2-Day Gorilla Trekking Express (Luxury Safari)
This 2-Day Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari (Group Option Recommended) is tailored for travelers seeking a high-impact wildlife experience in a short timeframe. Set in the misty highlands of Volcanoes National Park, this itinerary offers a rare opportunity to encounter endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Perfect for solo travelers, couples, or small groups, the tour blends luxury comfort, cultural immersion, and eco-conscious travel.
Accessibility & How to Get There
Start/End Point: Kigali International Airport (Rwanda)
Transfers: Private or group 4x4 safari vehicle with English-speaking guide
Drive Time: Approx. 2.5 hours from Kigali to Musanze (gateway to Volcanoes NP)
Border Option: For travelers from Uganda, cross via Cyanika or Gatuna border
Key Attractions & Tour Highlights
Volcanoes National Park: Home to 12 gorilla families, golden monkeys, and lush montane forest
Gorilla Trekking: 1-hour encounter with a habituated gorilla family
Kigali City Tour: Genocide Memorial, Kimironko Market, and local crafts
Iby’iwacu Cultural Village: Traditional Rwandan music, dance, and storytelling
Unique Selling Points
Guaranteed gorilla permit included
Group safari option for shared cost and camaraderie
Luxury lodge with Virunga views
Cultural immersion with local communities
Expert guides trained in conservation and primate behavior
✅ Inclusions
Gorilla trekking permit ($1,500 value)
Accommodation (1 night)
All meals (Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast)
Bottled water
Park entrance fees
Professional guide and transport
❌ Exclusions
International flights
Visa fees
Travel insurance
Tips and personal expenses
Porter fees (optional)
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Kigali City Tour & Transfer to Musanze
Overview: Begin your Rwandan journey with a powerful introduction to the country’s history and vibrant urban life, followed by a scenic drive to the foothills of the Virunga Mountains.
Morning: Kigali Genocide Memorial & Kimironko Market
Kigali Genocide Memorial: A deeply moving tribute to the victims of the 1994 genocide. Guests will walk through curated exhibits, survivor testimonies, and memorial gardens that offer space for reflection and understanding. Emotional tone: Respectful, educational, and grounding.
Kimironko Market: Dive into Kigali’s colorful daily life. This bustling market offers a sensory feast—fresh produce, vibrant fabrics, handmade crafts, and friendly banter with local vendors. Guest experience: Interactive, photogenic, and culturally rich.
Midday: Scenic Transfer to Musanze (Approx. 2.5 hrs)
Route Highlights: Wind through Rwanda’s “Land of a Thousand Hills,” with panoramic views of terraced farms, misty valleys, and roadside villages.
Stopovers: Designated photography stops at scenic viewpoints or roadside fruit stalls. Guest experience: Relaxed, immersive, and visually stunning.
Optional: Iby’iwacu Cultural Village (Now “Gorilla Guardians Village”)
Experience: Engage with local traditions through dance, drumming, storytelling, and hands-on activities like banana beer brewing or bow-and-arrow demonstrations. Guest experience: Authentic, participatory, and community-driven.
Evening: Lodge Check-in & Dinner
Accommodation: Comfortable eco-lodge or boutique property near Volcanoes National Park.
Dinner: Enjoy a warm Rwandan welcome with a locally inspired meal, think grilled tilapia, plantains, and fresh passion juice. Guest experience: Cozy, reflective, and anticipatory for the next day.
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking & Return to Kigali
Overview: A once-in-a-lifetime encounter with mountain gorillas, followed by a scenic return to Kigali with optional cultural stops.
Early Morning: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Briefing & Allocation: Guests arrive at park headquarters by 7:00 AM for a safety briefing and group assignment based on fitness level and gorilla family location.
Trek Duration: 1–4 hours depending on gorilla location.
Experience: Witnessing gorillas in their natural habitat - silverbacks, playful juveniles, and nurturing mothers, is profoundly humbling. Guest experience: Transformative, emotional, and awe-inspiring. Note: Porters available for hire; trekking permits required in advance.
Midday: Lunch & Scenic Drive Back to Kigali
Lunch: Packed lunch provided by the lodge or enjoyed at a local restaurant en route.
Return Journey: A relaxed drive back through Rwanda’s lush countryside, with optional stops for photos or rest.
Optional: Souvenir Shopping or Coffee Tasting
Souvenirs: Stop at Caplaki Craft Village or local artisan shops for handmade baskets, jewelry, and wood carvings.
Coffee Tasting: Visit a Kigali café or cooperative to sample Rwanda’s world-class Arabica coffee and learn about its farm-to-cup journey. Guest experience: Light, rewarding, and culturally enriching.
Accommodation Options
| Category | Lodge Name | Amenities |
| Budget | The Garden Place Hotel | Wi-Fi, en-suite rooms, local cuisine |
| Midrange | Ingagi Park View Lodge | Forest views, hot showers, private balconies |
| Luxury | Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel | Fireplace suites, spa, gourmet dining |
Packing Tips & Recommendations
Waterproof hiking boots
Long-sleeved shirts and trousers
Rain jacket
Insect repellent
Reusable water bottle
Camera with extra batteries
Lightweight backpack
Sunscreen and sunglasses
Best Time to Visit
June–September & December–February: Dry seasons with easier trekking conditions and better visibility.
Top 5 FAQs
Is the gorilla permit included?
Yes, it’s part of the package.
How fit do I need to be?
Moderate fitness is recommended; treks can be steep and muddy.
Can I choose which gorilla family to visit?
Groups are assigned based on fitness and availability.
Is the tour suitable for solo travelers?
Yes, and group safaris are available for shared costs.
Are children allowed?
Only travelers aged 15+ can participate in gorilla trekking.