This 3 Days Rwanda gorilla trekking safari package will give you an opportunity to visit the volcanoes national park Rwanda in search of the largest primate on earth. The Volcanoes National Park is found in the northwestern part of Rwanda and covers an area of 62 square miles. Much of it consists of rainforests found on the foot of 5 volcanoes. These volcanoes include Muhabura, Karisimbi, Sabinyo, Bisoke and Gahinga. The park borders Uganda’s Mgahinga National Park and Congo’s Virunga National Park.
The Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda was made famous as the former base of Dian Fossey (the great primatologist) and as home to Mountain Gorillas and golden monkeys. The park was first gazetted in 1925 as part of the wider Virunga Conservation area to protect mountain gorillas living within Mount Mikeno, Karisimbi and Bisoke. After a while, its boundaries where marked to be part of only Rwanda. From 1967, the park became known around the world as the base of Dian Fossey. She worked hard to protect the mountain gorillas in the park and let the world know about their plight and possible extinction. Although she was murdered in 1967, Fossey is still remembered for introducing ground breaking discoveries in gorilla research. Without her efforts, many believe mountain gorillas would be extinct by now. Apart from Mountain gorillas and golden monkeys, the Volcanoes National Park is also home to the black-fronted duiker, forest buffaloes, bushbucks, elephants and the spotted hyena. Birders should expect to encounter about 178 recorded species.
The Rwanda Development board is responsible for managing the park in conjunction with international agencies and other partners. The Volcanoes National Park generates more revenue from tourism than any other national park in Rwanda. Gorilla tourism brings a lot of revenue to the country although the recent increase in the price for gorilla permits has kept away some visitors. A gorilla permit in Rwanda costs $1500. 
Most of the revenue goes back to wildlife conservation activities and maintaining the national park. Apart from gorilla trekking, tourists can choose to hike mount Karisimbi, visit the grave of Dian Fossey, track golden monkeys, tour the Iby’iwacu Cultural Village or the twin lakes Ruhondo and Burera.
3 Days gorilla tour to Rwanda includes a Kigali city tour and visit to the Iby’iwacu Cultural Village. While at the village, Tourists learn about the Rwandan culture and take part in cultural dances accompanied by traditional music. Rwanda gorilla tours start and end in Kigali with a visit to the Gisozi genocide memorial site to learn about the events that led to tragic Rwandan genocide.
Main Activities
Main Activities:
- Kigali city tour including a visit to the Gisozi Genocide memorial site
- Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda
- Iby’iwacu cultural village
Full Itinerary
Day 1: City tour – Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Our guide will be at your hotel or airport early morning to do the pickup and start the tour. After the briefing from the company Guide, you will start with a tour of the city of Kigali which will include the renowned Gisozi genocide memorial site where you will learn how over 500,000 people lost their lives in 1994. You will visit the rest of Kigali, local markets, the kings palace and then have lunch. After lunch, you will begin the 2 hours journey to the Volcanoes national park. The beautiful mountainous countryside along the way will remind you why Rwanda is often referred to as the “Land of a thousand hills”.
Dinner and overnight at 5 Volcanoes Lodge ( Luxury), Davinci Lodge (Mid-range) and The Garden Place Hotel (Basic).
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking – Iby’iwacu cultural village tour.
After yesterdays early rest, you should now be ready for Gorilla tracking in Rwanda. Briefing for gorilla trekking is carried out by the head park guide at 7:00 am in the Kinigi park headquarters Musanze. All trekkers must be at the park by this time and must attend the briefing. Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda offers you several families to choose from. Select one based on your overall fitness and preferences. After being assigned a gorilla family and hiring a porter, its time to head out to the forest for gorilla tracking. Gorilla trekking in Rwanda can be challenging but the experience of watching mountain gorillas makes all the effort worthwhile. A family of mountain gorilla is amazing, and you could spend hours just watching the little ones roll around and play. Mountain Gorillas are playful but also curious. 
Listen to instructions from your guide, stay calm and desist from making sudden movements.
After your one hour with the mountain gorillas, return back to the starting point where you will meet the company guide. You will be driven back to your hotel for lunch and rest. In the evening, you will be taken for a visit to the Iby’iwacu cultural village located in Musanze near the volcanoes national park.
