3 Day Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari

On arrival at Kigali International Airport, meet your driver guide and receive a short briefing on the safari before travelling north towards Volcanoes National Park.

The drive takes you away from Kigali and into Rwanda’s increasingly hilly northern landscapes before reaching the park region.

If your flight arrives early enough, a guided Kigali city tour can be arranged before departure. The source itinerary includes a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, followed by lunch before continuing towards Volcanoes National Park.

Any memorial visit should be approached respectfully and with sufficient time rather than treated as a quick sightseeing stop.

Arrive near Volcanoes National Park later in the day, check in at your lodge and spend the evening relaxing ahead of the following morning’s gorilla trek.

After an early breakfast, transfer to the designated gorilla trekking briefing point.

Park staff and ranger guides will explain the trekking procedures, safety guidelines and appropriate behaviour around the gorillas before you begin the trek.

Accompanied by experienced guides, walk through the forest in search of your assigned habituated gorilla family. Trekking duration and difficulty vary according to the gorillas’ location and the terrain, so visitors should be prepared for uneven ground, vegetation and potentially several hours on foot.

Once the gorillas are located, you will have the opportunity to observe the family for the regulated viewing period while following your ranger’s instructions.

Watch the gorillas feeding, resting, grooming and interacting within their forest habitat before returning from the trek.

Afterwards, return to the lodge for lunch and some time to rest.

Depending on your trekking finish time and interests, the afternoon can be spent relaxing or taking part in an optional activity such as:

• A visit to the Twin Lakes of Burera and Ruhondo
• A guided community experience
• Leisure time at the lodge

After breakfast, check out of the lodge and begin the journey back to Kigali.

Depending on your international flight time, there may be an opportunity for shopping or another short cultural stop before continuing to Kigali International Airport.

The original itinerary suggests local markets, the Kigali Pottery Project or the Franco Rwandan Cultural Centre where time permits. These  remain optional and dependent on the customers flight departure schedule.

Lunch will be arranged before your airport transfer.

Your safari ends at Kigali International Airport or another agreed drop off point in the city.