park
Overview
3-day Rwanda gorilla safari
Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park anchors this 3-day Rwanda gorilla safari, pairing a Kigali city tour with time among the mountain gorillas.
Visit Rwanda's main highlight: the endangered great apes... Did you know that there are only about 900 mountain gorillas left in the world? There are only 3 places to see them and one of the best is in Rwanda. In this Gorilla Trekking Safari, you will be able to explore the lush jungles of Rwanda and have a special meet and greet with the gorillas. You will also go on a city tour to discover Rwanda's not-so-hidden charm.
Travel logistics
Start / Finish
Start
- Kigali
- KGLKigali International Airport
Finish
- Kigali
- KGLKigali International Airport
Highlights
What Makes This Safari Special
Trek to mountain gorillas
Wildlife viewing by boat
Explore Kigali
Explore Volcanoes National Park
Day by Day
3-day Rwanda gorilla safari itinerary
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be met by our tours representative, outside the airport arrivals section. After a short briefing, you will embark on your safari.
Enjoy a City Tour of Kigali. (Cost of city tour included)
The history of Rwanda dates back centuries, Kigali has been a part of it for 100 years. Founded in 1907 as a German settlement, Kigali did not become the capital until Rwanda’s independence in 1962 when it replaced the colonial seat of power in Butare.
Visit the old Kigali and the craft centres then visit the genocide memorial site. Learn about Rwanda’s history from pre-colonial times to the 1994 genocide; learn about other genocides in the world and how this country has dealt with that past. Tour more and see the new developments in Rwanda; the recovery has been incredible, a testament to humankind’s resilience.
Lunch in Kigali. Later, depart Kigali and drive to Ruhengeri.
Ruhengeri is the base for Gorilla trekking at the Parc National des Volcans. The town is located only 25km from Uganda boarder and approximately 2.5 Hours from Kigali City. It is relatively a small town of about 70,000 people. The constant flow of humanity is quite remarkable. The Town has great views of the surrounding volcanoes. People are very friendly here and although a former Belgian colony (and thus French-speaking), many people speak English here.
Early breakfast at the lodge.
0620 hrs: Transfer to the Volcanoes National Park HQs for the Gorilla trekking experience.
0700 hrs: Registration is a simple process where the park staff determines which group of gorillas you will visit. The park staff discusses your fitness level and advises you of the trekking times and conditions to the various groups based upon their location in the park the previous evening. There are a total of 96 gorilla permits available each day with a maximum of eight trekkers visiting any one group.
Once the trekkers are put into groups, each group’s Lead Guide briefs the trekkers of the trekking procedures as well as the “do’s and don’ts” while in the presence of gorillas. After the briefing, trekkers return to their respective vehicles for the drive up the mountain to the starting point.
Trekking can take from two to six or more hours if the gorillas move before the park rangers locate them the next morning. The guides stop frequently to allow trekkers a chance to rest and take photos along the way.
After the trek, rejoin your driver Guide for a transfer to your lodge for lunch. Later, depart from the foothills of the volcanoes and drive on a scenic drive to Kigali. Everything and everywhere, sheer green and hanging on the hills; Rwanda truly - land of a thousand fertile green hills. (2.5hrs)
After breakfast at your lodge, you will be transferred to Kigali International Airport for your onward flight. The cost of your flight ticket is not included, so please have your travel documents and booking details to hand when you arrive at the terminal.
If your flight departs later in the day, the morning transfer allows you time to enjoy a final breakfast and pack at an easy pace before the drive to the airport. This brings your three-day gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda to a close, following your arrival in Kigali and your day in Volcanoes National Park. Your driver-guide will see you to the airport for your departure.
Gallery
Photographs
Where You Stay
Handpicked
Retreats
Every lodge and camp is chosen for its location, character and comfort, so the place you rest is as memorable as the adventure itself.
What's Included
Inclusions & Exclusions
Included
- All activities (unless labeled as optional)
- All accommodation as stated in the itinerary
- A professional driver/guide
- All transportation (unless labeled as optional)
- Roundtrip airport transfer
- Drinking water on all days
Not Included
- All Meals (as specified in the day-by-day section)
- International flights (from/to home)
- Tips (tipping guideline US$20.00 pp per day)
- Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
- Alcoholic drinks
- Services not mentioned in the program
Questions
Frequently Asked
The price covers all activities (unless labeled as optional); all accommodation as stated in the itinerary; a professional driver/guide; all transportation (unless labeled as optional); roundtrip airport transfer. Budget separately for all Meals (as specified in the day-by-day section); international flights (from/to home); tips (tipping guideline US$20.00 pp per day). Your personalized quote confirms the full breakdown line by line.
This safari runs year-round. Rwanda shifts between dry and green seasons, each with its own advantages for wildlife viewing. Share your travel window and our experts will advise on conditions.
This is a private, tailor-made safari for your own party of 2 to 12 guests. You won't be grouped with strangers. The itinerary, vehicle and guide are yours alone.
You'll stay at Virunga Lodge / Sabinyo Silverback Lodge / Bishops Lodge / Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, as laid out in the day-by-day itinerary. If availability requires it, we substitute properties of a similar or better standard and always confirm before you travel.
Send an inquiry through the form on this page and our safari experts will come back with a personalized quote within 24 hours, free and with no obligation. Once the plan feels right, we lock in your dates and lodges.
Absolutely. Treat the 3-day program as a starting point. We can adjust the pace, upgrade or change lodges, add days, or combine it with other destinations. Tell us what your ideal trip looks like and we'll shape it around you.
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