from 0 review
2Days
Daily Tour
36 people
English, French, Kinyarwanda
This itinerary assumes you will be starting from Kigali, as it is the main entry point to Rwanda.
| Time | Activity | Description |
| 08:00 AM | Pick-up in Kigali & City Tour | Your private guide/driver meets you at your hotel or the Kigali International Airport (KGL). You will begin with a brief tour of Kigali City. |
| 08:30 AM | Kigali Genocide Memorial | Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial at Gisozi, a poignant and essential stop to understand Rwanda’s history and recovery. |
| 11:00 AM | Lunch & Departure | Have lunch at a restaurant in Kigali. Immediately after, begin the scenic 2.5-hour drive north to Musanze/Kinigi (the area bordering Volcanoes National Park). |
| 01:30 PM | Arrive in Musanze & Check-in | Arrive at your lodge near the park, nestled in the foothills of the Virunga Mountains. Check in and relax. |
| 03:30 PM | Afternoon Activity (Optional) | Engage in an optional activity to acclimate and prepare for the next day. Popular choices include: * Iby’iwacu Cultural Village (Gorilla Guardians Village): Experience local Rwandan culture, music, and traditions. * Twin Lakes Visit: Scenic views of Lake Burera and Lake Ruhondo. |
| 06:30 PM | Dinner & Briefing | Have dinner at the lodge. Your guide will provide a detailed briefing for the following day’s gorilla trek, ensuring all your gear is ready. |
| Overnight | Lodge near Volcanoes National Park | (e.g., in Kinigi or Musanze) |
| Time | Activity | Description |
| 06:00 AM | Early Breakfast | Have an early breakfast at the lodge, as the trekking day starts promptly. |
| 06:30 AM | Transfer to Park Headquarters | Drive to the Volcanoes National Park Headquarters in Kinigi. |
| 07:00 AM | Gorilla Trekking Briefing | Attend a briefing by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) park wardens. Enjoy traditional coffee/tea, cultural dances, and be divided into groups of 8 people, each assigned a specific gorilla family to track. |
| 08:00 AM | Begin Gorilla Trek | Drive to your trail’s starting point and begin the trek with your armed park rangers and guide. The trek can last 2 to 6 hours depending on the location of the assigned family. (Highly recommended: Hire a local porter to assist you). |
| 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM | The Golden Hour | Upon locating the gorilla family, you are granted one magical hour to observe them, take non-flash photography, and witness their gentle behavior. |
| 1:00 PM | Trek Concludes & Lunch | Return to the park headquarters, receive your gorilla trekking certificate, and then transfer back to the lodge or to a restaurant in Musanze for lunch and to freshen up. |
| 02:30 PM | Transfer back to Kigali | Begin the 2.5-hour scenic drive back to Kigali. |
| 05:00 PM | Drop-off | Arrive in Kigali and be dropped off at your hotel or at the Kigali International Airport (KGL) for your outbound flight |
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