Private • Rwanda
2 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari
From Kigali to the Virungas, an hour with the gorillas, and home the next evening
Overview
About this safari
- Region
- Northern Province
- Duration
- 2 days
- Departures
- All year round
- Party size
- Up to 6
Experience an unforgettable 2-day Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari, combining a Kigali city tour with an extraordinary encounter with endangered mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park. This short safari takes you from Rwanda’s vibrant capital to the mist-covered forests and beautiful volcanic landscapes of the Virunga Mountains.
On the first day, explore Kigali, visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, discover local markets, and travel to Volcanoes National Park, with an optional visit to Iby’iwacu Cultural Village if time permits. On the second day, enjoy an exciting guided gorilla trek through the rainforest, where you may observe a habituated gorilla family in its natural habitat.
The Rwanda gorilla trekking permit costs US$1,500 per person, subject to confirmation by the relevant authorities.
This is for travellers with very little time who still want the forest to feel unhurried.
Highlights
What you'll experience
One hour with a gorilla family
A Rwanda Development Board permit gives you an hour with a habituated group inside Volcanoes National Park, with your guide reading the family's mood so you move with them.
The Virungas from the air
The helicopter from Kigali crosses terraced hills, lakes and tea country and puts you at the park in a fraction of the road time.
Virunga Lodge above the twin lakes
The lodge looks over Lakes Burera and Ruhondo to the volcanoes, and the evening there is the trip's second reward.
Why choose us
Why choose a Private Safari?
Rwanda's gorilla permits are finite and the gorillas do not slow down for a tired traveller. This trip is built around being sharp and unhurried when you step into the forest.
No wasted road hours
Explore Kigali city and its local markets. Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial. Enjoy scenic views of Rwanda’s rolling hills and countryside. Visit Iby’iwacu Cultural Village, time permitting. Trek endangered mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park. Spend one unforgettable hour observing a habituated gorilla family. Discover the rich biodiversity of the Virunga rainforest.
Permits secured before you book
Rwanda's permits are released on a quota and sell out months ahead. We hold confirmed permits before you commit.
Timed to your flight home
The return helicopter is scheduled against your international departure, so the trek, lunch and the transfer fit into the day without a rush.
Itinerary
Your safari, day by day
Day 1
Kigali to the Virungas by helicopterKigali City Tour and Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
After breakfast at your hotel in Kigali, meet your professional driver-guide for a briefing about your 2-day Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari. Begin with a city tour, including a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, where you will learn about the tragic events of the 1994 genocide and remember the victims. You may also explore local markets and experience aspects of Rwanda’s culture and daily life.
After lunch, depart for Volcanoes National Park, approximately 80 kilometres from Kigali. Enjoy the scenic drive through Rwanda’s rolling hills, terraced farmland, and picturesque countryside as you approach the Virunga Mountains.
Depending on your arrival time, you may visit Iby’iwacu Cultural Village to learn about traditional Rwandan customs, music, dance, and community life. Later, check in at your lodge, enjoy dinner, and relax in preparation for the following day’s gorilla trekking adventure.
Meals · Dinner
Day 2
Mountain Gorilla Trekking and Transfer to Kigali
Wake up early and enjoy breakfast before transferring to the Kinigi Park Headquarters for a briefing by park rangers. You will learn about gorilla trekking guidelines, safety procedures, and responsible behaviour around the gorillas.
After the briefing, enter the forest with experienced guides and trackers to search for a habituated mountain gorilla family. The trek can take approximately 2–6 hours or longer, depending on the gorillas’ location, terrain, and weather conditions.
Once you find the gorillas, spend one hour observing them in their natural habitat. Watch as they feed, groom, rest, play, and interact with one another. You may also encounter other forest wildlife, including monkeys and a variety of bird species.
After the trek, return to the park headquarters and meet your driver-guide. Depending on the schedule, enjoy lunch before travelling back to Kigali, where you will be dropped off at your hotel or Kigali International Airport.
End of safari.
Stay · Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge Meals · Breakfast, Lunch
Inclusions
What is and isn't included
Included
- Return helicopter transfers between Kigali and Volcanoes National Park
- Airport transfers in Kigali
- One gorilla trekking permit per person
- One night's luxury accommodation
- Meals as listed in the itinerary
- Park entrance fees
- Professional English-speaking safari guide
- Park rangers during the gorilla trek
- Bottled drinking water during the safari
Not included
- International flights to and from the region
- Entry visas and any transit visas
- Travel and medical insurance, which is mandatory
- Alcoholic drinks and premium beverages
- Laundry, telephone and other items of a personal nature
- Tips and gratuities for your guide, drivers and lodge staff
- Optional activities not listed in the day-by-day itinerary
Lodges
Lodges on this safari
Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge
Welcome to the exquisite Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge, strategically located near Volcanoes National Park, the magnificent home of rare mountain gorillas. Just a short 2.5-hour drive from Kigali International Airport and a mere 10-minute drive from the park headquarters, our mid-range accommodation is perfect for gorilla trekkers. Our lodge offers unparalleled convenience, boasting breathtaking panoramic views of Mountain Sabyinyo and the majestic Virunga chain of mountains.
- Tier
- Mid-range
Pricing
Available all year round
A private itinerary with no fixed departure dates. Rates are per person in USD.
Safari Details
Essential information
Minimum Age
15 years, the Rwanda Development Board rule for gorilla trekking
Safari Duffel
A soft day pack for the trek; porters carry the bulk, and main luggage stays at the lodge
First Group Event
Meet and greet at Kigali International Airport on Day 1
Last Group Event
Drop-off at Kigali International Airport on the evening of Day 2, timed to your flight
Guaranteed Departures
Departures are guaranteed with a minimum of two guests, subject to permit availability
Alternate Sightseeing
If a gorilla family cannot be safely reached on the day, the park may reassign you to another habituated group. Permits are non-refundable once issued