2-Day Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Tour
per person
This 2-Day Rwanda Gorilla trekking Tour is for those who want to track mountain gorillas in the Volcanoes National Park, located in northern Rwanda. The park is part of the Virunga conservation area, which also includes parks in Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. It covers 160 square kilometers and was once a larger park that extended into DR Congo, losing some area after the country’s independence.
Dian Fossey, a famous primatologist, established her gorilla research center in the park in 1967 after fleeing Congo for safety. She worked hard to protect mountain gorillas, which were heavily threatened by poaching. Through her efforts, she raised awareness and fought against poaching criminals until her tragic death in 1985, believed to be connected to those involved in poaching. Fossey is buried at her research center alongside some of her favorite gorillas.
Her research significantly contributed to the understanding of mountain gorillas and helped make them more comfortable with human presence, leading to the development of gorilla tourism. After her death, although some poaching continued and the civil war posed threats, the global awareness of mountain gorillas and conservation efforts increased. You can learn more about Dian Fossey here.
Visitors to Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda can see mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, forest elephants, buffaloes, and hyenas. The park features five of the eight volcanoes in the Virunga range: Karisimbi, Sabinyo, Muhabura, Bisoke, and Gahinga. Mountain climbing is a popular activity, especially on Karisimbi and Bisoke. Golden monkey trekking is also sought after for a complete primate safari experience. Gorilla trekking is the main attraction, and although it can be expensive, many choose this park for its proximity to Kigali and easier safari bookings. Visitors find Rwanda’s roads better and finding gorillas simpler compared to Uganda and the DR Congo. The 2-Day Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Tour includes a tour of Kigali and a visit to the Gisozi genocide memorial site. Booking in advance for a gorilla permit is essential, with options to visit 10 habituated gorilla families.
Safari Highlights
- Day 1. Kigali city and genocide memorial site tour – Head to the Volcanoes National Park
- Day 2: Gorilla tracking at the Volcanoes National Park – Departure.
Day 1. Kigali city and genocide memorial site tour – Head to the Volcanoes National Park
A guide from Ganda Cultural Expeditions will pick you up at your hotel or airport in the morning for your gorilla tour. You will start with a city tour of Kigali, including a visit to the Kigali Gisozi genocide war memorial to learn about the 1994 genocide. You will also visit local markets, the King’s palace, and other attractions. After lunch, you will travel for 2-3 hours to Volcanoes National Park, enjoying the beautiful countryside along the way.
Accommodation: Virunga Lodge (Luxury), Lebambou lodge (Mid-range), Kiningi Guest House (Budget)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 2: Gorilla tracking at the Volcanoes National Park – Departure.
Wake up early and have a quick breakfast while waiting for the guide. You will be taken to the Kinigi park headquarters for a briefing on gorilla trekking at 7:00 am. This briefing will share the rules and requirements for trekking. You can hire a porter and choose one of the 10 habituated gorilla groups in Rwanda. After that, you will start tracking the gorilla group with your porter and park guides. This may take 1 to 5 hours. When you see the gorillas, take as many photos as you want, but follow your guide’s instructions and stay calm if a gorilla comes close. After one hour, you will return to the starting point to have lunch and rest before heading back to Kigali and the airport or hotel.
Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch
2-Day Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Tour Includes and Excludes
Inclusions:
- A 4X4 safari vehicle
- A private English-speaking driver/guide
- Fuel the entire 2 days tour.
- 1 Gorilla Trekking Permit per person
- Daily Drinking water for 2 days
- Lunch en-route
- All transfers, including pick-ups and drop-offs in Kigali
- Kigali city tour
Excludes:
- Personal Travel Insurance
- Visa Ticket
- Accommodation at the beginning and end of the trip
- Travel insurance, souvenirs, tips, and other expenses of a personal nature
- International flights
- Personal expenses like tips, beverages, wines, etc.