3 days Rwanda Gorilla Safari
3 Days Rwanda gorilla safari or 3 day Rwanda gorilla trekking tour to Volcanoes National Park offers mountain gorilla trekking & Iby’iwacu cultural experience in Rwanda.
Volcanoes National Park is located in the northwestern region of Rwanda. It encompasses an area of 62 square miles, comprising rainforest and 5 out of 8 volcanoes located in the greater Virunga region. The mountains comprise Muhabura, Karisimbi, Sabinyo, Bisoke, and Gahinga. The park adjoins Uganda’s Mgahinga National Park and Congo’s Virunga National Park.

Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is renowned as the former location of the esteemed primatologist Dian Fossey and as a habitat for Mountain Gorillas and golden monkeys. The Volcanoes National Park was established in 1925 as a component of the broader Virunga Conservation Area to safeguard the mountain gorillas inhabiting Mount Mikeno, Karisimbi, and Bisoke. Eventually, its boundaries were delineated to only encompass Rwanda. Since 1967, the park has gained international recognition as the headquarters of Dian Fossey. She diligently endeavored to safeguard the mountain gorillas in the park and raise global awareness regarding their predicament and potential extinction. Despite her assassination in 1967, Fossey is still commemorated for her pioneering contributions to gorilla studies. Many contend that, without her efforts, mountain gorillas might have faced extinction by now. In addition to mountain gorillas and golden monkeys, Volcanoes National Park also hosts black-fronted duikers, forest buffaloes, bushbucks, elephants, and spotted hyenas. Birdwatchers should anticipate encountering approximately 178 documented species.
The Rwanda Development Board oversees the management of the park in collaboration with international agencies and various partners. Volcanoes National Park generates greater revenue from tourism than any other national park in Rwanda. Gorilla trekking tourism is notably lucrative; nevertheless, the recent rise in gorilla permit prices has deterred some visitors. The cost of a gorilla permit in Rwanda is $1500. The majority of the proceeds is allocated to wildlife conservation efforts and the upkeep of the national park. In addition to gorilla trekking, guests may opt to summit Mount Karisimbi, see Dian Fossey’s grave, follow golden monkeys, explore the Iby’iwacu Cultural Village, or tour the twin lakes of Ruhondo and Burera.
The 3-day Rwanda Gorilla trekking safari to Volcanoes National Park involves: Kigali city tour and a visit to the Iby’iwacu Cultural Village. During your time in the Rwanda, you will gain insights into Rwandan culture and enjoy cultural dances, folklore, and traditional songs. The 3 day Rwanda gorilla Safari departs and returns in Kigali, including a visit to the Gisozi genocide memorial site to gain insight into the events that precipitated the awful Rwandan genocide.
Activities on the 3 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari In Volcanoes National Park
- Kigali city tour with a visit to the Gisozi Genocide memorial site
- Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda
- Iby’iwacu cultural village
Detailed 3 days Rwanda Gorilla Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Kigali City tour – Volcanoes National Park
In the wee hours of the morning, our Rwanda Safari guide will be waiting to meet you from your hotel or the airport. Following the company guide’s 3 days Rwand gorilla safari briefing, you will begin with Kigali City Tour, which will include the famous Gisozi genocide memorial site, where you will discover how more than 300,000 people perished in 1994. You will explore the remainder of Kigali, local marketplaces, the king’s palace, and subsequently enjoy lunch. Following lunch, you will start the two-hour journey to Volcanoes National Park. Rwanda’s stunning mountainous terrain will serve as a reminder of why it’s frequently referred to as the “Land of a Thousand Hills.”
Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge/Davinci Lodge (Mid-range), Mountain Gorilla View Lodge/The 5 Volcanoes Lodge (Luxury), and The Garden Place Hotel (Basic) are the places to stay for dinner and the night.
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking & Iby’iwacu cultural village tour.
You should be prepared for gorilla tracking in Rwanda after getting an early night’s sleep yesterday. The head park guide provides the gorilla trekking briefing at Kinigi park headquarters in Musanze at 7:00 am. All trekkers are required to arrive at the park by this time and attend the briefing. A gorilla safari in Rwanda has various families to chose from, allowing you to choose based on fitness level. Once a gorilla family has been assigned and a porter has been hired, it’s time to start gorilla tracking in the lush forest of Volcanoes National Park. Gorilla trekking in Rwanda presents challenges; nonetheless, the opportunity to observe mountain gorillas renders the endeavor rewarding. The sight of a family of mountain gorillas is indeed breathtaking, and one might easily lose track of time observing the playful antics of the little ones. Mountain gorillas exhibit playful behavior and demonstrate curiosity towards humans, frequently approaching them. Heed the directives of your guide, maintain composure, and refrain from abrupt movements.
Once you’ve spent an hour with the mountain gorillas, head back to the beginning pint to meet the company guide. You will be transported back to your hotel for lunch and relaxation. In the evening, you will be escorted to the Iby’iwacu cultural village situated in Musanze, adjacent to the Volcanoes National Park. Dinner and overnight stay at Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge/Davinci Lodge (Mid-range), Mountain Gorilla View Lodge/The 5 Volcanoes Lodge (Luxury), and The Garden Place Hotel (Basic).
Day 3: Return to Kigali
On this day, awaken and have breakfast at your convenience while preparing for the journey back to Kigali. The driver will drop you off at the airport for your journey home or at your accommodation in Kigali. On this day prior to departure, you will have the city tour if you were unable to attend on day one.
Safari Cost Includes – 3 days Rwanda Gorilla trekking Safari
- Full time 4X4 safari vehicle
- A Full-Time Guide/Driver
- Fuel for your safari
- Rwanda Gorilla Permits
- Bottled drinking water per day
- All other activities in the Itinerary
- Full Board accommodation for 2 nights
- Pickup and drop-off at your desired location within Kigali
- Cultural and community visit
- Kigali city tour
Excludes Of The 3 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari
International and local flights, visas, personal expenses like tipping, beverages, wines and insurance.
Gear for 3 Days Rwanda gorilla trekking Safari Rwanda
- High-quality hiking footwear
- Protective gloves
- A lightweight raincoat
- Snacks and water
- Porters to assist with excessively heavy baggage
For the perfect gorilla trekking experience
- Maintain a healthy physical state
- Wear appropriate footwear for hiking in challenging terrain.
- Prepare for rain
- Bring adequate water and a little lunch.
- It is advisable to provide gratuities to the guide and rangers, as they diligently strive to facilitate an exceptional gorilla expedition. They require motivation! The suggested gratuity is $10 USD, ideally in local currency.
- Important Information
- The minimum age for gorilla tracking is 15 years old.
- Travelers must verify the visa and vaccination requirements, including those at all transit points.
- A yellow fever vaccination card is mandatory for entry into Rwanda.
- Online visa application is required prior to travel, contingent upon your nationality.