3 Days Rwanda Gorilla Safari

Tour Overview

The 3 Days Rwanda gorilla trekking package from Kigali takes primate enthusiasts to Volcanoes National Park to trek mountain gorillas in the wild. Expect to engage in active trekking to see mountain gorillas in the jungle, observe how they behave and taking pictures. The gorilla trek in Volcanoes National Park involves exploring one of the habituated gorilla groups and about 13 families have been dedicated for gorilla tourism.

On a gorilla trekking tour, expect to be accompanied by an experienced park ranger guide from Volcanoes National Park Ruhengeri. The gorilla trek begins from Kinigi area with a briefing on guidelines plus other safety measures to be followed as you search for a family of mountain gorillas. Besides trekking Rwanda gorillas, you will also pay a visit to the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village. The Iby’Iwacu Village visit involves exploring more about the unique traditions, cultures, and other practices of the Rwandese and the ex-poachers.

The 3 days gorilla tour Rwanda will begin with the Kigali city tour where you will explore the different sites including the Kigali memorial. From Kigali, you will have the rest of the tour in Volcanoes National Park including gorilla trekking and visit to the Iby’Iwacu Village which is adjacent to the park.

Tour Details

Safari Highlights

• Gorilla trekking
• A sensational encounter with a family of mountain gorillas
• Taking pictures of mountain gorillas in the wild
• Travel by road and using a 4×4 tourist vehicle
• Accommodation in one of the best gorilla lodge

Brief Itinerary

Day 1: Kigali city tour & drive to Volcanoes National Park Ruhengeri

Day 2: Gorilla trekking & Iby’Iwacu Village walk

Day 3: Departure

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Kigali city tour & drive to Volcanoes National Park Ruhengeri

At leisure, expect to enjoy a hefty breakfast and after, you will have briefing about the short 3 Days gorilla tour Rwanda. After briefing, you will set off from your hotel for you to visit some of the amazing historical sites and other attractions. There are special sites to explore on the Kigali memorial. The Kigali genocide site provides a deep insight into the unforgettable story of the 1994 where nearly a million people lost their lives.

After the Kigali city tour, you will have early lunch and then head off to Volcanoes National Park which is found in Ruhengeri. En route, you will appreciate the natural beauty of the countryside characterized by rolling hills. Driving time between Kigali and Volcanoes National Park takes about 2-3 hours. When you get to Volcanoes National Park, you will be dropped off to your respective lodges for relaxation, dinner, and overnight stay.

Accommodation

• Luxury: Kwitonda Lodge/Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge/Bisate Lodge
• Midrange: Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge/Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
• Budget: Muhabura Hotel & Kinigi Guesthouse

Meal plan: Lunch & Dinner

Travel time: 2-3 hours

Day 2: Gorilla trekking & Iby’Iwacu Village walk

Expect to embark on the captivating gorilla trekking but first, you will be briefed about your special gorilla trekking regulations. This will be followed by allocation of gorilla groups and park ranger guides. The normal gorilla trekking adventure is expected to begin at around 8:00 am with an experienced park ranger guides.

Each gorilla group will be visited by a maximum of 8 (eight) visitors. The search for one of the gorilla groups is led by the expert. The entire adventure is expected to go for 2-6 hours and covers one hour for you to interact with a group of mountain gorillas and taking pictures.

After you have explored the details about gorillas, expect to return to the lodge for. You will have a short time at the lodge and late in the afternoon, you will also pay to the Iby’Iwacu Village. It is a mesmerizing moment paying a visit to the nearby local community as you get a chance to unearth about the practices, lifestyles, traditions, and cultures of the Rwandese in their community.

Accommodation

• Luxury: Kwitonda Lodge/Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge/Bisate Lodge
• Midrange: Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge/Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
• Budget: Muhabura Hotel & Kinigi Guesthouse

Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3: Departure

Wake up early to prepare, enjoy a delicious breakfast and after, you will check out of the accommodation. You will be picked up by the driver guide when you ready for your return trip to Kigali city. At Kigali, you will be dropped off to the hotel or airport.

End of safari

Inclusions

• A valid gorilla permit
• Cultural tour
• Accommodation plus meals
• Transportation in the best 4×4 safari vehicle
• Safari activities as per the itinerary
• Service of an English speaking driver or safari guide from Rwanda

Exclusions

• Tips
• Laundry service
• Travel Insurance
• Shopping expenses
• Accommodation after or before the trip starts
• Cigarettes
• Telephone bills
• All the optional activities

What to carry on gorilla tour to Rwanda

The essential checklist for gorilla trekking in Rwanda include Safari hat, long sleeved shirts, a warm sweater, long trousers, waterproof daypack, first aid kit, strong and waterproof hiking boots, a good camera free from the flashlight, snacks, a rain jacket, a gardening gloves, extra batteries, and gloves. Other items to take include a bottled water, insect repellent, sunglasses, flashlight, and the rest.

Best time to visit Rwanda for gorilla trekking

Volcanoes National Park is known for its favorable weather conditions with temperatures varying depending on the altitude. Day temperatures in this protected area range from 20 to 25 degrees Celsius and at night they drop considerably, a good reason you should have a warm sweater. The best time to visit Volcanoes National Park for a gorilla tour is around the dry season that is from June, July, August to September then December, January to February.

The park also records the wet or rainy season from March, April, to May then October to November. These months are characterized by heavy rainfall amount. When planning for your next gorilla tour to Rwanda, understanding the weather pattern is essential to avoid being disrupted during the actual gorilla trekking adventure.

As you choose what to pack, especially clothing, it is essential to have environmentally friendly attire such that it blends with the natural rainforest setting. Try as much as you can to avoid shouting colors as they can scare away mountain gorillas.