Highlights
- Trek mountain gorillas in their natural habitat at Volcanoes National Park
- Start and end in Kigali – perfect for short visits and regional add-ons
- Enjoy a scenic 3-hour drive through Rwanda’s beautiful countryside
- Optional cultural visit to the Iby’iwacu (Gorilla Guardians) Cultural Village
- Stay at carefully selected lodges based on your budget: budget, midrange, or luxury
- Travel in a private 4x4 safari vehicle with expert English-speaking driver-guide
- All-inclusive logistics: gorilla permit, park fees, transfers, meals, and guide
- Unforgettable wildlife experience with certified rangers and small trekking groups
Get up close with the majestic mountain gorillas on this unforgettable 2 Days Rwanda Gorilla Safari from Kigali. Perfect for travelers with limited time, this safari offers a seamless round trip from Rwanda’s capital to Volcanoes National Park, home to over a third of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas.
With all logistics handled—from your private transfers to permits and expert guiding—you’ll trek through misty bamboo forests and witness one of Africa’s most powerful wildlife encounters. This short but meaningful journey combines convenience, comfort, and conservation in just two days.
2 Days Rwanda Gorilla Safari – Itinerary Summary
Day 1 – Transfer from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park
Start your journey with a scenic drive from Kigali through Rwanda’s lush countryside. Visit optional cultural sites en route, then check into your lodge near Volcanoes National Park for an overnight stay.
Day 2 – Gorilla Trekking & Return to Kigali
Rise early for your once-in-a-lifetime gorilla trek. After the briefing, hike through the forest to meet a mountain gorilla family in their natural habitat. Return to Kigali in the afternoon, arriving by evening.
2 Days Rwanda Gorilla Safari from Kigali – Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Kigali City to Volcanoes National Park – Scenic Transfer & Optional Cultural Visit
- Distance: ~110 km
- Drive Time: 2.5 to 3 hours
Your adventure begins in Kigali, where our driver-guide will pick you up from your hotel or the airport in the morning. If time allows, you may visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a powerful and moving tribute to Rwanda’s history and resilience.
From Kigali, enjoy a picturesque drive through Rwanda’s rolling green hills and terraced farms as you head northwest toward Volcanoes National Park, the gateway to mountain gorilla territory.
En route, you have the option to stop at the Iby’iwacu Cultural Village (now called Gorilla Guardians Village) to experience traditional Rwandan culture, dance, and local life. It’s a fun, enriching way to connect with the communities that coexist with the gorillas.
You’ll arrive in the town of Musanze or nearby Kinigi in the late afternoon. Check in to your lodge, relax, and prepare for the trek of a lifetime.
Meals Included:
- Lunch en route
- Dinner at the lodge
Accommodation Options:
- Budget: La Locanda / Kinigi Guesthouse
- Midrange: Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge / Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge
- Luxury: Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge / Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel / One&Only Gorilla’s Nest
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park – Return to Kigali
- Gorilla Trek Duration: 2–6 hours depending on gorilla location
- Return Transfer: ~3 hours back to Kigali
Wake up early and enjoy a hearty breakfast at your lodge before heading to the Volcanoes National Park headquarters in Kinigi for the 7:00 AM briefing. Here, park rangers will assign your gorilla group and guide you through the rules of safe and respectful trekking.
After the briefing, drive to the trek starting point and begin your guided hike into the dense forest in search of a mountain gorilla family. The experience is awe-inspiring and emotional—watching these gentle giants interact and go about their day in the wild.
Once your 1-hour encounter is over, hike back out and receive your gorilla trekking certificate. You’ll freshen up at the lodge (if needed), have lunch, and begin your return drive to Kigali, arriving by late afternoon or early evening.
Meals Included:
- Breakfast at the lodge
- Packed lunch or lunch at the lodge
Drop-off:
- Kigali International Airport (if departure is late)
- Your hotel in Kigali
What’s Included in This 2 Days Rwanda Gorilla Safari
- One gorilla trekking permit in Volcanoes National Park ($1,500 per person)
- Pick-up and drop-off from Kigali (hotel or airport)
- Private 4x4 safari vehicle with English-speaking driver-guide
- Accommodation for 1 night (Budget, Midrange, or Luxury – based on your preference)
- All meals as indicated (Lunch & Dinner on Day 1, Breakfast & Lunch on Day 2)
- Bottled drinking water throughout the trip
- Park entry fees and ranger guidance
- Complimentary visit to the Iby’iwacu Cultural Village (optional)
- Government taxes and all logistical arrangements
What’s Not Included
- International flights and Rwanda visa
- Personal travel insurance
- Tips and gratuities
- Alcoholic drinks or extra meals
- Optional activities in Kigali (e.g., Kigali Genocide Memorial entry fee)
Itineraries Expand all
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Day 1: Kigali City to Volcanoes National Park – Scenic Transfer & Optional Cultural Visit
Your adventure begins in Kigali, where our driver-guide will pick you up from your hotel or the airport in the morning. If time allows, you may visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a powerful and moving tribute to Rwanda’s history and resilience.
