Day 1: Arrival at Kigali Airport
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be greeted by your guide and transferred to your hotel in Kigali, where you'll check in for an overnight stay to begin your Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Adventure.
Depending on the time of arrival, you will visit Kimironko Market Africa, the largest farmer's market in Kigali covering an area of about 5 kilometers. Kimironko market is a hub for local fresh food and fruits such as mangoes, passion fruits, pawpaw, jackfruits, and pineapples, among others.
The stalls at the market’s extreme are occupied majorly by meat sellers, chicken, and fresh fish.
Accommodation Options
Mid-range Level: Lemigo Hotel | Luxury Level: The Retreat by Heaven
Day 2: Kigali - Volcanoes National Park
After breakfast, enjoy a 3-hour drive to Volcanoes National Park. Passing through Musanze lively town blends modern amenities with traditional Rwandan charm. Amidst the forested slopes of the Virungas, forming a dramatic setting for the most poignant and memorable wildlife experience of a lifetime, gorilla trekking awaits you.
Situated in the far northwest of Rwanda, Volcanoes National Park protects the steep slopes of this magnificent mountain range and is home to the endangered mountain gorilla and a rich mosaic of montane ecosystems, which embrace evergreen and bamboo forest, open grassland, swamp, and heath.
Volcanoes National Park is named after the chain of dormant volcanoes making up the Virunga Massif: Karisimbi – the highest at 4,507m, Bisoke with its verdant crater lake, Sabinyo, Gahinga, and Muhabura.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation Options
Mid-range Level: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge | Luxury Level: Volcanoes Virunga Lodge
Day 3: Gorilla Trekking
After breakfast at the lodge, your adventure begins with a drive to the headquarters of Volcanoes National Park. Here, you’ll meet your expert ranger guides and fellow explorers, all buzzing with anticipation.
Following a briefing on trekking etiquette and conservation efforts, you’ll be grouped with up to 8 trekkers and assigned to a specific gorilla family, ensuring an intimate and respectful wildlife encounter.
Your trek begins as you venture through diverse landscapes, from open fields and terraced hillsides to dense bamboo forests and lush undergrowth. The duration of the trek varies from 4 to 8 hours, depending on the gorillas’ location within the park.
Then, the moment of awe arrives—face-to-face with a mountain gorilla family in their natural habitat. You’ll have one magical hour to observe their interactions, from playful juveniles to nurturing mothers and dominant silverbacks.
After this life-changing encounter, you’ll trek back to the park’s base and return to your lodge, where you can relax and reflect on the day’s extraordinary experiences.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation Options
Mid-range Level: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge | Luxury Level: Volcanoes Virunga Lodge
Day 4: Gorilla Guardian Village and Transfer back to Kigali Airport
Today, visit the Gorilla Guardian Village (formerly Iby’Iwacu) for cultural performances, including the iconic Intore dance, and explore the king’s palace. Experience a unique ceremony where you can briefly take on the king’s role, guided by local elders. You’ll also have the chance to learn Rwandan drumming, visit a traditional healer, or interact with the Batwa community.
Thereafter head back to Kigali arriving in time for lunch at the Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari. Depending on the time of your international flight you will be dropped at Kigali International Airport or make use of the day room for refreshments before departure
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch