Day 1: Arrival in Kigali and Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
On arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be met by our tour guide. Before heading to Volcanoes National Park, you will first go on Kigali city tour. Visit landmarks such as the Kigali Genocide Memorial to learn about Rwanda history of civil war and genocide. The survivors and perpetrators today are living together in mutual forgiveness. Depart from Kigali in the late afternoon for a scenic drive to Volcanoes National Park in the Virunga Mountains. The journey takes approximately 2-3 hours, offering picturesque views of the Virunga Mountains. Arrive at Volcanoes National Park, check into your lodge. Enjoy a delicious dinner and rest for an exciting day of gorilla tracking tomorrow.
Accommodation options:
Budget: Kinigi Guesthouse
Mid range: Le Bambou Lodge
Luxury: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
Meal plan: Full board (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Day 2: Gorilla Tracking Experience
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at your accommodation, fueling up for the gorilla tracking adventure. Drive to Kinigi visitor center to attend a per-tracking briefing session conducted by park rangers about gorilla tracking guidelines. You will be accompanied by experienced trackers to search for a habituated gorilla family. Once you locate it, spend a magical hour observing the gorillas up close. Learn about their behavior, social structure, and conservation efforts to protect them. Enjoy a packed lunch amidst the forest, savoring the unique experience of dining in the gorilla’s natural habitat. Return at your lodge and have some leisure time for full lunch. Devote your evening time to visit local community of ex-poachers at the Gorilla Guardian’s Village.Â
Reflect on your gorilla tracking experience over a sumptuous dinner at your lodge, sharing stories and memories with fellow travelers or guides.
Accommodation options:
Budget: Kinigi Guesthouse
Mid range: Le Bambou Lodge
Luxury: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
Meal plan: Full board (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Day 3: Golden Monkey Tracking and Departure
Golden Monkey Tracking: On your final day, embark on a golden monkey tracking adventure in Volcanoes National Park. This activity offers another unique encounter with the playful golden monkeys for 1 hour as you trek through the bamboo forest. After golden monkey tracking, return to your lodge for check-out procedures. Bid farewell to Volcanoes National Park and embark on your journey back to Kigali city. Depending on your departure schedule, you may have time for a farewell lunch or some last-minute souvenir shopping. You will be transferred to Kigali International Airport or your next destination, marking the end of your three-day ultimate gorilla tracking adventure.
Those intending not to do golden monkey tracking can opt for a cultural tour. Visit the Gorilla Guardian’s Village for a taste of Rwandan culture en route to Kigali. Proceed to Kigali city and visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial and lunch. You will then be transferred to the airport or your accommodation to mark the end of 3 days ultimate gorilla tracking Rwanda.
3 days ultimate gorilla tracking Rwanda includes the following:
- One gorilla permit
- Gorilla Guardian’s Village tour
- Accommodation, meals, and bottled drinking mineral water
- Private Safari 4×4 Vehicle and professional tour guide
- Airport / hotel pickup and drop off
3 days ultimate gorilla tracking Rwanda excludes:
- Airfares
- Rwanda visa fee
- Tips to guides and cost of hiring porters
- Travel insurance
- Shopping among other personal expenses
- Premium alcoholic drinks
What to pack for 3 days ultimate gorilla tracking Rwanda
- Sturdy hiking shoes
- Insect repellent
- Gardening gloves
- Light weight, quick drying and warm clothing. Temperatures can go down to 8°C
- Long trousers, jacket, t-shirt, long sleeved shirt, scarf, sun hat, rain jacket if its a season
- Camera
