4 Days Rwanda Gorilla trekking Safari
Over view
Spending time with the endangered African mountain gorillas is one of the rarest and most profound wildlife experiences on Earth. This 4-day Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari takes you into the biodiverse Volcanoes National Park where you will have an amazing encounter with the endangered mountain gorilla species in their natural habitat. Gorillas in volcanic national parks are habituated therefore, they are used to human presence.
In addition to the incredible gorilla trekking adventure, you will also have the opportunity to visit the endemic golden monkeys in Volcanoes Park as well as enjoy a city tour of Kigali, Rwanda’s clean and modern city of Rwanda. Note that this tour includes transportation and your private safari guide who will be with you all through the trip.
Tour Highlights
Day 1: Transfer from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park
Day 2: Volcanoes National Park Gorilla Trekking
Day 3: Golden monkey tracking – Volcanoes National Park
Day 4: Drive back to Kigali, city tour and departure
Day by Day 4 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari Detailed itinerary
Day 1: Transfer from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park
Your guide will meet you at Kigali (Kanombe) International Airport and welcome you to Rwanda. From there, you will be taken to Ruhengeri and Kinigi in the north.
After departing from Kigali, the capital city, we will journey three hours north to Ruhengeri, which is now more commonly referred to as Musanze. Volcanoes National Park is a home for mountain gorillas and where you will have an encounter with them in their natural habitat.
As we travel to our accommodation in Ruhengeri, you will enjoy the scenic rolling hills and lush landscapes of northwest Rwanda. On arrival, you will check in to the lodge and Relax and savor delicious meals while watching the local people go about their daily lives.
Accommodation options: Hotel Muthaura, La Palme Hotel (Budget), Le Bambou Gorilla Village (Mid-range), Five Volcanoes Boutique, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge (Luxury)
Meals: lunch and dinner
Day 2: Volcanoes National Park Gorilla Trekking
Today is the day for your once-in-a-lifetime encounter following mountain gorillas in Rwanda’s Virunga Mountains. Rise early and have breakfast early enough before driving to the Volcanoes National Park Headquarters at Kinigi. First, the ranger will brief you on the regulations to follow while in the forest tracking the gorillas. Accompanied by the guide, to begin with the search on the forest. Note that the gorillas are wild animals and are on constant move.
The walk might take up to eight hours, but viewing endangered African mountain gorillas in their natural habitat is well worth the effort. Walking through marshes and woodlands, over slopes, and into valleys may be exhausting and difficult, so plan accordingly.
Once you have located the Gorillas, you will spend one hour with them in their natural habitat. Watch the world’s biggest primates groom, eat, and interact with one another in their natural environment. Meeting the gorillas is one of the world’s most unique and heartwarming experiences for many travelers having an encounter with the Gorillas.
Following our near experience with these magnificent apes, we return to the trailhead where you will meet up with your driver guide who will drive you back to the lodge. We have supper and rest after an amazing day of gorilla trekking.
Accommodation options: Hotel Muthaura, La Palme Hotel (Budget), Le Bambou Gorilla Village (Mid-range), Five Volcanoes Boutique, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge (Luxury)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 3: Golden monkey tracking – Volcanoes National Park
Just like the previous day, we return to Volcanoes National Park early in the morning to search for golden monkeys. These rare primates are unique to the bamboo forests at high elevations in the park and are classified as an endangered subspecies of the Sykes monkey.
We hike to one of the park’s two habituated golden monkey groups, each consisting of roughly 80 monkeys. The golden monkeys are lively and entertaining, playing joyfully and hopping energetically between the trees.
After observing the unique golden monkeys of Volcanoes National Park, return and meet with your guide who will transfer back to the lodge for lunch. In the afternoon, you will go on the Iby’iwacu cultural tour where you will meet and interact with the locals learn more about Rwandan culture, and also enjoy entertainment and traditional dances. Dinner and overnight stay at the lodge.
Our journey to Kigali takes us through Rwanda’s picturesque highlands, with stops along the way to appreciate the stunning scenery.
Accommodation options: Hotel Muthaura, La Palme Hotel (Budget), Le Bambou Gorilla Village (Mid-range), Five Volcanoes Boutique, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge (Luxury)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 4: Drive back to Kigali, city tour and departure
We have morning breakfast and embark on our journey to Kigali takes us through Rwanda’s picturesque highlands, with stops along the way to appreciate the stunning scenery.
After approximately three hours on the road, we arrive in Kigali and check into our accommodations. We enjoy dinner and relax for the evening. After approximately three hours on the road, we arrive in Kigali, the city tour includes a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, documenting the history of the 1994 Rwandan genocide. We also visit the Caplaki Crafts Village where you can browse and buy traditional crafts. Exploring the bustling city with its vibrant streets offers insight into Rwandan culture.
After exploring Kigali, you will have lunch, and after the driver will transfer you to the airport for your onward flight.
End of Tour
4 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari package includes and excludes
Package includes
- Accommodation and meals
- Transportation in 4×4 safari vehicle and fuel
- Professional English-speaking safari guide
- Gorilla trekking permit
- Golden monkey permit
- Cultural tour
- Bottled drinking water
- All activities included in the itinerary
Package excludes
- Visas
- Travel ticket and insurance
- All items of a personal nature including; Alcoholic beverages, laundry, porters, and optional activities among others.