2 Day Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Tour from Kigali

This 2-day Rwanda gorilla trekking tour is designed for travellers who want to see mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park without taking a long safari. It starts and ends in Kigali, making it a practical option for visitors with limited time in Rwanda, business travellers, couples, solo travellers and guests adding gorilla trekking to a wider East Africa itinerary. The tour takes you from Kigali to the Musanze region near Volcanoes National Park, one of Africa’s best mountain gorilla trekking destinations. The drive is short compared with many other gorilla routes in the region, which makes Rwanda a strong choice for visitors who want a quick, well-organised gorilla experience. Gorilla permits must be secured in advance because spaces are limited, and the Rwanda gorilla permit costs $1,500 per person for foreign visitors, giving access to one guided gorilla trek in Volcanoes National Park. This safari can include a Kigali city visit or Kigali Genocide Memorial stop if your arrival time allows. Lodge options can be arranged from budget to ultra-luxury, depending on your travel style and final quotation.

Safari Highlights

  • 2-day Rwanda gorilla trekking tour from Kigali
  • Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park
  • One hour with a habituated mountain gorilla family
  • Short road transfer from Kigali to the Musanze region
  • Private driver guide and road transfers
  • Optional Kigali city visit or Kigali Genocide Memorial stop
  • Gorilla permit booking support
  • Budget, mid-range, luxury and ultra-luxury lodge options
  • Good short safari for travellers with limited time in Rwanda
  • Return transfer to Kigali after gorilla trekking

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1, Kigali Pickup and Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

Your driver guide will meet you at the  Airport, your hotel or another agreed location in Kigali. If your flight arrives early, you may visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial or take a short Kigali city visit before leaving for Volcanoes National Park. If your arrival is later in the day, the city visit can be skipped so that you reach the lodge in good time. The drive from Kigali to Musanze takes about 2.5 to 3 hours. The route passes through Rwanda’s hills, farming communities and small trading centres. This short transfer is one of the main reasons many travellers choose Rwanda for a short gorilla trekking tour. On arrival near Volcanoes National Park, check in at your lodge and relax. Your guide will brief you about the next morning’s trekking time, what to wear, what to carry and when to leave for the park headquarters. Accommodation options: Budget option: Kinigi Guest House, Mid-range option: Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge, Luxury option: Gorilla View Lodge

gorilla trekking volcanoes rwanda
Gorilla Trekking Volcanoes Rwanda

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

After an early breakfast, drive to the Volcanoes National Park headquarters for gorilla trekking registration and briefing. Visitors are expected to report early in the morning, around 7:00 am. During the briefing, the ranger guides will explain the trekking rules, safety guidelines and how gorilla families are allocated. Then you will be grouped according to fitness level, trekking interest and the location of the gorilla families on that day.

After the briefing, you drive to the trailhead and begin the forest walk with rangers and trackers. The trek can be short or longer depending on where the gorillas are feeding or moving. The trail passes through bamboo forest, farmland edges, thick vegetation and steeper slopes.

Once the gorillas are located, you spend one hour with the family. You may see a silverback, females with young ones, juveniles playing, feeding, resting and quiet family interaction. You will take photos, but  Flash photography is not allowed, and visitors must follow the distance and health rules given by the rangers. After the trek, return to the starting point, meet your driver guide and begin the drive back to Kigali. You will be dropped off at your hotel, Kigali International Airport or another agreed location.

Inclusions and Exclusions

Included

  • Kigali airport or hotel pickup
  • Private road transfer to Volcanoes National Park
  • Private return transfer to Kigali
  • English-speaking driver guide
  • 1-night accommodation near Volcanoes National Park
  • Meals as stated in the final itinerary
  • Bottled drinking water during transfers
  • Gorilla trekking permit support
  • Park transfer to the briefing point or trailhead
  • Optional Kigali city visit, depending on arrival time
  • Rwanda gorilla trekking permit

Excluded

  • International flights
  • Rwanda visa fees
  • Travel insurance
  • Tips for driver guides, rangers, trackers and lodge staff
  • Personal drinks, laundry and calls
  • Porter fees during gorilla trekking
  • Extra accommodation before or after the safari
  • Optional activities not confirmed in the final quote
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