3 Days Rwanda Gorilla Safari

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

Your journey begins in Kigali, Rwanda’s clean and vibrant capital. After a warm welcome, you embark on a guided city tour. The highlight is the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a place of remembrance and reflection that tells the story of Rwanda’s resilience and unity. You may also explore bustling markets, local art centers, or craft shops before setting out on the scenic drive to Volcanoes National Park. The road north winds through terraced hillsides and rural landscapes, offering panoramic views of Rwanda’s countryside. By evening, you arrive at your lodge near the park, with the majestic Virunga volcanoes dominating the skyline.

Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

The heart of your safari unfolds today. After breakfast, you gather at the park headquarters in Kinigi for a briefing from experienced rangers. Once allocated to a gorilla family, you set off into the dense bamboo forests and tangled undergrowth of Volcanoes National Park. The trek may take anywhere from one to five hours depending on the gorillas’ location, but the reward is beyond compare.

Encountering the gorillas in their natural habitat is an emotional and unforgettable experience. Watching a powerful silverback overseeing his family, juveniles clambering through the branches, and mothers tenderly caring for their young leaves you with a sense of awe. You spend one magical hour with them before returning from the forest. The afternoon can be spent resting at the lodge or visiting the nearby Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village to learn about Rwanda’s traditions, music, and dance.

Day 3: Optional Golden Monkey Trekking – Return to Kigali

On your final day, you may choose to embark on a golden monkey trek. These playful primates live in the bamboo forests of the park and offer a lively and entertaining encounter. Alternatively, you may opt for a relaxed morning at the lodge before beginning the drive back to Kigali. The journey ends with a drop-off at either your hotel or Kigali International Airport, closing a safari that has combined wildlife, culture, and natural beauty in just three unforgettable days.