Overview

2 Days Gorilla Trekking Tour in Volcanoes National Park is designed for travelers who want a focused and efficient experience in Volcanoes National Park, home to the endangered mountain gorillas. The tour combines a scenic drive through Rwanda’s countryside with a once-in-a-lifetime gorilla trekking adventure, where you spend up to one hour observing a habituated gorilla family in their natural bamboo forest habitat.

Volcanoes National Park lies in northwestern Rwanda, about a 2–2.5 hour drive from Kigali, making it one of the most accessible gorilla trekking destinations in Africa. This short itinerary is ideal for visitors with limited time who want to experience gorilla trekking without a long safari extension.

Highlights

• Kigali city experience (optional depending on arrival time)
• Scenic drive through Rwanda’s “Land of a Thousand Hills”
• Overnight stay near Volcanoes National Park
• Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park
• One hour with a mountain gorilla family
• Return transfer to Kigali

Safari Summary

• Day 1: Transfer from Kigali (either city or airport) to Volcanoes National Park.
• Day 2: Gorilla trekking in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and transfer back to Kigali

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Transfer from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park

Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport or pick-up from your hotel in Kigali, you will meet your driver-guide for a briefing and introduction to your 2-day Rwanda gorilla trekking experience.

If time allows, you may take a short Kigali city tour, including a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, craft markets, or key cultural landmarks that highlight Rwanda’s history and resilience. After the city visit, enjoy lunch in Kigali before beginning your journey north.

The drive to Volcanoes National Park takes approximately 2–2.5 hours, passing through Rwanda’s rolling green hills, terraced farmlands, and rural communities. Along the way, you will experience why Rwanda is often called the “Land of a Thousand Hills.”

You will arrive in Musanze (Ruhengeri) in the late afternoon or early evening and check in at your lodge near the park. The rest of the evening is spent relaxing, preparing for the next day’s trek, and enjoying dinner.

Accommodation options:

• Luxury: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
• Mid-range: Gorilla Solution Lodge
• Budget: Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge

Meal Plan: Lunch & Dinner

Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park and Return to Kigali

After an early breakfast at your lodge, you will be transferred to the Volcanoes National Park headquarters in Kinigi for a mandatory briefing by park rangers. During this briefing, you will be assigned a gorilla family and guided on trekking rules, safety guidelines, and conservation protocols.

By around 8:30 AM, you will begin your trek into the forest with experienced ranger guides. The duration of the trek varies from 2 to 6 hours depending on the movement of the gorilla family. The terrain includes bamboo forest, dense vegetation, and volcanic slopes, offering both a physical challenge and a rewarding wildlife experience.

Once the gorilla family is located, you will spend a maximum of one hour observing them. During this time, you may witness feeding behavior, grooming, playful juveniles, and the powerful presence of the silverback protecting the group. Photography is allowed, but flash is not permitted.

After the trek, you will return to the park headquarters to receive a trekking certificate and meet your driver-guide. You will then begin your return journey to Kigali, arriving in the afternoon or early evening. Drop-off will be at your hotel or Kigali International Airport depending on your travel plans.

Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch

Safari Inclusions

• Gorilla trekking permit (USD 1,500 per person)
• Professional English-speaking driver-guide
• Private safari vehicle (4×4)
• Park entry fees and taxes
• One-night accommodation near Volcanoes National Park
• Meals as indicated in itinerary
• Bottled drinking water during transfers

Safari Exclusions

• International flights
• Rwanda visa fees
• Personal expenses (souvenirs, drinks, laundry)
• Optional Kigali city activities
• Tips and gratuities
• Any changes to the itinerary

End of Safari