EXPLORERS OF AFRICA

Rwanda Gorilla Trekking

4 Days/3 Nights Volcanoes National Park

4 days / 3 nights
Kigali & Volcanoes National Park
Max group size: 8
Available year-round

Tour Overview

Encounter endangered mountain gorillas in the misty forests of Rwanda

Highlights

Kigali, Genocide Memorial, Volcanoes National Park, Gorilla Trekking

Accommodation

Luxury to Standard Options

Type of Safari

Gorilla Trek, Cultural, Nature

Departure

Jan – Dec 2025

Day by Day Itinerary

Your unforgettable gorilla trekking adventure in Rwanda

1

Arrival in Kigali – Welcome to Rwanda!

Upon your arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed to the Land of a Thousand Hills. Our friendly representative will meet you at the arrivals area to assist with immigration formalities and baggage.

You will then be transferred in a private vehicle to your hotel in Kigali. Upon arrival at the hotel, check in and enjoy some time to relax after your journey. The rest of the day is at your leisure.

  • Main destination: Kigali
  • Meals & drinks: Breakfast included (drinks not included)
  • Accommodation: Kigali Serena Hotel, Marriott Kigali, or The Retreat
  • Activities: Airport transfer, Leisure time
2

Kigali – Journey to Volcanoes National Park

Your guide will meet you at your hotel after breakfast for an insightful day exploring Rwanda's capital before heading into the scenic countryside.

Begin your day with a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a deeply moving and educational experience. Here, you'll gain an understanding of Rwanda's complex history—from pre-colonial culture, through colonization, to the tragic events of the 1994 genocide.

After the memorial, continue your exploration of Kigali. You'll witness the city's rapid transformation into one of Africa's cleanest, safest, and most forward-looking capitals. Enjoy a delicious lunch at one of Kigali's popular local restaurants.

After lunch, depart Kigali and begin your picturesque drive north to Musanze, the charming town nestled near the foothills of the Virunga Mountains. The journey takes around 3 hours and offers stunning views of Rwanda's famous green hills, terraced farmlands, and rural villages along the way.

  • Main destination: Kigali to Volcanoes National Park
  • Meals & drinks: All meals included (drinks not included)
  • Accommodation: Bisate Lodge, Singita Kwitonda Lodge, One & Only Gorillas Nest, Virunga Lodge, Amakoro Songa Lodge, or other selected accommodation (Full board)
  • Activities: Kigali city tour, Genocide Memorial visit, Scenic drive
3

Gorilla Trekking Adventure in Volcanoes National Park

Wake up early to the sounds of the forest and enjoy a hearty breakfast at your lodge. A thrilling and unforgettable adventure awaits.

Your guide will drive you to the Volcanoes National Park headquarters, where you'll begin the formalities for your gorilla trekking experience. Here, you'll meet with park officials and expert guides who will provide a detailed briefing on gorilla behavior, trekking etiquette, and conservation efforts.

After anywhere between 1 to 3 hours of trekking (depending on your group's location), you will come face-to-face with a family of mountain gorillas. You will have one magical hour to observe, photograph, and quietly appreciate the gorillas as they eat, groom, and interact in their natural habitat.

Return to your lodge in time for a well-deserved lunch, where you can relax, reflect, and share stories of your incredible encounter. Spend the rest of the afternoon at your leisure.

  • Main destination: Volcanoes National Park
  • Meals & drinks: All meals included (drinks not included)
  • Accommodation: Same as previous night
  • Activities: Gorilla trekking, Leisure time
4

Volcanoes National Park – Kigali – Departure

Enjoy a peaceful morning at your lodge, savoring a final breakfast surrounded by the fresh mountain air and views of the Virunga Volcanoes.

After check-out, begin your journey back to Kigali, retracing the beautiful drive through Rwanda's rolling green hills and picturesque countryside. The drive takes approximately 3 hours, with opportunities to stop for photos or a coffee along the way if time allows.

Upon arrival in Kigali, enjoy a relaxed lunch at a local restaurant or café—perhaps sampling one last Rwandan specialty or your favorite dish from earlier in the trip.

After lunch, you'll be transferred to Kigali International Airport in time for your departure flight. Your guide will assist with your luggage and ensure a smooth check-in process.

  • Main destination: Volcanoes National Park to Kigali
  • Meals & drinks: Breakfast and lunch included (drinks not included)
  • Accommodation: No overnight (departure day)
  • Activities: Scenic drive, Airport transfer

Accommodation Options

Choose from our carefully selected accommodations ranging from luxury to comfort options

Bisate Lodge

Bisate Lodge

This architectural masterpiece offers dramatic views of the Virunga volcanoes while delivering the highest standards of service and luxury accommodation near Volcanoes National Park.

Free WiFi Fine Dining Spa Services
Singita Kwitonda Lodge

Singita Kwitonda Lodge

An intimate sanctuary with dramatic views of the Virunga volcanoes, offering farm-to-table dining, a nursery for reforestation projects, and sumptuous suites with private heated plunge pools.

Free WiFi Private Pools Gourmet Dining
One & Only Gorillas Nest

One & Only Gorillas Nest

Set among eucalyptus trees at the base of the Virunga Volcano range, this ultra-luxury lodge features spacious suites with fireplaces, private decks, and exceptional dining experiences.

Free WiFi Spa Premium Bar
Virunga Lodge

Virunga Lodge

Perched high on a ridge with stunning views of the Virunga Volcanoes and the Musanze valley, this eco-lodge offers comfortable bandas, excellent service, and a commitment to sustainability.

