Safari Overview

This 3-Day Rwanda Gorilla Trekking safari offers a profound connection with nature, taking you into the heart of Volcanoes National Park. As part of the Virunga Conservation Area, the only global habitat for the Eastern Highland Mountain Gorillas, this park is a sanctuary for over 1,100 of these endangered giants. During this expedition, you will witness the unique social structures of gorilla families, where silverbacks lead, and mothers nurture infants with a devotion remarkably similar to humans. Beyond the primates, you will immerse yourself in Rwanda’s poignant history and the vibrant “land of a thousand hills” landscape.

Safari Highlights

• Day 1: Arrival at Kigali International Airport & transfer to your luxury city hotel.

• Day 2: Experience the Kigali Genocide Memorial, then transfer to the misty slopes of Volcanoes National Park.

• Day 3: Engage in an epic Mountain Gorilla Trekking adventure and return to Kigali.

Detailed Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Transfer to your Kigali Hotel

Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our professional safari guide-driver. Rwanda, famously known as the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” greets you with its clean streets and rolling horizons. Your guide will provide a briefing on your upcoming odyssey before transferring you to your boutique accommodation in the heart of the city.

• Accommodation: Heaven Boutique Hotel (or similar)

• Meal Plan: Bed & Breakfast

• Important to Know: Kigali is the gateway to your adventure; take this time to acclimate to the high-altitude air of Rwanda.

 

Day 2: Kigali City Tour and the Journey to Volcanoes National Park

Your day begins with a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial. This site serves as a vital historical pillar, documenting the 1994 tragedy and the country’s inspiring journey toward reconciliation and growth.

Following the city tour, you will embark on a 110km (approximately 2.5 to 3-hour) scenic drive to the North. This journey offers a front-row seat to Rwandan rural life, featuring vibrant markets and terraced farming. Upon arriving at the park’s edge, you will visit the Twin Lakes (Burera and Ruhondo) or the Ibyi’wacu Cultural Village, where reformed poachers now share their heritage through traditional dance and storytelling.

• Accommodation: Sambora Kinigi / Mountain Gorilla View Lodge

• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

• Journey Note: For journeys longer than 6 hours, we include scheduled stops at scenic viewpoints; however, this 3-hour drive allows for a continuous, breathtaking transit.

 

Day 3: Gorilla Trekking Adventure and Return to Kigali

This is the pinnacle of your safari. After an early breakfast, you head to the park headquarters for a briefing. Led by expert rangers, you will trek through the bamboo forests of Volcanoes National Park to find one of the habituated gorilla families.

Since mountain gorillas derive their hydration from the vegetation they consume (such as wild celery and bamboo shoots), they are constantly on the move. Once found, you will spend one transformative hour observing their behavior from the playful antics of juveniles to the commanding presence of the Silverback. After the trek, you will drive back to Kigali for your departure flight or hotel drop-off.

• Accommodation: No accommodation (End of tour)

• Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch

• Trek Duration: 1 to 6 hours, depending on gorilla movement.

 

Safari Inclusions & Exclusions

Inclusions	Exclusions
Full-time English-speaking professional guide	International & domestic flight fees
4×4 Safari Land Cruiser with pop-up roof	Rwandan Entry Visa fees
Full board accommodation (as specified)	Travel Insurance & Medical fees
Gorilla Trekking Permit ($1,500 value)	Laundry services & personal items
Kigali Genocide Memorial entrance fees	Gratuities and tips ($10–$15 pp/day recommended)
Bottled mineral water throughout the safari	Premium alcoholic beverages and sodas

Quick Facts for Travelers 

• Best Time to Visit: June to September (Dry season) for easier trekking conditions.

• Physical Rating: Moderate; requires the ability to hike through uneven, forested terrain.

• Conservation Impact: Your permit fees directly contribute to the protection of the 1,100+ remaining mountain gorillas.

• What to Pack: Waterproof hiking boots, long trousers, garden gloves (for stinging nettles), and a waterproof jacket.

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