Day 1: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be met by your guide and taken on a brief city tour of Kigali. The tour includes a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial,( Kigali city Tours) which provides an insightful look into Rwanda’s history and resilience. After lunch in the city, you will begin the scenic drive to Volcanoes National Park, located in Musanze District, about a 2.5-hour drive from Kigali. As you journey through the beautiful countryside, you will witness rolling hills, lush tea plantations, and picturesque villages. Upon arrival at your lodge near the park, you will check in and relax. In the evening, you may opt for a cultural visit to the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village, where you will learn about Rwanda’s traditions, music, and dance. Dinner and overnight stay near Volcanoes national park.
Accommodation options:
- Da Vinci gorilla lodge (Budget)
- Tiloreza Eco Lodge (Mid-range)
- Mountain Gorilla View Lodge (Luxury)
- Meals: B,L,D
Destination: Volcanoes National Park
Day 02: Mountain Gorilla Tracking
After an early breakfast, you will head to the Volcanoes National Park headquarters for a briefing by the park rangers. Here, you will learn about gorilla trekking guidelines and be assigned to a specific gorilla family. The trek can take anywhere from 2 to 6 hours, depending on the location of the gorillas. As you hike through the dense rainforest, you may encounter Golden monkey, forest elephants, and a variety of bird species. Once you locate the gorillas, you will spend one magical hour observing them as they interact, play, and forage. This close-up encounter with the gorillas is a truly life-changing experience. After the trek, you will return to the lodge for lunch and some rest. In the afternoon, you may choose to take a guided nature walk around Lake Ruhondo and Lake Burera, or visit the Dian Fossey Research Center, where you can learn about the legendary primatologist’s work in gorilla conservation. Dinner and overnight stay near Volcanoes National Park.
Accommodation options:
- Da Vinci gorilla lodge (Budget)
- Tiloreza eco lodge (Mid-range)
- Mountain Gorilla View Lodge (Luxury)
- Meals: B,L,D
Day 3: Golden Monkey Trekking or Optional Activity – Return to Kigali
On your final day, you can choose between Golden monkey trekking in the park or another optional activity such as a visit to the Musanze Caves or a local community project. Golden monkeys are playful and energetic primates found in the bamboo forests of Volcanoes National Park, and tracking them offers a unique wildlife experience. After the morning activity, you will have lunch at the lodge before embarking on the drive back to Kigali. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time for some last-minute shopping at local craft markets before being dropped off at the airport for your departure.
