Rwanda gorilla trekking packages range from a single-day trek at around $1,854 per person to multi-day luxury safaris from $6,000+ per person. Every package is built on the same foundation: the $1,500 Rwanda Development Board permit and one hour with a wild mountain gorilla family in Volcanoes National Park. The price difference comes down to three things: how many days you travel, the level of lodge you choose, and your group size. This guide compares the main package types offered by Rwanda Eco Company and Safaris so you can pick the one that fits your time, budget, and travel style.
Rwanda gorilla packages at a glance
| Package | Duration | From (per person) | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Day Gorilla Trekking Experience | 1 day | $1,854 | Time-pressed travelers, layovers |
| 2 Days Gorilla Trekking Safari | 2 days | $2,422 | A relaxed weekend trek |
| 3 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari | 3 days | $3,022 | Most popular: the all-rounder |
| 3 Days Gorilla & Golden Monkey Safari | 3 days | $3,022 | Two primate encounters in one trip |
| 7 Days Luxury Rwanda Safari | 7 days | $6,000 | Premium lodges, multiple parks |
| 12 Days Best of Rwanda | 12 days | $6,518 | The complete Rwanda experience |
The single-day trek: maximum efficiency
Because Volcanoes National Park is only about a 2.5-hour drive from Kigali International Airport, it is possible to trek gorillas and return to the capital in one day. Our 1 Day Gorilla Trekking Experience (from $1,854) is built for travelers with tight schedules, long layovers, or those adding gorillas onto a wider East Africa trip.
You leave Kigali before dawn, reach the park headquarters in Kinigi for the 7:00 AM briefing, complete your trek, and drive back the same afternoon. The trade-off is an early start and a long day, but you still get the full, uncompromised hour with the gorillas.
The 3-day safari: the sweet spot
For most visitors, the 3 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari (from $3,022) is the package we recommend. Over three days and two nights it includes:
- Your $1,500 gorilla permit
- Two nights’ accommodation near the park (mid-range or luxury options)
- All transfers from Kigali and a private vehicle with an expert driver-guide
- Park ranger fees and all listed activities
The pacing is the key advantage. You arrive and settle in the day before your trek (a valuable buffer against flight delays), trek on the full middle day, and have time to absorb the experience rather than racing back to the airport. It is comfortable enough for first-time safari-goers and complete enough to feel like a real trip rather than an errand.
“Most travelers overthink which package to choose,” says Reginal Hakizimana, founder of Rwanda Eco Company and Safaris. “Three days is the sweet spot: a day to arrive, a day to trek, and the time to actually enjoy where you are.”
Combination packages: gorillas plus more
If you have come this far, it is often worth seeing more than the gorillas alone. Two popular ways to do that:
Gorillas and golden monkeys. Our 3 Days Gorilla & Golden Monkey Trekking Safari (from $3,022) pairs the mountain gorilla trek with a chance to track the playful, endangered golden monkeys that also live in Volcanoes National Park, two primate encounters for a similar price to the standard 3-day safari.
The luxury multi-park safari. The 7 Days Luxury Rwanda Safari (from $6,000) stays in premium lodges and combines gorilla trekking with golden monkeys, Lake Kivu’s beaches, and the rainforests of Nyungwe. For the most complete trip, the 12 Days Best of Rwanda Adventure Safari (from $6,518) adds Akagera National Park’s Big Five and a deeper cultural immersion.
A relaxed two-day option
If a single day feels rushed but you cannot spare three, the 2 Days Gorilla Trekking Safari (from $2,422) is the middle ground. You travel from Kigali and overnight near the park the evening before your trek, so you start trek day rested and on the doorstep of Volcanoes National Park rather than driving in the dark. It is the most affordable way to avoid the pre-dawn start of the single-day trip while keeping the trip short and focused.
Add-ons you can build into any package
One of the advantages of booking a tailored safari rather than a fixed group tour is that almost every package can be customized. Popular add-ons include:
- Golden monkey tracking: a half-day encounter with the endangered, acrobatic monkeys of the bamboo forest.
- Dian Fossey hike: a moving trek to the tomb of the famous primatologist and her research camp at Karisoke.
