2 Days
2-Day Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari (Kigali Round-Trip)
A private two-day escape from Kigali into Volcanoes National Park — the Twin Lakes beneath the Virunga volcanoes, a night at a comfortable lodge near the park, and one unforgettable hour with a habituated mountain gorilla family.
Tour Highlights
Mountain Gorilla Encounter
Spend one unforgettable hour with a habituated gorilla family in Volcanoes National Park.
Private 4WD Safari
Round-trip transport from Kigali with a professional English-speaking driver-guide.
Twin Lakes Visit
Scenic views of Lakes Burera and Ruhondo beneath the Virunga volcanoes.
Mid-Range Lodge Stay
Comfortable overnight accommodation near the park.
All-Inclusive Logistics
Gorilla permit, park fees, meals, and taxes arranged for you.
Ideal for 2 Travelers
Private, flexible pacing based on your fitness level.
Day by Day
Kigali to Volcanoes National Park (Musanze)
Pickup from your Kigali hotel or airport at 07:30–08:00 in a private 4WD vehicle and head north through the "Land of a Thousand Hills," stopping at viewpoints for photos. Lunch in Musanze town, then an afternoon visit to the Twin Lakes (Burera & Ruhondo) with spectacular views of the Virunga volcano range. Check in at a mid-range lodge near the park (e.g., Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge or equivalent) for dinner and overnight. Meals: lunch, dinner.
Gorilla Trekking & Return to Kigali
After an early breakfast, transfer to Kinigi Park Headquarters for the rangers’ safety briefing and assignment to a habituated gorilla family (e.g., Susa, Amahoro, Sabyinyo). Trek into the bamboo forest — anywhere from 30 minutes to 4+ hours depending on the gorillas’ location, at 2,500–4,000 meters — then spend one hour observing them feed, play, and interact from a 7-meter distance (photography without flash). Return to the lodge for lunch, then drive back to Kigali, arriving around 5:00–6:00 PM for hotel or airport drop-off. Meals: breakfast, lunch.
What's Included
- Gorilla trekking permit ($1,500 USD per person, Rwanda Development Board fixed price)
- Volcanoes National Park entrance & conservation fees
- 1 night at a mid-range lodge near the park (double/twin room)
- Meals — Day 1 lunch and dinner; Day 2 breakfast and lunch (drinking water provided)
- Private 4WD safari vehicle throughout, including Kigali hotel/airport pickup and drop-off
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide
- Twin Lakes visit (or Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village)
- Government taxes and service fees
What's Not Included
- International flights to and from Rwanda
- Rwanda visa fee
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Tips for guide, driver, lodge staff, and porters (porter tip approx. $10–15)
- Personal expenses (alcoholic beverages, souvenirs, laundry)
- Optional activities such as Golden Monkey Trekking (extra fee)
Permit is Crucial
Gorilla permits are limited to 96 per day and sell out quickly during peak season (June–September, December–February). Book at least 3 months in advance.
Physical Preparation
Treks may involve steep, muddy mountain trails. Bring waterproof hiking shoes, long pants (to prevent nettle stings), rain gear, and insect repellent.
Health Requirements
Anyone with a cold, cough, or fever will not be permitted to trek, to prevent disease transmission to the gorillas. Minimum age is 15 years.
