3 Days Gorilla Tour Rwanda
Be part of this customized 3 Days gorilla tour Rwanda taking you to Volcanoes National Park in the northwestern province of Rwanda. The 3 Days Rwanda gorilla trekking tour is your chance to trek one of the 10 gorilla families habituated in this bamboo forest. Volcanoes National park is one of the top places to see the endangered gorillas in the world. The Park covers 160 square kilometers of land and is part of the greater Virunga Conservation Area, which also comprise of Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Volcanoes National Park is also home to the endangered golden monkeys, colubus monkeys, Forest Elephants, Buffalos and other wild animals plus birds. If you are a mountain climber, Volcanoes National park is home for the 5 of the 8 volcanoes in the Virunga Massif. The most hiked Volcanoes in Volcanoes Park are Mt Karisimbi which is the tallest of the 8 and Mt Bisoke both offering you a memorable adventure. A boat cruise to explore the twin lakes of Bulera and Rubondo is a not miss if you have extended time in Volcanoes national Park. The Park is also a Centre of the Karisoke research Centre where the fallen Dina Fossey launched her campaign to conserve the endangered gorillas. A hike to the graveyard of Dian Fossey in Volcanoes Park to commemorate her conservation efforts is an experience of its own kind. Since the time of Dian Fossey, gorilla trekking has become popular in Volcanoes National Park and its ranked the most done experience, which attract a high number of travelers to this Park. Gorilla numbers have steadily increased from time to time which give hope for sustainability. Gorilla trekking in Rwanda costs $1500 for each permit and some part of the money is used for conservation while the other portion goes to local communities adjacent to the Park. This 3 Days Rwanda gorilla tour also entail Kigali city tour and a cultural visit to the Iby’iwacu cultural village presently known as the guardian village. We shall start and end in Kigali
Trip summary
Day 1: Pick up, city tour & transfer to Volcanoes National park
Day 2: Mountain gorilla trekking & Iby’iwacu cultural tour
Day 3: Departure
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Pick up, city tour & transfer to Volcanoes National park
Your driver guide will pick you from the airport or hotel and go for a city tour in Kigali capital city of Rwanda. Ranked as the cleanest city in Africa, Kigali is worth exploring. Visit the iconic Kigali Convention, which is the Centre of all conferences, meetings and events in East Africa. The other interesting paces to visit in Kigali city include the Kigali genocide memorial Centre to pay respect for the innocent lives lost in the 1994 genocide, You will also visit Kimironko market, the Centre for Rwanda’s local fresh foods and fruits. Visit the Inema art gallery, the presidential palace and the like. You will have lunch in the city Centre and then drive north westwards to Volcanoes National park. The 3 hours drive from Kigali to Volcanoes offer you remarkable views of the beautiful countryside, rolling hills covered with green terraced farmlands and homesteads. Relax at your lodge preparing for tomorrow’s adventure
Day 2: Mountain gorilla trekking & Iby’iwacu cultural tour
This day starts with early rise up, heavy breakfast and a transfer to Kinigi Park headquarters. You will be served with a hot cup of coffee at the park headquarters as rangers brief you on the dos and don’ts of gorilla trekking. You are advised to hire a porter and walking stick when going to trek gorillas. You are advised to disclose your physical fitness and hiking abilities to the park rangers while at the headquarters. This helps you to get a suitable gorilla family, which matches your abilities. Gorilla treks are categorized as short, medium and long depending on the ease and difficulty of reaching a specific gorilla family. The trekking adventure to see gorillas starts at 8:00am and can last for between 2-7 hours before meeting these gentle giants. Keep with in your group; adhere to the guidelines and cautions of your ranger guide. Spend an hour with the gorillas, enjoy their lifestyles, take pictures and embrace this once in a lifetime experience. Later in the day, visit the Iby’iwacu cultural village to learn the traditions, norms and customs of Rwanda local people. A lot of local practices such as preparing local food, brewing local beer, dances, folk songs and poems are all performed at the scene. Engage in any activity of your choice and be part of the community. Pass by any craft shop to buy handmade products, bags, hat, baskets, walking sticks and clothing made by local women and men. This is an indirect support of local projects hence improving the standards of living for local people.
Day 3: Departure
Wakeup up to enjoy your last moments in Volcanoes National park, have a relaxed sunrise breakfast and dear headed to Kigali airport for your connecting flight. This marks the end of our 3 days Rwanda gorilla trekking tour!
Tour Inclusions
- Mountain gorilla trekking permit
- Packed lunch
- Accommodation & meals
- Bottled drinking water
- Full time English speaking guide
- Ground Transport
- All activities included in the itinerary
- 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