Your safari begins with an early pickup from your hotel in Kigali by your professional English-speaking female driver-guide. After a short briefing about the safari, begin the drive north toward Volcanoes National Park.
The journey takes you through Rwanda's scenic countryside, with views of cultivated hills, rural communities and the changing landscapes as you approach the volcanic region around Musanze and Kinigi.
Upon arrival in the Volcanoes National Park area, enjoy lunch before proceeding for a cultural experience at the Iby'iwacu Cultural Community.
The cultural visit provides an opportunity to learn about local traditions, community life, traditional crafts, music and dance. It also offers insight into the relationship between tourism, local communities and conservation around the Volcanoes region.
After the cultural experience, transfer to your lodge and check in.
Use the remainder of the afternoon to relax and prepare for the following day's gorilla trek. Your guide can provide advice on clothing, trekking equipment and what to expect during the activity.
Dinner and overnight at your selected accommodation.
Luxury Accommodation: Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge / Mountain Gorilla View LodgeMidrange Accommodation: Five Volcanoes Hotel / Lebambou Gorilla LodgeBasic Accommodation: Kinigi Guest House
Meal Plan: Lunch & Dinner
Experience an intensive 2-day Rwanda gorilla trekking safari in the spectacular Volcanoes National Park, one of Africa's most renowned destinations for mountain gorilla encounters. This short but memorable safari is ideal for travelers who have limited time but want to experience the extraordinary opportunity of trekking through Rwanda's high-altitude rainforest in search of habituated mountain gorillas.
The safari begins in Kigali, where you will be picked up by a professional English-speaking female driver-guide and transferred north toward the volcanic landscapes of Musanze and Kinigi. The relatively short journey from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park makes it possible to combine the gorilla trekking experience with a two-day itinerary.
On arrival in the Volcanoes region, you will have lunch and visit the Iby'iwacu Cultural Community, where you can learn about local culture, traditional lifestyles and the community's connection with gorilla conservation and tourism.
The main highlight takes place with mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. After an early breakfast and briefing at the park headquarters, you will enter the montane forest accompanied by experienced trackers and guides. The trek can involve steep and uneven terrain, but the reward is the opportunity to spend permitted viewing time observing a habituated gorilla group in its natural habitat.
After the trek, return to Kigali, bringing your short but unforgettable Rwanda gorilla adventure to an end.
Safari Route
Your Safari Itinerary
Wake up early and have breakfast before transferring to the Volcanoes National Park headquarters for the gorilla trekking briefing.
The briefing introduces you to the trekking guidelines, safety procedures and responsible gorilla-viewing practices. You will then be allocated to a habituated gorilla group and accompanied by experienced park guides and trackers into the forest.
The trek takes place in the mountainous terrain of the Virunga region. Depending on where the gorillas are located, the hike can range from a relatively short walk to several hours of challenging trekking through steep, muddy and densely vegetated terrain.
As you make your way through the forest, your guides will help you understand the ecosystem and may point out birds, plants, tracks and other signs of forest wildlife.
Once the gorillas are located, you will have the permitted viewing period to observe them as they feed, rest, move through the vegetation and interact with members of their group. This is an exceptional opportunity to appreciate mountain gorillas in their natural environment while learning more about their behaviour and conservation.
After the gorilla encounter, trek back to the starting point and meet your driver-guide.
Depending on your departure arrangements, you will then begin the drive back to Kigali, enjoying the scenery of Rwanda's rolling hills and countryside along the way.
Upon arrival in Kigali, you will be dropped off at your hotel, preferred location or Kigali International Airport for your onward journey.
END OF THE 2 DAYS GORILLA TRACKING SAFARI IN RWANDA
Safari Highlights
Accommodation
Luxury:
Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge / Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
Midrange:
Five Volcanoes Hotel / Lebambou Gorilla Lodge
Basic:
Kinigi Guest House
What's Included
What's Not Included
Pack List
Safari Tips
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