Free WiFi Panoramic Views Eco-friendly
Amakoro Songa Lodge

Amakoro Songa Lodge

A boutique lodge nestled in the foothills of the Virunga Volcanoes, offering comfortable cottages, beautiful gardens, and warm Rwandan hospitality just minutes from the park headquarters.

Free WiFi Restaurant Gardens
The Bishop's House

The Bishop's House

A charming boutique hotel set in a former bishop's residence, offering comfortable rooms, beautiful gardens, and warm service in a peaceful environment close to the park.

Free WiFi Restaurant Historic Building
Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel

Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel

A comfortable hotel with a beautiful garden, swimming pool, and friendly service, located just a short drive from Volcanoes National Park headquarters.

Free WiFi Swimming Pool Restaurant
Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge

Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge

A comfortable lodge offering clean, well-appointed rooms, reliable service, and a convenient location for accessing Volcanoes National Park.

Free WiFi Restaurant Close to Park
Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge

Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge

A friendly, family-run lodge with comfortable rooms, a restaurant serving home-style meals, and beautiful garden views of the volcanoes.

Free WiFi Volcano Views Family-run

What's Included

Transparent pricing with no hidden costs

Package Inclusions

  • Meet & Greet Service
  • All airport transfers and assistance
  • Accommodation in Kigali on Bed & Breakfast Basis
  • Accommodation on safari on Full board basis
  • Private transport in a 4x4 tourist converted jeeps
  • Services of an English-speaking driver-guides
  • City Tour of Kigali with a visit to the Genocide Museum
  • Medical Emergency Evacuation services
  • Ellen DeGeneres Campus visit
  • Gorilla Permits ($1,500 value per person)
  • Bottled drinking water & snacks while trekking and in vehicle
  • All taxes on the services quoted above

Package Exclusions

  • Meals and beverages, other than specified
  • International, regional and local Airfares
  • Airport taxes
  • Passport and visa fees and service charges for obtaining visas
  • Excess baggage charges levied by airlines
  • Gratuities to driver/guides and other conveyance attendants
  • Laundry and other items of a personal nature such as drinks, telephone calls, etc.
  • Personal, baggage, accident and trip cancellation/interruption insurance
  • Cost for anything not specifically mentioned in the "inclusions" listing above

Tour Pricing

Transparent pricing options for your Rwanda gorilla adventure

Luxury Accommodations

Number of Persons 2 4 6+
Price Per Person ($) 4,800 4,200 3,900
Single Room Supplement (SRS): $750
Number of Persons 2 4 6+
Price Per Person ($) 4,500 4,000 3,700
Single Room Supplement (SRS): $650
Number of Persons 2 4 6+
Price Per Person ($) 4,300 3,800 3,500
Single Room Supplement (SRS): $600

Standard/Comfort Accommodations

Number of Persons 2 4 6+
Price Per Person ($) 3,800 3,500 3,200
Single Room Supplement (SRS): $450
Number of Persons 2 4 6+
Price Per Person ($) 3,600 3,300 3,100
Single Room Supplement (SRS): $400
Number of Persons 2 4 6+
Price Per Person ($) 3,400 3,200 3,000
Single Room Supplement (SRS): $350

Important Notes

  • HIGH SEASON: Jun to Sep, Dec to Jan
  • SHOULDER SEASON: Feb, Oct, Nov
  • LOW SEASON: Mar, Apr, May
  • All prices include gorilla permit ($1,500 per person)
  • Prices are based on double occupancy; single supplement applies for solo travelers

Best Time to Visit

Rwanda is a year-round destination, but different seasons offer varied experiences

Rwanda Dry Season

Dry Season (June to September)

The long dry season is considered the best overall time for gorilla trekking. Trails are drier and less slippery, making the trek more manageable for most visitors. The clear skies offer excellent photography conditions, though mornings and evenings can be cool at higher elevations.

  • Easier trekking conditions with dry trails
  • Excellent visibility for photography
  • Pleasant temperatures during the day
  • Peak season means permits book quickly
Short Rains Season

Short Rains (October to November)

The short rainy season brings occasional showers but rarely disrupts trekking activities. This shoulder season sees fewer visitors, meaning more availability for gorilla permits. The landscapes are lush and vibrant, and the occasional rain showers keep the dust down and make for dramatic photography.

  • Better availability for gorilla permits
  • Lush, green landscapes
  • Lower visitor numbers
  • Some trails may be muddy
Long Rains Season

Long Rains (March to May)

The long rainy season brings regular rainfall, especially in April. Trekking can be more challenging with muddy, slippery trails, but this is offset by significantly lower visitor numbers and easier availability of permits, sometimes at discounted rates. The forest is at its most verdant, and mountain streams are full.

  • Lowest visitor numbers and best permit availability
  • Lush, green vegetation and photogenic misty conditions
  • Possible discounts on accommodations
  • More challenging trekking conditions
Short Dry Period

Short Dry Period (December to February)

This shorter dry season offers good trekking conditions with relatively dry trails. December to February is warmer than the June-September period, with plenty of sunshine. The holiday season (December-January) can see higher visitor numbers, but February is typically quieter.

  • Good trekking conditions
  • Warmer temperatures
  • February offers good value with lower visitor numbers
  • December-January can be busy due to holidays

Ready for Your Rwanda Gorilla Adventure?

Experience the beauty of Rwanda's mountain gorillas with our 4-day expedition. Witness incredible wildlife, breathtaking landscapes, and make memories that will last a lifetime.

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