3 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari

This 3 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari is a short yet incredibly powerful adventure that takes you deep into the misty forests of Volcanoes National Park in north western Rwanda. From the moment I first stood at the edge of the park and looked up at the towering Virunga volcanoes, I understood why this destination is considered one of Africa’s greatest wildlife experiences.

The park spans approximately 62 square miles of lush rainforest and bamboo vegetation, stretching across the foothills of five majestic volcanoes: Mount Muhabura, Mount Karisimbi, Mount Sabinyo, Mount Bisoke, and Mount Gahinga. It also borders Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo, forming part of the greater Virunga Conservation Area.

This safari begins and ends in Kigali and combines gorilla trekking, cultural immersion, and historical reflection. You will trek endangered mountain gorillas, visit the vibrant Iby’iwacu Cultural Village, and pay tribute at the Kigali Genocide Memorial.

With a Rwanda gorilla permit currently priced at $1,500, this experience directly supports conservation efforts and community development. Most importantly, it offers you a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to stand face-to-face with the largest living primates on Earth.

Safari Highlights

• Guided gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park

• Scenic drive from Kigali to the Virunga Mountains

• Visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial (Gisozi)

• Cultural experience at Iby’iwacu Cultural Village

• Optional golden monkey tracking

• Spectacular views of the Virunga volcano chain

• Professional ranger guides and conservation insights

• Fully organized by Experiya Tour Company

Detailed 3-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali – City Tour – Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

Your adventure with Experiya Tour Company begins in Kigali. I always recommend arriving early because this city immediately surprises you with its cleanliness, organization, and warm hospitality. After meeting your guide, you start with a city tour that gives you both historical context and cultural perspective.

First, you visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial in Gisozi. Walking through the exhibits is emotional and deeply moving. However, it also shows Rwanda’s resilience and remarkable transformation. The memorial provides an honest account of the 1994 genocide and honors the lives lost.

After lunch in Kigali, you drive north toward Volcanoes National Park. The journey takes about 2.5 hours through rolling hills and terraced farms. Rwanda truly earns its nickname, “The Land of a Thousand Hills.”

Upon arrival near the park, you check into your lodge. Dinner and overnight near Volcanoes National Park.

Day 2:Gorilla Trekking Experience – Cultural Visit

After an early breakfast, you transfer to the park headquarters for a briefing by park rangers from the Rwanda Development Board. You are then assigned to a specific gorilla family group.

The trek can last anywhere from one to several hours. As you hike through dense rainforest and bamboo zones, guides track the gorillas using broken branches and fresh nests.

Then suddenly, you see them.

Standing just meters away from a silverback gorilla is unforgettable. For one magical hour, you observe them in their natural habitat.

This park gained worldwide recognition through the work of Dian Fossey, whose conservation efforts helped save mountain gorillas from extinction.

After trekking, you return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation.

In the afternoon, you visit the Iby’iwacu Cultural Village (Gorilla Guardians Village), where local community members share traditional Rwandan customs, music, dance, and storytelling.

Dinner and overnight at your lodge.

Day 3: Optional Activities – Return to Kigali – Departure

On your final day, you may choose optional activities:

• Golden monkey tracking in Volcanoes National Park

• Hiking Mount Bisoke

• Visiting Dian Fossey’s former research site and grave

• Exploring the twin lakes Lake Ruhondo and Lake Burera

After breakfast, you return to Kigali with your Experiya Tour Company guide for airport transfer and departure.

Wildlife and Biodiversity

Although mountain gorillas are the main highlight, Volcanoes National Park hosts diverse wildlife including:

• Golden monkeys

• Black-fronted duikers

• Forest buffaloes

• Bushbucks

• Elephants

• Spotted hyenas

The park is also home to approximately 178 recorded bird species.

What’s Included

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

• All ground transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle

• Professional English-speaking driver/guide

• 2 nights’ accommodation

• All meals as indicated (Full Board)

• Kigali city tour

• Visit to Kigali Genocide Memorial

• Visit to Iby’iwacu Cultural Village

• Park entrace

• Excludes.

• International flights

• Rwanda visa fees

• Travel insurance

• Personal expenses (laundry, tips, souvenirs, drinks)

• Optional activities

• Extra accommodation before or after the safari

Why Choose This 3-Day Rwanda Gorilla Safari with Experiya Tour Company?

Although it is a short safari, it delivers an incredibly rich experience. In just three days, you explore Rwanda’s history, culture, and wildlife. Moreover, your permit fees directly contribute to conservation efforts and community development projects.

Most importantly, you leave with more than photographs  you leave with perspective.

Standing in the presence of mountain gorillas changes something inside you. You recognize their intelligence, family bonds, and quiet strength. And long after you return home, the memory of that hour in the forest remains vivid.