Overview
A short, well-paced gorilla safari in Rwanda, starting and ending in Kigali. You drive to Volcanoes National Park in the Virunga mountains, trek into the bamboo and montane forest to a mountain gorilla family, and return to Kigali on the third day.
Rwanda's gorilla permit is among the most expensive in Africa, but the park is only a 2 to 3 hour drive from the capital, so the trip works well for anyone with limited time. The price includes the permit, transport, guide, lodging and meals, and you can extend with golden monkey tracking or a Dian Fossey hike.
| Accommodation | Confirmed together with you — see the Rates tab for general comfort levels we work with. |
|---|---|
| Meals | Full board on safari days; meals as specified for any city/beach nights, per your final itinerary. |
Day by Day (3 days)
KIGALI TO VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK
You drive north from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park, about 2 to 3 hours, through the green hills and terraced farms of the Virunga foothills. You arrive at your lodge in time for lunch and an optional village or cultural visit, where you can see traditional dance and craft. Your guide briefs you on gorilla trekking for the next morning. Overnight in a lodge near Volcanoes National Park. Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.
MOUNTAIN GORILLA TREKKING IN RWANDA
After an early breakfast you meet at the park headquarters, are assigned to a gorilla family and trek into the bamboo and montane forest with trackers. The trek takes 1 to 5 hours depending on where the family spent the night. You spend one hour with the gorillas, watching the silverback, females and babies at close range. After the trek you return to the lodge for lunch and a rest. Overnight in a lodge near Volcanoes National Park. Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.
RETURN TO KIGALI AND DEPARTURE
You drive back to Kigali, about 3 to 4 hours, arriving in time for a late lunch, souvenir shopping at the craft market or your onward flight. Your guide drops you at your hotel or at Kigali International Airport. Meals: breakfast and lunch.
Rates Per Person
The Overview tab explains the accommodation and meal options. Send us your dates and group size for an exact price.
Next: Inclusions →Inclusions
Included
- Private vehicle with your own driver-guide
- Park entry and conservation fees
- Accommodation as specified in your itinerary
- Meals as specified per day (full board on safari days)
- Airport pickup and drop-off
Excluded
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Tips and gratuities
- Personal expenses and souvenirs
Getting There
Tour Start & End
This trip starts in Rwanda and ends in Rwanda.
Airport Information
Kigali International Airport (Rwanda) is the most common arrival point for this trip.
Transfer Information
We meet you at the airport and handle every transfer between destinations throughout your trip.
Accommodation Before/After
Want an extra night in Arusha, Moshi or Zanzibar before or after your trip? Just ask and we will arrange it.