3 Days Rwanda Gorillas and Dian Fossey Hike

 

3 Days Rwanda Gorillas & Dian Fossey Hike

There are few moments in life that can truly shift your perspective standing eye to eye with a mountain gorilla in its natural habitat is one of them. Deep in the emerald folds of Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park lies a world that feels almost untouched by time, where ancient volcanoes cradle mist-covered forests and rare wildlife roams freely. This 3-day adventure takes you on a soul-stirring journey not just to witness the critically endangered mountain gorillas, but to walk in the footsteps of legendary primatologist Dian Fossey, whose legacy lives on in the heart of these mountains.

This isn’t just a trip. It’s an experience a chance to connect with nature, history, and yourself.

Trip Highlights

• Airport pick-up and seamless transfer to Volcanoes National Park

• Guided gorilla trekking experience through the lush Virunga Mountains

• Hike to Dian Fossey’s tomb and the Karisoke Research Center ruins

• Incredible opportunities for wildlife photography and birdwatching

• Cultural immersion and optional community experiences

• Full-time English-speaking guide and comfortable 4×4 transportation

Trip Overview

• Duration: 3 Days, 2 Nights

• Start/End Point: Kigali International Airport (KGL), Rwanda

• Best Time to Travel: June to September, and December to February (dry seasons)

• Accommodation: Comfortable mid-range lodges near Volcanoes National Park

• Activity Level: Moderate – involves hiking in mountainous terrain

• Minimum Age: 15 years (required for gorilla trekking)

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

Your journey begins the moment you land at Kigali International Airport, where you’ll be welcomed by your driver-guide your knowledgeable companion for the next three days. After a warm greeting, you’ll set off on a 2.5-hour scenic drive to Musanze, the gateway to Volcanoes National Park.

As you leave the modern capital behind, Rwanda’s “Land of a Thousand Hills” unfolds before you: endless green hills, terraced farms, and sleepy villages dot the rolling landscape. Along the way, you can stop for lunch at a local restaurant, sampling authentic Rwandan cuisine try the brochettes (grilled meat skewers) or the beloved Rwandan plantains.

By late afternoon, you’ll check into your cozy lodge nestled near the park boundary. Depending on your arrival time, you may have the chance to take a short nature walk or visit the nearby Iby’iwacu Cultural Village, where you’ll get an insightful glimpse into traditional Rwandan life.

Included Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Overnight: Lodge near Volcanoes National Park

Day 2: Gorilla Trekking Experience

Today is the highlight of your adventure: the unforgettable gorilla trek.

After an early breakfast, you’ll head to the Volcanoes National Park headquarters by 7:00 AM for a detailed briefing from the park rangers. You’ll be placed in a small group of 8, assigned to one of the 12 habituated gorilla families, and accompanied by experienced guides and trackers.

The trek can take anywhere from 1 to 5 hours depending on the location of the gorilla family, but every step through the forest is an experience in itself. The air is cool and filled with birdsong, and the trail winds through bamboo thickets, moss-covered trees, and volcanic slopes.

And then you see them.

A silverback lounging under a canopy of vines, a mother nursing her infant, playful juveniles tumbling through the foliage. You’re allowed one precious hour to observe and photograph them. It’s raw, emotional, and deeply humbling.

After the trek, you’ll return to the lodge for a well-deserved rest. The afternoon is yours to relax, enjoy the views, or swap stories with other travelers around the lodge’s fireplace.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight: Lodge near Volcanoes National Park

Day 3: Dian Fossey Hike – Return to Kigali & Departure

This morning, you’ll rise early for a guided hike to the Dian Fossey tomb and the site of her former research station, Karisoke, nestled between Mount Karisimbi and Mount Bisoke.

The 3–4 hour roundtrip hike is moderately challenging, but the trail offers stunning views of the Virunga Volcanoes and an intimate glimpse into Fossey’s enduring legacy. Along the way, you may spot golden monkeys, rare birds, and forest buffalo tracks.

At the summit, you’ll find her final resting place simple, serene, and profoundly moving. Surrounded by mist and memories, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of Fossey’s passion, her battle to protect the gorillas, and the remarkable impact she had on conservation worldwide.

After descending, you’ll return to the lodge for lunch and check-out before embarking on your return drive to Kigali. If time allows, you can stop by the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a powerful tribute to Rwanda’s resilience and transformation.

Your driver will ensure timely drop-off at Kigali International Airport, marking the end of your incredible three-day journey.

Included Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
End of Tour

What’s Included

• Pick-up and drop-off at Kigali International Airport

• Private 4×4 transportation with English-speaking driver-guide

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

• Dian Fossey hike permit

• 2 nights’ accommodation at a comfortable lodge

• All meals as mentioned in itinerary

• Bottled water during transfers

• Park entrance fees and ranger guidance

What’s Not Included

• International flights

• Rwanda visa (available on arrival or online)

• Tips for guides and lodge staff

• Alcoholic beverages and personal expenses

• Travel insurance (highly recommended)

Helpful Tips

• Fitness: Gorilla trekking and the Dian Fossey hike require moderate fitness. Altitude and terrain can be challenging.

• Gear: Bring hiking boots, gloves (to handle vegetation), rain gear, and a good camera. Porters are available and recommended.

• Permits: Gorilla permits are limited—book several months in advance, especially during peak seasons.

• Respect the Rules: Keep a 7-meter distance from gorillas, avoid flash photography, and follow your guide’s instructions.

Final Words

In just three days, you’ll explore Rwanda’s rich natural and cultural tapestry—from intimate encounters with gorillas to walking alongside the spirit of a conservation legend. It’s a journey that lingers in your heart long after you’ve left the misty mountains behind.

So lace up your boots, charge your camera, and prepare for a life-changing encounter in one of Africa’s most inspiring corners.