Upon arrival at
Kigali International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your guide, who will give you a short briefing on the itinerary. If time allows, you may take a brief city tour of
Kigali, visiting the
Kigali Genocide Memorial, craft markets, or local restaurants for an authentic Rwandan meal.
After the city tour (if applicable), you will embark on a
scenic 2-3 hour drive to
Volcanoes National Park, located in
Musanze District in the northern part of Rwanda. The journey offers breathtaking views of rolling hills, picturesque villages, and lush landscapes, making it a perfect introduction to Rwanda’s nickname: “The Land of a Thousand Hills.”
Upon arrival at your lodge, you will check in and relax, enjoying the serene surroundings as you prepare for the
gorilla trekking adventure the following day.
Accommodation: Luxury/Mid-range/Budget Lodge (based on your preference)
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
After an early breakfast, you will be transferred to the
Volcanoes National Park Headquarters in Kinigi, where you will receive a briefing from park rangers about the
gorilla trekking experience. You will be assigned to a
gorilla family group based on fitness levels and group preferences.
Accompanied by experienced guides and rangers, you will venture deep into the
dense forests of the Virunga Mountains, following trails used by the gorillas. Trekking can take anywhere between
1 to 6 hours, depending on the location of the gorilla family assigned to your group.
Once you find the gorillas, you will be allowed to spend
one magical hour observing them in their natural habitat. Watch as they interact, play, feed, and exhibit their fascinating behaviors. This close encounter is often described as
one of the most profound wildlife experiences in the world.
After the trek, you will return to the park headquarters to receive a
trekking certificate before heading back to your lodge to rest or engage in optional activities such as a
cultural village visit or a
nature walk.
Accommodation: Luxury/Mid-range/Budget Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Dian Fossey Hike & Return to Kigali
On the final day of your adventure, you will embark on a
hike to Dian Fossey’s tomb and Karisoke Research Center, located between
Mount Karisimbi and Mount Bisoke. Dian Fossey dedicated her life to protecting mountain gorillas, and her pioneering work is credited with preventing their extinction.
The
moderate to strenuous hike takes about
3-4 hours each way and offers insights into Fossey’s life, work, and conservation legacy. As you trek, you may also encounter
golden monkeys, birds, and other wildlife within the park.
Upon reaching her
grave site, you will have a chance to pay respects and reflect on her incredible impact. The site also includes
the graves of some gorillas she studied, further emphasizing her deep connection to them.
After the hike, you will return to your lodge for lunch before embarking on the drive back to
Kigali. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have additional time for shopping or sightseeing before being dropped off at the airport or your hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Inclusions
- Gorilla trekking permit ($1,500 per person – subject to change)
- Dian Fossey hike permit
- All ground transportation in a 4x4 safari vehicle
- English-speaking professional guide
- 2 nights’ accommodation (Luxury, Mid-range, or Budget options available)
- All meals as specified in the itinerary (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner)
- Bottled drinking water during the trip
- Park entry fees and ranger fees
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off
Exclusions
- International airfare
- Rwanda visa fees ($50 for most nationalities)
- Personal expenses (souvenirs, laundry, phone calls, etc.)
- Tips and gratuities for guides, drivers, and lodge staff
- Travel insurance
- Alcoholic and soft drinks not included in the meal plan
- Optional activities such as Golden Monkey Trekking
The
3 Days Rwanda Gorillas and Dian Fossey Hike is an unforgettable journey into the heart of
Rwanda’s pristine wilderness. It offers a rare and profound opportunity to connect with
mountain gorillas, explore the conservation efforts of
Dian Fossey, and appreciate the breathtaking beauty of
Volcanoes National Park.
Whether you are a
wildlife enthusiast, a conservation advocate, or an adventurous traveler, this tour will leave you with lifelong memories and a deep appreciation for Rwanda’s commitment to preserving its natural heritage. Book this tour today and embark on an
extraordinary adventure in the land of gorillas!
