Overview
This condensed but powerful
Rwandan adventure is designed for
travelers with limited time who seek the
life-changing experience of meeting the
majestic mountain gorillas. The itinerary
also includes a poignant visit to the Kigali
Genocide Memorial, providing essential
context to Rwanda’s story of resilience
and renewal. This tour is a deep dive into
the heart of the Virunga Mountains,
offering comfort and authenticity.
Itinerary
Rwanda — Gorilla Trekking Express
3 Days / 2 Nights | A Mid-Range Journey
for an Unforgettable Primate Encounter
Morning/Afternoon: Upon your arrival at
Kigali International Airport (KGL), you will
be warmly welcomed by your Savannah
Explore Africa driver-guide. After a brief
introduction, embark on your scenic drive
north towards the Musanze district, home
of the Volcanoes National Park.
· The Journey: The approximately 2.5-hour
drive is a highlight in itself, offering
breathtaking views of Rwanda's terraced
hills, lush valleys, and vibrant local life.
You'll see farmers tending to their crops
and communities going about their daily
routines.
· Evening: Arrive at your mid-range lodge
nestled on the outskirts of the park. The
air is cooler and fresher here, with the
misty peaks of the Virunga volcanoes
providing a dramatic backdrop. After
check-in, enjoy a relaxed dinner while
listening to a briefing from your guide
· Accommodation Example: Mountain
Gorilla View Lodge or similar. This
comfortable lodge offers cozy rooms with
fireplaces and stunning views, perfectly
setting the scene for your primate
adventure.
· Meals: Dinner
Morning: An early start is essential. After
a hearty breakfast and your packed lunch,
you will proceed to the Volcanoes
National Park headquarters for a crucial
7:00 AM registration and briefing. Here,
you'll be assigned to a gorilla family group
based on your fitness level and be
educated on the strict rules of conduct to
ensure both your safety and the gorillas'
wellbeing.
· The Trek: The trek itself is an immersive
experience. Led by experienced trackers
and guides, you will hike through the rich,
dense montane forest. The duration can
vary from 1 to 4 hours each way,
depending on the location of the gorillas.
The journey is part of the adventure, with
opportunities to see other forest wildlife
and birds.
· The Encounter: Nothing can prepare you
for the moment you come face-to-face
with a Mountain Gorilla. You will be
allowed one precious hour to observe
these gentle giants as they forage, play,
and interact. Watch the powerful
Silverback lead his family, see mothers
nurture their young, and juveniles tumble
through the vegetation. It is a deeply
moving and humbling wildlife experience.
· Afternoon: After trekking back to the
starting point, you will return to your
lodge. The rest of the afternoon is for you
to rest, relive the incredible moments, and
perhaps enjoy a well-deserved massage or
simply relax by the fire.
· Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner
Morning: After breakfast, you have a
choice of activities before departing the
volcanoes (optional, additional cost):
· Golden Monkey Trekking: Embark on a
trek to find the playful and endangered
Golden Monkeys in the bamboo forest.
· Iby'Iwacu Cultural Village: Experience
traditional Rwandan culture through
music, dance, and storytelling at a
community-run project.
· Lodge Relaxation: Enjoy a leisurely
morning soaking in the final views of the
volcanoes.
· Mid-Morning: Begin the drive back to
Kigali (approx. 2.5 hours).
· Afternoon: Upon arrival, embark on a
guided tour of one of Africa's cleanest and
safest capitals.
· Kigali Genocide Memorial: This is a
profoundly important and moving visit.
The memorial serves as the final resting
place for over 250,000 victims and
provides a powerful,educational narrative
of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi. It
is an essential step in understanding
Rwanda's past and appreciating its
remarkable journey of reconciliation and
renewal.
· Transfer: After the memorial visit, your
driver will transfer you to Kigali
International Airport for your onward
flight, filled with unforgettable memories
of your gorilla encounter and the spirit of
Rwanda.
· Meals: Breakfast
Includes/Excludes
Cost Includes
- · 1 Gorilla Trekking Permit per person
- (valued at $1,500)
- · 2 Nights mid-range accommodation on a
- shared basis.
- · All ground transportation in a private 4x4
- safari vehicle with an English-speaking
- driver/guide.
- · Park fees for Volcanoes National Park.
- · Kigali city tour including entrance fees to
- the Genocide Memorial.
- · Meals: As specified in the itinerary (2
- Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 2 Dinners).
- · Drinking water in the vehicle throughout
- the tour.
Cost Excludes
- · International airfare and visas.
- · Travel and medical insurance.
- · Tips for guides, drivers, and lodge staff.
- · Optional activities on Day 3 (e.g., Golden
- Monkey trekking, Iby'Iwacu Village visit).
- · Meals and drinks not specified (e.g.,
- lunch on Day 3, alcoholic beverages).
- · Personal expenses such as souvenirs,
- laundry, etc.