2-Day Gorilla Trekking Safari in Rwanda
2 Days – 1 Night
2-Day Gorilla Trekking Safari in Rwanda
Overview
This 2-day gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda is perfect for travelers short on time but eager for a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife experience. The trip takes you deep into Volcanoes National Park, one of the last remaining habitats of the endangered mountain gorilla. Along the way, you’ll soak in the stunning scenery of Rwanda’s iconic rolling hills and get the chance to pay tribute to Dian Fossey, the legendary conservationist whose work helped protect these gentle giants.
Ideal for a weekend getaway or as part of a longer East African adventure, this all-inclusive safari starts and ends in Kigali, making it a convenient and memorable wildlife experience in the “Land of a Thousand Hills.”
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2 Days/ 1 Night
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Rwanda
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Guided, Private Safari
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Airport TransfersCar hireServices of an English-speaking guideRefreshments like waterAll accommodation & MealsAll activitiesAll Taxes /VATA professional driver /guideFuelGorilla permitDrinking water
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Tips and gratuitiesAll items of personal natureInternational flightsAlcoholic drinks
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali and Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you’ll be warmly welcomed by your safari guide who will give you a short briefing before beginning the journey north toward Volcanoes National Park.
As you leave the city, the landscape transforms into a breathtaking mosaic of lush green hills, terraced farmland, and quiet rural villages. Rwanda’s countryside is famously beautiful—earning the nickname “Land of a Thousand Hills”—and the drive is as scenic as it is smooth, taking around 2.5 to 3 hours.
You’ll arrive in the town of Musanze, just outside the park, in the late afternoon. Take some time to relax and soak in the fresh mountain air. If time allows, you can enjoy a short community walk or visit the nearby Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village for a taste of local Rwandan heritage and traditional dance.
Overnight Options:
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Luxury: Virunga Lodge – Panoramic views of the Virunga Volcanoes and twin lakes
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Midrange: Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge – Comfortable eco-friendly lodge near the park
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Budget: Hotel Muhabura – Cozy and convenient for early morning park access
Meal Plan: Lunch and Dinner included
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park & Return to Kigali
This is the day you’ve been waiting for—your gorilla trekking adventure in the misty forests of Volcanoes National Park!
After an early breakfast, you’ll head to the Kinigi park headquarters, where you’ll meet your ranger guides for a short briefing on gorilla trekking rules and expectations. You’ll be assigned to one of the 12 habituated gorilla families and then set off on your trek, accompanied by expert guides and trackers.
The trek itself can take anywhere from 1 to 5 hours depending on the location of the gorilla group, and the terrain is hilly and sometimes muddy—but every step is worth it. Once you find the gorillas, you’ll have one magical hour to quietly observe and photograph them. Watch silverbacks beat their chests, juveniles tumble and play, and mothers gently care for their young—it’s a powerful, humbling experience that connects you deeply to nature.
After the trek, you’ll return to your lodge for lunch (or enjoy a packed lunch, depending on the time), and then begin your drive back to Kigali.
If time permits before your flight, you may opt to take a short Kigali city tour, including a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, an emotional and educational experience that offers insight into Rwanda’s history and incredible recovery.
Your guide will then drop you off at Kigali International Airport, marking the end of your unforgettable 2-day gorilla safari in Rwanda.
Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch included
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Suggested Rwanda Safari Ideas
The tours featured throughout our website are intended to give you ideas for what’s possible when you travel with us. Treat them simply as inspiration, because your trip will be created individually by one of our specialists to match your tastes and budget.