From Kigali, enjoy a picturesque drive through Rwanda’s rolling green hills and terraced farms as you head northwest toward Volcanoes National Park, the gateway to mountain gorilla territory.
En route, you have the option to stop at the Iby’iwacu Cultural Village (now called Gorilla Guardians Village) to experience traditional Rwandan culture, dance, and local life. It’s a fun, enriching way to connect with the communities that coexist with the gorillas.
You’ll arrive in the town of Musanze or nearby Kinigi in the late afternoon. Check in to your lodge, relax, and prepare for the trek of a lifetime.
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Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park – Return to Kigali
Wake up early and enjoy a hearty breakfast at your lodge before heading to the Volcanoes National Park headquarters in Kinigi for the 7:00 AM briefing. Here, park rangers will assign your gorilla group and guide you through the rules of safe and respectful trekking.
After the briefing, drive to the trek starting point and begin your guided hike into the dense forest in search of a mountain gorilla family. The experience is awe-inspiring and emotional—watching these gentle giants interact and go about their day in the wild.
Once your 1-hour encounter is over, hike back out and receive your gorilla trekking certificate. You’ll freshen up at the lodge (if needed), have lunch, and begin your return drive to Kigali, arriving by late afternoon or early evening.
Trip Infos
- Based on Full Board All Meals Included
- Departure from Kigali City
- Transportation 4x4 Air-Conditioned Landcruiser
- Age Requirements 15+
- Language English, German, Russian, Japanese, Chinese, Italia, Spanish
- Min people 1
- Max people 50
Trip Includes & Excludes
- Gorilla Trekking Permit Per Person
- An Experienced English-Speaking Driver Guide (Any Language provided on Request)
- Accommodation Based on Full Board
- Bottled Safe Drinking Water
- International Flights From/To Home
- Travel Insurance
- Visa Fees
- Tips
Gallery
Availability
Map
FAQ's Expand all
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Where can I go gorilla trekking in Africa?
Jewel Gorilla Safaris offers gorilla trekking experiences in Uganda (Bwindi Impenetrable National Park & Mgahinga Gorilla National Park), Rwanda (Volcanoes National Park), and Democratic Republic of Congo (Virunga & Kahuzi-Biega National Parks).
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What’s the best time to go gorilla trekking?
The dry seasons (June–August and December–February) offer the best trekking conditions. However, the wet season (March–May, October–November) often has more permit availability and fewer crowds.
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Is gorilla trekking safe?
Yes. All treks are led by trained rangers and trackers who follow strict safety protocols. Gorillas are habituated to human presence and are generally peaceful.
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Can children go gorilla trekking?
The minimum age for gorilla trekking is 15 years old, enforced by all national parks.
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How close can I get to the gorillas?
Trekkers are required to maintain a 7-meter distance from the gorillas to minimize disease transmission. However, gorillas may move closer out of curiosity.
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What’s included in Jewel Gorilla Safaris packages?
All our gorilla trekking itineraries include: ✔️ Gorilla permit ✔️ Transportation with professional guides ✔️ Full-board accommodation ✔️ Park entry fees ✔️ Bottled water and airport transfers
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Can I combine gorilla trekking with other activities?
Absolutely. We offer combination safaris that include chimpanzee tracking, Big Five game drives, boat safaris, cultural tours, and relaxation at Lake Bunyonyi or Lake Kivu.
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How much is a gorilla trekking permit?
Uganda: $800 (trekking) / $1,500 (habituation) Rwanda: $1,500 DR Congo: $400 Permit prices are for foreign non-residents and include park entry and guided trek.
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Is it safe to go to Virunga National Park?
Virunga has reopened with security measures in place. If it’s open, we arrange visits with park rangers and enforce all protective guidelines.
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Gorilla trekking and Serengeti – can I combine both?
Yes. You can easily combine gorilla trekking in Uganda or Rwanda with a Serengeti safari in Tanzania via regional flights.
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What to do if a gorilla charges you?
Stay still, avoid eye contact, and follow your ranger’s instructions. Such behavior is rare and usually a bluff.
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1 day gorilla trekking Uganda – is it possible?
Yes. From Kigali, you can do a 1-day Uganda gorilla trek to Bwindi. It’s fast-paced but ideal for tight schedules.
02 DAYS RW
- Best Gorilla Trekking price guaranteed.
- Professional local guide.
- No Booking Fees