Experience one of Africa’s most iconic wildlife adventures with this 2 Days Gorilla Trekking Rwanda safari from Kigali. This short but unforgettable trip takes you to Volcanoes National Park, home to the endangered mountain gorillas, for a once-in-a-lifetime trekking experience in Rwanda’s mist-covered volcanic highlands.
Trip Overview
Duration: 2 days (Kigali → Volcanoes National Park → Kigali)
Distance: Approx. 250 km round trip
Activity level: Moderate to challenging, with hiking on steep and sometimes muddy forest trails
Best time to go: Year-round, but dry seasons (June–September and December–February) offer easier trekking conditions
Highlights: Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, scenic drive through Rwanda’s countryside, views of the Virunga volcanoes, and an overnight stay near the park
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Kigali to Volcanoes National Park
Your safari begins with an early morning pick-up from your hotel or Kigali International Airport. After a short briefing, you travel north through Rwanda’s beautiful rolling hills, terraced farms, and scenic countryside toward Volcanoes National Park in Musanze. Along the way, you may stop for photos or a cultural visit depending on your schedule. On arrival, you check in at your lodge and spend the afternoon relaxing or taking optional local activities near the park.
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking Experience and Return to Kigali
After an early breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a pre-trek briefing by the rangers. Here, you are assigned to one of the habituated gorilla families and given trekking guidelines. The trek can take anywhere from a short hike to several hours depending on the gorillas’ movement. Once you find the gorilla family, you spend a magical one hour observing them as they feed, play, groom, and interact in their natural habitat. After the trek, return to the lodge for lunch or begin your drive back to Kigali, arriving in the afternoon or early evening.
What’s Included
- Airport or hotel pick-up and drop-off in Kigali
- Transport in a 4×4 safari vehicle
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide
- Accommodation near Volcanoes National Park
- Meals as stated in the itinerary
- Gorilla trekking permit
- Park entry fees
- Bottled drinking water
- All government taxes and levies
What’s Excluded
- International and domestic flights
- Visa fees
- Personal travel insurance
- Tips and gratuities
- Alcoholic drinks and soft drinks not mentioned in the itinerary
- Optional activities not listed in the package
- Personal expenses such as laundry, phone calls, and souvenirs
Optional Add-Ons (Upgrade Options)
- Kigali city tour before or after the safari
- Golden monkey trekking
- Iby’Iwacu cultural village visit
- Extra night near Volcanoes National Park
- Luxury lodge upgrade
- Private vehicle upgrade
- Coffee experience or local community visit
What to Bring
- Hiking boots or sturdy trekking shoes
- Long trousers and a long-sleeved shirt
- Light rain jacket or waterproof poncho
- Gardening gloves for trekking
- Insect repellent
- Reusable water bottle
- Packed snacks if needed
- Camera with extra batteries
- Passport and trekking permit details
- Sunscreen and a hat for travel days