3 Days Gorilla Trekking Rwanda

3 Days Gorilla Trekking Rwanda at Volcanoes National Park

This 3 Days Gorilla Trekking Rwanda Safari offers the most enriching and immersive experience for travelers wishing to track the rare and endangered mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park. With enough time to enjoy the serenity of Rwanda’s countryside, explore local culture, and encounter gorillas face-to-face in their natural habitat, this 3-day itinerary is the ultimate primate adventure. It’s ideal for wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, and those seeking a meaningful connection with nature.

The safari begins and ends in Kigali, Rwanda’s capital, with comfortable road transfers, professional guidance, scenic beauty, and unforgettable moments in the heart of the Virunga Mountains.

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali – Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

Morning: Arrival and Kigali City Tour (Optional)

Your 3-day gorilla trekking Rwanda safari begins with arrival in Kigali, where you’ll be met by your dedicated driver-guide at the airport or your hotel. If your flight arrives in the morning or you are already in Kigali, you can embark on a brief Kigali city tour before departing for the national park.

You may visit:

  • Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre – a moving and educational tribute to Rwanda’s history.

  • Kimironko Market – a vibrant local market filled with produce, fabrics, and crafts.

  • Caplaki Handicraft Center – for souvenirs and traditional Rwandan art.

Afternoon: Scenic Drive to Volcanoes National Park

After the tour, set off for Musanze District in northern Rwanda, home to Volcanoes National Park. The journey lasts about 2.5 to 3 hours, traversing Rwanda’s beautiful “Land of a Thousand Hills.” As you drive through lush green valleys and farmlands, enjoy views of the Virunga volcano chain towering in the distance—Mount Karisimbi, Bisoke, Muhabura, Sabyinyo, and Gahinga.

Upon arrival in Kinigi (the park’s base town), check into your lodge or hotel and spend the rest of the evening relaxing, enjoying lodge amenities, and preparing for the next day’s trek.

Accommodation Options

  • Budget: La Locanda, Kinigi Guest House

  • Mid-range: Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge, Le Bambou Lodge

  • Luxury: Bisate Lodge, Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge

Enjoy a warm dinner and a quiet night surrounded by the cool mountain air and natural sounds of the rainforest.

Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park – Lifetime Encounter

Early Morning: Park Briefing and Group Assignment

After an early breakfast, transfer to the Volcanoes National Park headquarters by 6:30 AM. Here you will join other trekkers for a detailed pre-trekking briefing by experienced rangers from the Rwanda Development Board (RDB). They will explain gorilla trekking rules, assign you to a habituated gorilla family, and provide guidance on what to expect during the hike.

Group assignments consider your fitness level and hiking preference. Some of the Rwanda Gorilla families like Sabyinyo, Agashya, and Hirwa are often easier to reach, while Karisimbi or Bwenge may involve longer and steeper hikes.

Trekking Adventure in the Forest

Accompanied by armed rangers and expert trackers, your group will set out into the dense rainforest to track your assigned gorilla family. The trek typically lasts 1 to 6 hours (round-trip), depending on gorilla location, terrain, and weather conditions.

The hike itself is a rewarding journey through bamboo forests, swamps, and volcanic slopes. Along the way, you might spot other species like golden monkeys, forest buffalo, colorful birds, and unique flora.

As you approach the gorillas, signs of their presence become evident—broken branches, dung, and vocalizations. Then comes the magical moment: your first sight of a gorilla family living undisturbed in the wild.

1 Hour with the Gorillas

You are allowed one full hour in the presence of these gentle giants. Observe the group dynamics, from a dominant silverback standing watch to infants clinging to their mothers, juveniles tumbling in play, and mothers nursing their young. It is an intimate, humbling, and powerful experience—one of the greatest wildlife encounters on Earth.

Photography is permitted (without flash), and silence or low voices must be maintained to avoid disturbing the gorillas. Always keep a distance of at least 7 meters, and avoid direct eye contact.

Return and Certificate Presentation

After this unforgettable encounter, return to the trailhead and receive a gorilla trekking certificate as a souvenir of your conservation contribution. Head back to your lodge for lunch and some well-earned rest.

Afternoon Options (Optional Cultural Activities)

Depending on your return time and energy levels, consider engaging in an optional cultural visit:

  • Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village – Interact with former poachers turned conservationists, experience traditional music, storytelling, and Rwandan cultural heritage.

  • Twin Lakes Visit (Lake Burera & Ruhondo) – Short scenic drive to the tranquil twin lakes for relaxation and photography.

Return to your lodge for a hot shower, evening bonfire, dinner, and storytelling about the day’s experiences.

Day 3: Relaxation – Return to Kigali – Departure

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast with stunning mountain views before checking out of the lodge.

If you didn’t get time for the city tour on Day 1, you can take it now en route to Kigali. Your guide may also help organize a quick visit to local coffee plantations, art galleries, or historical landmarks along the way.

Arrive back in Kigali by early to mid-afternoon, depending on your flight schedule. You’ll be dropped off at your hotel or Kigali International Airport for your onward journey, marking the end of your 3 Days Gorilla Trekking Rwanda safari.

What’s Included in the 3 Day Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Tour

  • 4×4 safari vehicle with fuel and professional driver/guide

  • One Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Permit ($1,500)

  • 2 nights’ accommodation (budget, mid-range, or luxury)

  • All meals and bottled water

  • Park entrance fees and ranger services

  • City tour (optional)

  • Cultural visit (optional, where indicated)

  • Gorilla trekking certificate

  • Government taxes

What to Pack for the Trip

  • Strong waterproof hiking boots

  • Long pants and long-sleeved shirts

  • Rain jacket or poncho

  • Gardening gloves (for grabbing foliage)

  • Insect repellent

  • Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen

  • Reusable water bottle

  • Camera (non-flash)

  • Backpack with snacks and essentials

  • Walking stick (available at the park)

Important Travel Tips for Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

  • Book early – Rwanda gorilla permits are limited and in high demand, especially in high season.

  • Physical readiness – Prepare for strenuous hiking by engaging in light exercise before your trip.

  • Stay healthy – If you are ill, you may be denied access to protect gorillas from human-transmitted diseases.

  • Respect wildlife – Do not touch or feed gorillas. Always follow your ranger’s instructions.

  • Trek during dry season – June to September and December to February offer better trekking conditions.

  • Support local communities – Buy crafts, take cultural tours, and contribute to community development.

Why Choose a 3-Day Gorilla Safari in Rwanda?

Unlike rushed 1-day tours, a 3-day gorilla trekking safari allows travelers to explore at a calm, flexible pace while enjoying deeper connections with Rwanda’s wildlife and people. Volcanoes National Park, with its breathtaking scenery, expert-guided treks, and luxurious lodges, provides a world-class gorilla trekking experience. Rwanda’s safety, cleanliness, and commitment to conservation make it an unbeatable destination for responsible ecotourism.

A 3 Days Gorilla Trekking Rwanda safari to Volcanoes National Park is not just a trip—it’s a powerful encounter with nature, conservation, and Rwandan culture. From the misty mountain forests to the soulful eyes of a silverback gorilla, every moment is unforgettable. This immersive itinerary offers everything you need for an enriching experience, whether you’re an adventurer, wildlife lover, photographer, or conscious traveler.

Whether it’s your first safari or a return journey, this 3-day tour is a timeless reminder of the beauty and fragility of our natural world.