- Mount Bisoke or Mount Karisimbi climbs: volcano summits for the energetic, including a crater lake.
- Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village: traditional dance, craft, and community life in the shadow of the volcanoes.
- Lake Kivu: beaches, boat trips, and a relaxed end to an active safari.
- Kigali city tour: including the deeply affecting Kigali Genocide Memorial.
Tell us your interests and we will weave the right combination into your itinerary.
When to book
Because every package depends on securing a $1,500 permit, and only a limited number are issued each day, availability, not price, is usually the deciding factor on dates. For the peak dry season (June–September), we recommend booking three to six months ahead. Green-season trips (March–May, October–November) can sometimes be arranged on shorter notice and may come with lower lodge rates. Whichever package you choose, the earlier you confirm, the more choice you have over gorilla families, lodges, and travel dates.
What’s included, and what’s not
Across our packages, prices typically include:
- The gorilla trekking permit
- Accommodation for the duration of the safari
- All park transfers and a private 4x4 with a driver-guide
- Meals as specified in each itinerary
- Park ranger and guide fees
And typically exclude:
- International flights to and from Kigali
- Travel insurance (required for all gorilla trekking)
- Tips, drinks, and personal expenses
- Optional add-on activities
Want to understand exactly how these line items add up? Our full Rwanda gorilla trekking cost breakdown explains every component.
How to choose the right package
- You have 1–2 days: the single-day trek delivers the full encounter with no wasted time.
- You want the classic experience: the 3-day safari is the best balance of pace, comfort, and value, and our most-booked package for a reason.
- You want more than gorillas: the gorilla-and-golden-monkey safari adds a second primate for little extra cost.
- You want luxury or a complete Rwanda trip: the 7-day or 12-day safaris combine premium lodges with the country’s other highlights.
Why book with Rwanda Eco Company
Every package is operated by Rwanda Eco Company and Safaris, founded by Reginal Hakizimana and guiding gorilla treks since 2008. We are members of the Rwanda Tours and Travel Association (RTTA), ASTA, ATTA, and USTOA, and hold a 5.0/5 rating across 238 TripAdvisor reviews. As a licensed local operator, we secure your permit directly with the RDB, match you to the right gorilla family for your fitness, and handle every logistical detail.
Ready to choose your safari? Browse all our Rwanda gorilla packages or contact our team for a tailored quote and live permit availability for your dates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best Rwanda gorilla trekking package? +
For most travelers, the 3 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari (from $3,022 per person) is the best all-round package: it includes the $1,500 permit, two nights near Volcanoes National Park, all transfers from Kigali, and expert guiding, without rushing the experience. Time-pressed visitors can do a 1-day trek, while those wanting golden monkeys, Lake Kivu, and luxury lodges should choose a 7-day safari.
How much do Rwanda gorilla trekking packages cost? +
Packages range from about $1,854 per person for a single-day trek to $6,000+ per person for a 7-day luxury safari. Every package is built around the fixed $1,500 RDB gorilla permit; the rest of the price reflects trip length, lodge level, and group size.
What is included in a Rwanda gorilla trekking package? +
A typical package includes the gorilla permit, accommodation, all park transfers from Kigali, a private vehicle and expert driver-guide, meals as specified, and park ranger fees. International flights, travel insurance, tips, and personal expenses are usually excluded.
How many days do I need for gorilla trekking in Rwanda? +
You can trek gorillas in as little as one day thanks to Volcanoes National Park's proximity to Kigali (about 2.5 hours). However, three days is the sweet spot, allowing a relaxed pace, a buffer in case of delays, and time for extras like golden monkey tracking or a cultural village visit.
Can I combine gorilla trekking with other activities? +
Yes. Popular combinations include golden monkey tracking, Dian Fossey hikes, the twin lakes, Lake Kivu beaches, and Nyungwe Forest for chimpanzees. Multi-day packages such as our 7 Days Luxury Rwanda Safari and 12 Days Best of Rwanda Adventure Safari are designed around these combinations.
Are flights included in gorilla trekking packages? +
International flights to and from Kigali are not included in standard gorilla trekking packages. Packages do include ground transport, park transfers, and a private vehicle with a driver-guide for the duration of your safari.
Updated June 4, 2026