3 Days Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

3 Days Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda at Volcanoes National Park – A Once-in-a-Lifetime Safari Experience

Embark on a thrilling and emotional journey into the heart of Africa’s most celebrated wilderness with this 3-day gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda. Designed for travelers seeking a close and meaningful encounter with mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, this itinerary also offers a taste of Rwanda’s rich cultural tapestry, powerful history, and scenic beauty. Whether you’re a nature lover, conservation enthusiast, or a curious world traveler, this safari will leave an unforgettable imprint on your soul. From Kigali’s vibrant streets to the mist-covered slopes of the Virunga Mountains, each moment of this tour is crafted for discovery, awe, and reflection.

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali – City Tour – Scenic Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

Your safari experience begins the moment you arrive at Kigali International Airport, where you’ll be warmly welcomed by your professional English-speaking driver-guide. After a short briefing on your trip, you’ll set off to explore Rwanda’s dynamic capital. Kigali is not only one of Africa’s cleanest cities but also a beacon of post-genocide recovery, resilience, and innovation. Your guided Kigali city tour offers powerful insight into Rwanda’s past and present.

Key stops include the Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre, a solemn yet vital museum that honors the victims of the 1994 genocide while educating visitors on the country’s remarkable journey of healing. You’ll also visit the Presidential Palace Museum, once home to former President Habyarimana, which presents artifacts tied to Rwanda’s political history and the events leading to the genocide. For a lighter touch, the Caplaki Craft Village or a bustling local market gives you a chance to support local artisans while shopping for handwoven baskets, wood carvings, beaded jewelry, and other authentic Rwandan souvenirs.

After lunch in the city, you’ll begin your scenic drive to Volcanoes National Park, located in Rwanda’s Northern Province. The journey takes approximately 2 to 3 hours, but the landscapes along the way—rolling hills, lush banana plantations, and terraced farmlands—are a visual treat. Arriving in Musanze town, the park’s gateway, you’ll check into your safari lodge nestled at the base of the Virunga Volcanoes. After freshening up, enjoy dinner and a restful night in anticipation of tomorrow’s extraordinary adventure.

Recommended Lodges:

  • Luxury: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge – spacious cottages with stunning volcano views

  • Mid-range: Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge or La Palme Hotel – comfort, warmth, and proximity to park headquarters

Day 2: Gorilla Trekking Experience in Volcanoes National Park – A Date with the Wild

This is the day you’ve been waiting for—the moment you step into the rainforest to meet Rwanda’s endangered mountain gorillas. After an early breakfast, your guide will drive you to Kinigi Park Headquarters, where you’ll be briefed by park rangers on gorilla trekking rules, safety procedures, and ecological etiquette. You’ll then be assigned to a specific gorilla family based on your fitness level and group size, ensuring a personalized trekking experience.

The gorilla trek itself can last anywhere from 2 to 8 hours, depending on how far the gorilla group has moved. The trails wind through dense bamboo forests, mossy lava boulders, and volcanic terrain—so be prepared for a moderately challenging yet deeply rewarding hike. Once you find the gorillas, you’ll be allowed a full 60 minutes in their presence. Watch in awe as they feed, groom one another, care for their young, and move about their natural habitat. Witnessing the powerful silverback maintain order, or locking eyes with a curious infant gorilla just a few feet away, is an indescribable experience that often moves visitors to tears.

Photography is permitted (without flash), and many trekkers describe this hour as the most emotional wildlife encounter of their lives. After the trek, you’ll return to the lodge for a well-deserved lunch. The afternoon is yours to rest, reflect, or enjoy optional activities such as a cultural visit to the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village, where local communities showcase traditional Rwandan dance, cooking, and crafts. Alternatively, a nature walk through nearby villages or forest trails can be arranged at an extra cost.

Enjoy dinner and another relaxing night at your lodge as you replay the day’s magical moments.

Day 3: Optional Golden Monkey Trek – Return to Kigali – Departure

On your final morning in the Virungas, you have the option to participate in another incredible primate experience—golden monkey tracking. These delightful primates, known for their bright orange fur and energetic behavior, live in large troops in the park’s bamboo zones. Unlike gorillas, golden monkeys are fast-moving and playful, offering a different kind of thrill and challenge to photographers and wildlife enthusiasts.

After breakfast (and golden monkey tracking, if you choose), begin your return journey to Kigali. The drive offers yet another chance to admire Rwanda’s famed “Land of a Thousand Hills” countryside, with emerald valleys and misty mountaintops dotting the landscape. Upon arrival in Kigali, enjoy lunch and transfer to Kigali International Airport for your outbound flight, carrying with you the memories of a journey few will ever experience.

What’s Included in This 3-Day Gorilla Trekking Safari in Rwanda

  • Airport pick-up and drop-off

  • Private 4×4 safari vehicle with an expert guide

  • Kigali city tour with entry fees

  • Gorilla trekking permit ($1,500 per person, included)

  • Two nights of accommodation with meals

  • Bottled drinking water throughout the tour

  • Government taxes and park fees

Exclusions

  • International airfares and Rwanda visa

  • Optional activities like golden monkey tracking or cultural visits

  • Tips and personal expenses

  • Alcoholic beverages and specialty drinks

Related Gorilla Safari Packages in Rwanda

  • 1-Day Gorilla Trekking Tour – Ideal for travelers with limited time

  • 2-Day Gorilla Safari – A compact version with overnight in Musanze

  • 4-Day Rwanda Gorilla & Dian Fossey Hike

  • 3-Day Gorilla Trekking & Lake Kivu Experience

  • 4-Day Double Gorilla Trekking Adventure

Why Choose Rwanda for Gorilla Trekking?

Rwanda is regarded as one of the safest, cleanest, and most accessible destinations for gorilla trekking in Africa. Volcanoes National Park is just a few hours from the capital, making it possible to experience mountain gorillas even on short trips. The country also boasts world-class conservation efforts, tightly regulated gorilla tourism, and well-trained guides who ensure both safety and sustainability. Combined with Rwanda’s profound history, rich culture, and welcoming spirit, this destination offers more than just a safari—it offers a deep connection to nature, humanity, and hope.