2 Days Gorilla Tour Rwanda
The 2 Days Rwanda gorilla tour gives you chance to spend an overnight in Volcanoes National Park, the home of the endangered mountain gorillas. You will trek one of the habituated gorilla families in Volcanoes National park giving you chance to enjoy this lifetime experience. Volcanoes National Park is home to over 400 mountain gorillas that is the highest population in the Virunga Massif compared to the neighboring Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo. 10 gorilla families have been habituated or trekking in Volcanoes National Park which guarantee availability of 8 gorilla permits each day. Whereas gorilla tourism was hindered by the 1994 genocide, great thanks to Rwanda Development Board and the African Parks who have jointly worked to restore the lives of the endangered gorillas promoting gorilla safaris in Rwanda. Many more thanks goes to the fallen Dian Fossey who lost her life to poachers in her campaign to save the endangered gorillas which were at the verge of extinction.
Volcanoes National Park covers 160 square kilometers sheltering a variety of wild animals including gorillas, buffalos, Forest Elephants, Bush pigs, golden monkeys and several bird species such as Bateleur, Baglafetcht waever, Cinnamon Chested bee eater, Blue Spotted wood dove, Brown woodland warbler, Ruwenzori Batis, Dusky Crimson wing, Handsome Francolin and African Long eared owl among others.
For mountain climbers Volcanoes National Park is a also a Centre for mountain climbing. The Park shelters five of the 8 volcanoes in the Virunga massif but the most hiked in Rwanda are Mt Karisimbi for 2 days hike and Mt Bisoke for a 1 Day adventure.
Golden monkey trekking, Dian Fossey grave yard hike, Iby’iwacu cultural tour, nature walks, twin lakes and Musanze caves are other interesting experiences done in Volcanoes National park.
The 2 Days Rwanda gorilla tour is a chance to explore the hidden beauty of Volcanoes Park, trek the endangered gorillas and explore other attractions in the Park. Each mountain gorilla permit in Rwanda costs $1500 paid by all travelers regardless of nationality. We shall start and end in Kigali
Trip Summary
Day 1: Pick up, city tour & transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Day 2: Gorilla trekking & departure
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Pick up, city tour & transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Upon your arrival at Kigali International airport, the driver guide from our company will welcome you! He or she will briefly take you through the itinerary, giving you hint on what to do, when and what to expect. Drive to Kigali for a brief city tour exploring and enjoying the beauty of this clean and organized city. While in Kigali, visit some key attractions such as the local Kimironko Market, the genocide memorial Centre where remains of the 1994 genocide victims were kept, Kigali Convention Centre which is the Centre of meetings, conferences, events and incentives in Rwanda, the presidential palace and other destination in the city Centre. From there, drive north westwards to Volcanoes National park home to the endangered gorillas. Driving time from Kigali to Volcanoes Park is roughly 3 hours. Relax at the lodge preparing for the next day’s gorilla trekking adventure
Day 2: Gorilla trekking & departure
Wakeup early, have breakfast and with your packed lunch drive to Kinigi park head quarters. There you will be registered and briefed on the rules and regulations that govern this lifetime experience. You will be divided into groups of eight and allocated a mountain gorilla family. Transfer to the trekking starting point and start off the adventure. The hiking time to see gorillas can last for between 2-6 hours but you are 99% sure of meeting these magical primates. You will be allowed to spend an hour with the gorilla family, observe how each family member does a different role, take pictures, capture videos and enjoy this lifetime experience. You are reminded to keep the dos and don’ts of trekking such as a seven-meter distance away, keeping silent, switching off the camera flash and avoiding direct eye contact with the gorillas. If time allows, you will visit the Iby’iwacu cultural area to lean and experience the traditions, norms and customs of Rwanda local people.
Drive back to Kigali for your next programs
End of the tour
Tour Inclusions
- Mountain gorilla trekking permit
- Packed lunch
- Accommodation & meals
- Bottled drinking water
- Full time English speaking guide
- Ground Transport
- Government taxes
- Miscellaneous
Tour Exclusions
- Porter’s fee & tips
- Personal expenses (phone calls and shopping)
- Extra activities not included in the itinerary
- Alcoholic beverages
- Guide tips