This itinerary offers an incredible opportunity to experience the majestic mountain gorillas in their natural habitat at Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda. Starting and ending in Kigali, this safari combines a life-changing gorilla trek with other activities to provide a well-rounded and memorable trip.
Upon your arrival at Kigali International Airport (KGL), you will be warmly welcomed by your professional driver-guide. Depending on your arrival time, you will embark on a brief Kigali City Tour, which typically includes a visit to the solemn Kigali Genocide Memorial. This visit provides a profound insight into Rwanda’s history and its journey toward healing and reconciliation.
After the city tour, you will begin a scenic 2-3 hour drive north to Volcanoes National Park, located in the Musanze district. The journey is a visual feast of breathtaking rolling hills, terraced farmlands, and small villages. You will arrive at your chosen lodge in the late afternoon, check in, and have dinner. The evening is yours to relax, surrounded by the stunning views of the Virunga Volcanoes, as you prepare for the main event tomorrow.
Today is the day you have been waiting for! After an early breakfast, your guide will drive you to the park headquarters in Kinigi for a briefing. Here, you will be divided into groups of eight and assigned a gorilla family to track. A park ranger will provide an overview of the trekking process and the rules for interacting with the gorillas to ensure both your safety and their well-being.
The gorilla trek can be physically demanding, with the duration varying from 2 to 7 hours depending on the location of the gorilla family. You will hike through dense forest and up volcanic slopes, guided by experienced trackers.
The reward is priceless: one full hour in the presence of these gentle giants. You’ll observe them feeding, playing, and interacting with each other, gaining a profound appreciation for their striking human-like behaviors.
After this unforgettable experience, you will return to the park headquarters and be transferred back to your lodge. The rest of the afternoon is for you to relax and reflect on your incredible encounter. You can choose to rest at the lodge or take a late afternoon visit to a local community or cultural village (optional).
On your final day, you have a choice of activities before returning to Kigali.
The most popular option is a Golden Monkey Trek. After another early breakfast and briefing, you’ll enter the forest to find the lively and acrobatic golden monkeys. This trek is generally less strenuous than the gorilla trek but equally rewarding, offering a chance to see another endangered primate species.
Alternatively, you could visit the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village (now known as the Gorilla Guardians Village) to learn about traditional Rwandan culture and customs from a community of former poachers. Other options include hiking to the tomb of Dian Fossey or a scenic walk to the Twin Lakes of Burera and Ruhondo.
After your chosen activity and lunch, you’ll begin your scenic drive back to Kigali. Your guide will drop you off at the airport for your onward flight or at your hotel, marking the end of your extraordinary Rwandan safari.
This itinerary offers an incredible opportunity to experience the majestic mountain gorillas in their natural habitat at Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda. Starting and ending in Kigali, this safari combines a life-changing gorilla trek with other activities to provide a well-rounded and memorable trip.
Upon your arrival at Kigali International Airport (KGL), you will be warmly welcomed by your professional driver-guide. Depending on your arrival time, you will embark on a brief Kigali City Tour, which typically includes a visit to the solemn Kigali Genocide Memorial. This visit provides a profound insight into Rwanda’s history and its journey toward healing and reconciliation.
After the city tour, you will begin a scenic 2-3 hour drive north to Volcanoes National Park, located in the Musanze district. The journey is a visual feast of breathtaking rolling hills, terraced farmlands, and small villages. You will arrive at your chosen lodge in the late afternoon, check in, and have dinner. The evening is yours to relax, surrounded by the stunning views of the Virunga Volcanoes, as you prepare for the main event tomorrow.
Today is the day you have been waiting for! After an early breakfast, your guide will drive you to the park headquarters in Kinigi for a briefing. Here, you will be divided into groups of eight and assigned a gorilla family to track. A park ranger will provide an overview of the trekking process and the rules for interacting with the gorillas to ensure both your safety and their well-being.
The gorilla trek can be physically demanding, with the duration varying from 2 to 7 hours depending on the location of the gorilla family. You will hike through dense forest and up volcanic slopes, guided by experienced trackers.
The reward is priceless: one full hour in the presence of these gentle giants. You’ll observe them feeding, playing, and interacting with each other, gaining a profound appreciation for their striking human-like behaviors.
After this unforgettable experience, you will return to the park headquarters and be transferred back to your lodge. The rest of the afternoon is for you to relax and reflect on your incredible encounter. You can choose to rest at the lodge or take a late afternoon visit to a local community or cultural village (optional).
On your final day, you have a choice of activities before returning to Kigali.
The most popular option is a Golden Monkey Trek. After another early breakfast and briefing, you’ll enter the forest to find the lively and acrobatic golden monkeys. This trek is generally less strenuous than the gorilla trek but equally rewarding, offering a chance to see another endangered primate species.
Alternatively, you could visit the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village (now known as the Gorilla Guardians Village) to learn about traditional Rwandan culture and customs from a community of former poachers. Other options include hiking to the tomb of Dian Fossey or a scenic walk to the Twin Lakes of Burera and Ruhondo.
After your chosen activity and lunch, you’ll begin your scenic drive back to Kigali. Your guide will drop you off at the airport for your onward flight or at your hotel, marking the end of your extraordinary Rwandan safari.
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