Dinner and overnight at 5 Volcanoes Lodge ( Luxury), Davinci Lodge (Mid-range) and The Garden Place Hotel (Basic).
Day 3: Transfer back Kigali
On this day, wake up and have breakfast at leisure as you also prepare for the drive back to Kigali. The driver will drop you at your hotel in Kigali or the airport for your flight back home. If you missed the city tour on day 1, you will have it on this day before departure.
End of Tour
Practical Guide
Equipment for gorilla trekking
- Good hiking boots
- Hand gloves
- A Light raincoat
- Light snack and drinking water
- Porters to help with extra heavy luggage
For the best gorilla trekking adventure
- Be in good physical condition
- Wear proper footwear for hiking difficult terrain
- Plan for the rain
- Carry sufficient water and light snack
- It’s always great to tip the guides and rangers because they work hard to ensure you have an optimal gorilla adventure. They need encouragement! The recommended tip is $15 usd per person preferably in the local currency.
Important Notes
- The itinerary does not include arrival dinner and accommodation (but can be arranged)
- The minimum age for gorilla tracking is 15 years
- Travelers should ensure that they have checked the visa and inoculation requirements including at all transit points
- It is not a requirement to have a yellow fever immunization card to enter Rwanda
- Online Visa Application may not be necessary before travel depending on your nationality. The Visa can also be got on arrival at the airport in Kigali.
Quote Inclusions and Exclusions
Safari Quote Includes
- Full time 4X4 safari vehicle
- A Full-Time Guide/Driver
- Fuel for your safari
- Rwanda Gorilla Permits
- Bottled drinking water per day
- All other activities in the Itinerary
- Full Board accommodation for 2 nights
- Pickup and drop-off at your desired location within Kigali
- Cultural and community visit
- Kigali city tour
Excludes
International and local flights, visas, personal expenses like tipping, beverages, wines and insurance.
Lodges and Hotels
Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel: This is a luxury hotel built in Ruhengeri along the road to the park offices. It takes only 15 minutes of driving to reach the park offices from Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel. The lodge gets its name from the five volcanoes in the park – Sabyinyo, Gahinga, Muhabura, Bisoke and Karisimbi. Five Volcanoes Lodge offers high quality luxury accommodation facilities with rooms overlooking the beautiful hills and volcanoes of Rwanda. Most of the rooms are either twin or double rooms. The rooms are self-contained, air-conditioned with a fire place, kettle, television and refrigerator. Other services and facilities include Sauna, steam bath, a swimming pool, a restaurant and a large garden. Experienced and professional staff are available to help 24 hours a day.
Virunga Hotel: Virunga Hotel is a budget lodge located in the district of Musanze in Rwanda. It is part of the Virunga chain of hotels with branches in Rwanda and Uganda. It is built close to the border with Uganda and the Volcanoes national park. Virunga Hotel offers large spacious rooms which are self-contained with a working table, bath tubs, flash toilets, television screens and private balconies. The hotel also has a restaurant, meeting facility, free Wi-Fi, parking space and a tennis court. Virunga Hotel is perfect for those who are planning to do gorilla trekking, golden monkey tracking, visiting the grave of Dian Fossey or hiking one of the Virunga volcanoes. Book with this lodge if you want high quality rooms at an affordable price.
Davinci Gorilla Lodge: This mid-range lodge offers great accommodation facilities at a reasonable price. It is built in Kinigi and is close to the offices of the Volcanoes National Park. Davinci Gorilla Lodge has high quality and self-contained cottage rooms with a balcony. Each room is designed with elegance using locally made but high quality materials and fabrics. Each rooms have free internet, hot water, showers and working space. Other amenities in the hotel include a restaurant, room service and ample parking space. Davinci Gorilla lodge is located at the foot of Mount Karisimbi and is hence a great place to stay for those who have come to do gorilla trekking and hiking one of Africa’s highest mountains.
Elena Mascarenhas
December 18, 2023 at 7:10 pmWhat is the cost of the 3 day Gorilla Tour in Rwanda for end of October and beginning of November 2024 for 2 persons. We are interested in quotes for the 5 Volcanoes Boutique hotels and Virunga lodge accommodations. Do you also do the 2 days tour starting from Kigali? What is the cost and accommodation used. Please email me as soon as possible. Elena