3-Day Gorilla Trekking Safari in Rwanda

Safari Overview

Embark on an unforgettable 3-day gorilla trekking safari with Usoke Explorers. This adventure takes you into the heart of Volcanoes National Park, where you can meet majestic Mountain Gorillas in their natural habitat. Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is home to approximately half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, with 12 habituated families available for trekking . This safari offers a rare, intimate wildlife encounter that combines adventure, conservation, and cultural immersion.

Safari Highlights

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali and comprehensive Kigali City Tour
Day 2: A guided trek through the mountains to encounter a gorilla family up close
Day 3: Choose between a community cultural tour or a visit to the scenic Twin Lakes

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Transfer from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park

Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, your dedicated driver-guide will be waiting to welcome you in true Rwandan hospitality. Whether picked up from your hotel or directly from the airport, you will receive a brief introduction and an exciting overview of your upcoming adventure.

Your journey starts with a scenic drive to Kigali for a delicious lunch, followed by an enriching city tour. Explore poignant genocide memorial sites, as well as historical and traditional landmarks that showcase the resilient spirit of Rwanda. The Kigali Genocide Memorial is the final resting place for over 250,000 victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and offers a powerful insight into Rwanda’s journey of reconciliation . This tour not only deepens your understanding of Rwandan heritage but also sets the stage for the adventure ahead.

After the tour, enjoy a breathtaking 2-hour drive covering approximately 116 kilometres to Volcanoes National Park. Along the way, marvel at the picturesque landscapes that have earned Rwanda the title “Land of a Thousand Hills.” Arriving at sunset, you will check in at your pre-booked accommodation, ready for a sumptuous dinner and an overnight stay.

Accommodation Options:

• Luxury: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge

• Mid-range: Gorilla Solution Lodge

• Budget: Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge

Meal Plan: Lunch & Dinner

Day 2: Gorilla Trekking

Start Your Day with an Unforgettable Gorilla Trekking Adventure
After a hearty breakfast, embark on your journey by heading to the park headquarters for a comprehensive briefing on the dos and don’ts of Gorilla Trekking. You will then be organized into small groups of up to 8 participants and assigned a specific gorilla family to track.

At exactly 8:00 AM, set off from the trailhead in search of Rwanda’s iconic Mountain Gorillas. This highly rewarding adventure lasts between 4 to 8 hours, depending on your allocated gorilla family and your hiking pace. The trek is challenging yet immensely fulfilling the effort is all worth it for that once-in-a-lifetime encounter.

When you finally meet these incredible apes, you will enjoy an exclusive one-hour session observing their natural behaviours playing, communicating, feeding, and even nurturing their young. Their curious gaze will mirror your own wonder, creating a connection that erases all the fatigue from the trek and leaves you with unforgettable memories. After your amazing gorilla encounter, trek back to the park headquarters. In the evening, choose between an immersive Community Tour or a scenic visit to the Twin Lakes of Ruhondo and Burera. Either option enriches your experience, offering deeper insights into Rwanda’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3: Departure and End of Safari

After a hearty breakfast, begin your journey back to Kigali with a comfortable transfer arranged by Usoke Explorers. Your friendly driver-guide will ensure a smooth ride, dropping you off at your preferred destination whether that is a hotel in Kigali or directly at Kigali International Airport, based on your flight schedule.

Before your departure, consider a quick stop at a local souvenir shop to pick up a unique gift from Africa. This is the perfect opportunity to bring home a memorable token of your Rwandan adventure.

Meal Plan: Breakfast

Safari Inclusions

• Airport pickup and drop-off in Kigali

• Transportation in a private 4WD vehicle

• Professional English-speaking driver-guide

• Gorilla trekking permit ($1,500 per person)

• Kigali city tour

• Park entry fees and conservation levies

• All meals as specified in the itinerary

• Bottled drinking water

Safari Exclusions

• International flights and visas

• Travel insurance

• Personal expenses such as drinks, laundry, and souvenirs

• Tips and gratuities for guides and staff (recommended $10–$15 per person per day)

• Porter fees during the gorilla trek (approximately $20, payable on the day)

• Activities not mentioned in the itinerary