Highlights
- Trek endangered mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park
- Start and end your safari conveniently in Kigali, Rwanda’s capital
- Travel in a private 4x4 safari vehicle with an expert local driver-guide
- Optional visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial for historical context
- Cultural stop at the Iby’iwacu Cultural Village (Gorilla Guardians)
- Comfortable accommodation options: budget, midrange, or luxury
- Includes the $1,500 gorilla permit, park entry, and ranger fees
- Flexible return timing for same-day airport drop-off or hotel stay in Kigali
3 Days Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda
Embark on an unforgettable 3 Days Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda adventure, designed for wildlife lovers and nature seekers looking for a short yet life-changing safari. This tour takes you deep into the heart of Volcanoes National Park, home to Rwanda’s famed mountain gorillas, just a few hours’ drive from Kigali.
Your 3 Days Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda journey begins with a scenic transfer from Kigali, where optional stops at the Kigali Genocide Memorial or the vibrant Gorilla Guardians Village offer cultural depth and local insight. After a comfortable night at a lodge near the park, the highlight awaits — a thrilling trek through the misty forest for a close-up encounter with a mountain gorilla family in their natural habitat.
With all logistics taken care of — from gorilla permits to professional guides and cozy accommodations — this 3-day gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda is the perfect way to experience one of the world’s rarest wildlife encounters, even on a short schedule.
3 Days Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda Itinerary Summary
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali – Transfer to Volcanoes National Park (Option to visit Kigali Genocide Memorial or Iby’iwacu Cultural Village)
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park – Overnight near the park
Day 3: Optional nature walk or twin lakes visit – Transfer back to Kigali
Day-by-Day Itinerary – 3 Days Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda
Day 1: Kigali Arrival – Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
- Distance: ~110 km
- Drive Time: 2.5 to 3 hours
Your 3 Days Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda begins with a warm welcome in Kigali. You’ll be met by your private driver-guide and begin the scenic transfer northwest toward Volcanoes National Park.
Depending on your arrival time and interests, you may opt to visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a powerful and reflective museum documenting Rwanda’s history, or take a cultural detour to the Iby’iwacu Cultural Village (Gorilla Guardians), where you’ll experience traditional Rwandan culture through music, dance, and storytelling.
Arrive at your lodge near Volcanoes National Park in the late afternoon. Settle in, enjoy the mountain air, and prepare for your gorilla trekking adventure the next day.
Recommended Lodges:
- Budget: Kinigi Guesthouse / La Locanda
- Midrange: Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge / Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge
- Luxury: Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge / Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel / One&Only Gorilla’s Nest
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Rise early and head to the Kinigi Park Headquarters for a 7:00 AM briefing on gorilla trekking. You’ll be assigned a gorilla family group and receive a safety orientation before setting off with experienced trackers and armed rangers.
The trek can take between 2–6 hours, depending on the location of your assigned group. Hiking through bamboo forests, volcanic slopes, and lush vegetation, you’ll finally come face-to-face with a mountain gorilla family — a profound and emotional experience.
After spending up to one hour in their presence, you’ll trek back, receive your gorilla trekking certificate, and return to your lodge for a hot lunch and some well-deserved relaxation.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at your chosen lodge near Volcanoes National Park
Day 3: Optional Twin Lakes Visit – Transfer to Kigali
On your final day, enjoy a leisurely breakfast. If time allows, you may take an optional guided nature walk or visit the nearby Twin Lakes of Burera and Ruhondo, known for their serene landscapes and birdlife.
Afterwards, begin your return journey to Kigali. Depending on your flight time, we can drop you at the airport or your hotel in the city marking the end of this 3 Days Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Drop-off: Kigali International Airport or city hotel
What’s Included
- One gorilla trekking permit per person ($1,500 value)
- Private roundtrip transfers Kigali – Volcanoes National Park
- Accommodation for 2 nights (Budget, Midrange, or Luxury)
- All meals as listed (2x breakfast, 3x lunch, 2x dinner)
- Bottled drinking water during the trip
- Services of a professional English-speaking driver-guide
- Volcanoes National Park ranger guides and armed escorts
- Visit to Gorilla Guardians Village (optional)
- All applicable park and community fees
What’s Not Included
- International airfare & visa fees
- Travel insurance (recommended)
- Tips and personal expenses
- Additional activities not listed in the itinerary
- Soft drinks, alcoholic beverages, and souvenir purchases
- Accommodation in Kigali (optional on request)
Itineraries Expand all
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Day 1: Kigali Arrival – Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Your 3 Days Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda begins with a warm welcome in Kigali. You’ll be met by your private driver-guide and begin the scenic transfer northwest toward Volcanoes National Park.
Depending on your arrival time and interests, you may opt to visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a powerful and reflective museum documenting Rwanda’s history, or take a cultural detour to the Iby’iwacu Cultural Village (Gorilla Guardians), where you’ll experience traditional Rwandan culture through music, dance, and storytelling.
Arrive at your lodge near Volcanoes National Park in the late afternoon. Settle in, enjoy the mountain air, and prepare for your gorilla trekking adventure the next day.
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Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Rise early and head to the Kinigi Park Headquarters for a 7:00 AM briefing on gorilla trekking. You’ll be assigned a gorilla family group and receive a safety orientation before setting off with experienced trackers and armed rangers.
The trek can take between 2–6 hours, depending on the location of your assigned group. Hiking through bamboo forests, volcanic slopes, and lush vegetation, you’ll finally come face-to-face with a mountain gorilla family — a profound and emotional experience.
After spending up to one hour in their presence, you’ll trek back, receive your gorilla trekking certificate, and return to your lodge for a hot lunch and some well-deserved relaxation.
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Day 3: Optional Twin Lakes Visit – Transfer to Kigali
On your final day, enjoy a leisurely breakfast. If time allows, you may take an optional guided nature walk or visit the nearby Twin Lakes of Burera and Ruhondo, known for their serene landscapes and birdlife.
Afterwards, begin your return journey to Kigali. Depending on your flight time, we can drop you at the airport or your hotel in the city.
Trip Infos
- Departure from Kigali City
- Transportation 4x4 Air-Conditioned Landcruiser
- Language English, German, Russian, Japanese, Chinese, Italia, Spanish
- Based on Full Board All Meals Included
- Age Requirements 15+
- 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
- Visa Fees
- Travel Insurance
- 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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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 gorilla trekking better in Uganda or Rwanda?
Uganda is more budget-friendly and offers more trekking regions (Bwindi, Mgahinga), while Rwanda is known for easy access from Kigali. Both offer unforgettable gorilla experiences.
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Is Rwanda safe right now?
Yes. Rwanda is considered one of the safest countries in Africa for tourism. The Volcanoes National Park region is peaceful and well-policed.
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Is gorilla trekking worth the money?
Yes. Seeing mountain gorillas in the wild is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Permits fund conservation, and the close encounter is unmatched.
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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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What should I wear for a gorilla trek?
Wear long-sleeved shirts, trousers, waterproof hiking boots, a rain jacket, insect repellent, and gardening gloves for grabbing vegetation. Also bring a hat, water bottle, and camera (no flash).
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How difficult is the trek?
Trekking can range from easy to strenuous, depending on the location and gorilla movement. Bwindi is known for its steep terrain, while Volcanoes National Park is moderately challenging. Your guide will brief you in advance.
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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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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.
03DAYS-RW
- Best Gorilla Trekking price guaranteed.
- Professional local guide.
- No Booking Fees