3 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari

Overview

Rwanda’s mountain gorillas are among the most extraordinary wildlife encounters on Earth. Home to nearly 60% of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, Volcanoes National Park offers an experience that travelers describe as genuinely life-changing. On this 3-day safari, you will track a habituated gorilla family through the bamboo forests of the Virunga Mountains and spend one magical hour observing them in their natural habitat.

Rwanda Eco Company has guided gorilla treks since 2008. Our expert guides know each gorilla family intimately and ensure you get the best possible viewing experience while respecting the gorillas’ space and the park’s conservation protocols.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Kigali Arrival and Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

Your journey begins with an airport transfer from Kigali International Airport. We drive approximately 2.5 hours northwest to Musanze (Ruhengeri), the gateway town to Volcanoes National Park. En route, enjoy the stunning “Land of a Thousand Hills” scenery.

Check in to your lodge and receive a comprehensive briefing from your lead guide on gorilla trekking protocols, what to expect, how to behave around the gorillas, and how the tracking process works.

Overnight: Gorilla’s Nest Lodge / Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge (depending on package tier)

Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

This is the day you have been waiting for. After an early breakfast, transfer to the park headquarters at Kinigi for the mandatory briefing at 7:00 AM. Here you will be assigned to a gorilla group based on your fitness level and group size.

The trek can take 30 minutes to several hours depending on where the gorillas are that day. Your expert guide and armed park ranger lead the way through bamboo forest and up the volcano slopes. When you find the family, you will spend one full hour with them, watching the silverback, mothers, juveniles, and babies go about their morning routines.

The experience is almost always emotional. Many guests describe it as the highlight of their Africa travels.

Afternoon: Return to the lodge for lunch. Optional afternoon activity: visit the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village to learn about Rwandan traditions, music, and crafts.

Overnight: Gorilla’s Nest Lodge / Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge

Day 3: Morning at Leisure and Return to Kigali

After breakfast, enjoy a final morning at the lodge before transferring back to Kigali. Drop-off at Kigali International Airport or your Kigali hotel.

Optional Kigali add-on: Add one or two nights in Kigali to visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, Kimironko Market, and the city’s excellent restaurants before flying home.

Important Information

Gorilla trekking permits: Rwanda gorilla permits cost $1,500 per person and are included in your package price. Permits are limited to 96 per day across all gorilla groups. We secure your permits well in advance, especially important for peak season (June–September, December–January).

Physical requirements: Moderate fitness required. Treks range from 30 minutes to 6+ hours at altitudes of 2,500–3,700m. Long-sleeved shirt, sturdy boots, and rain jacket recommended.

Age requirement: Minimum age for gorilla trekking is 15 years.