This 3 days gorilla tour in Rwanda is the perfect gorilla trekking safari for time-challenged travellers. The gorilla trekking adventure will take you through the verdant afro-montane forests of Volcanoes National Park in northwest Rwanda. This mountain paradise is a haven for mountain gorilla families and is ideal for close encounters and wonderful photo moments with these gentle giants.

Of course, your main focus will be mountain gorillas, but you’ll have an opportunity to encounter other wonderful wild creatures like golden monkeys, colourful Rwenzori Turacos and prehistoric-looking three-horned chameleons – amongst others. We provide a more detailed description of the trekking experience in the day-by-day itinerary below.

Highlights

Trek rare Mountain gorillas of Volcanoes National Park
Spectacular views of the Virunga volcanoes and volcanic lakes
Excellent hiking and birding
Optional Iby’iwacu cultural village tour
Optional golden monkey trekking adventure

Details

Day 1: Arrival In Kigali

On arrival at R Kigali International Airport in Rwanda you will be met by our company representative and whisked off to visit some of Kigali’s main attractions. Depending on your arrival time we could incorporate the following into your visit:

The Caplaki Handicrafts market – the perfect place to browse for Rwandan souvenirs
The Kimironko City Market for colourful and tasty food or
The Gisozi Genocide Memorial & Education Centre – a vivid testimony to the people of Rwanda.

A light lunch at a cozy Kigali restaurant will round off your Kigali adventure before you’re transferred to Ruhengeri – the home of gorilla trekking. The three-hour drive is a scenic one that passes through the beautiful, terraced hillside that has become characteristic of Rwanda’s landscape. Eventually, you’ll reach the base of the Virunga Volcanoes, where your safari accommodation will be.

Here you will have the chance to freshen up, explore your surroundings and later indulge in a delicious dinner at the lodge’s restaurant.

Accommodation:

Luxury: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge/Bisate Lodge/Virunga Lodge

Midrange: Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge/La Palme Hotel

Budget: Muhabura Hotel

Meal Plan: Lunch & Dinner

Day 2: Gorilla Trekking

Enjoy an early breakfast and be driven to the Volcanoes National Park offices to meet with your gorilla trekking guides. They will brief you on the rules and regulations of gorilla trekking and assign you to your gorilla family.

Your gorilla trekking adventure starts in the general direction of the last sighting of your assigned gorilla family group. The trek usually takes between 1 and 6 hours.

And you could hike to altitudes above 2,300 metres (7,500 feet). The landscape in Volcanoes National Park of Rwanda can be muddy and slippery at times. But your expert guides and porters will ensure that the group progresses at a pace that is comfortable for everyone. You will have frequent stops and opportunities to take in the views and take photographs.

Temperatures usually vary from 15^oC to 29^oC and are rarely below 14^oC or above 31^oC. Although the gorilla trekking adventure can be physically demanding, the beauty of the forest and surrounding scenery always makes trekking a worthwhile experience.

Once the gorillas are found, all fatigue is forgotten – and replaced by the joy and amazement of watching the gorillas go about their daily routine. The gorilla group is likely to be chilled out, eating wild celery, indulging in grooming, or participating in some other primal social activity.

After the quickest one hour of your life, you will return from your gorilla trek to the lodge for a shower, a change of clothes, lunch and an afternoon of leisure.

Optional Activity:

In the evening, you may choose to visit the Iby’iwacu Cultural Village, a replica village of what traditional life was like back in the day for many Rwandans. You will have an opportunity to mingle with the local community and spectate or participate in many activities such as hunting skills, traditional dance and music.

Accommodation:

Luxury: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge/Bisate Lodge/Virunga Lodge

Midrange: Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge/La Palme Hotel

Budget: Muhabura Hotel

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3: Departure Day

On the final day of the 3 Days Gorilla Tour in Rwanda, you will have the option to trek through the rainforests to observe the endangered Golden Monkey. This adventure is much tamer and more easy-going than a gorilla trek and will provide you with the unique opportunity to come face-to-face with these mischievous primates.

After, you will return from your golden monkey trek to the lodge for a shower and a change of clothes before taking a slow drive back to Kigali. On arrival, you will be transferred to Kigali International Airport for your departing flight back home or connection to your next destination. Safe Travels!