3-Day Rwanda Gorilla Tour

Experience one of Africa’s most unforgettable wildlife adventures on this 3-day Rwanda Gorilla Tour, a short yet rewarding safari that takes you deep into the heart of Volcanoes National Park, home to the endangered mountain gorillas.

This tour begins and ends in Kigali, making it ideal for travelers with limited time who want to enjoy a world-class gorilla trekking experience without long road transfers. Within just three days, you’ll explore Rwanda’s vibrant capital, trek through the misty forests of the Virunga Mountains, and immerse yourself in Rwanda’s rich cultural heritage.

At Abunda Discoveries Uganda, we provide professionally guided gorilla safaris with comfortable accommodation, reliable transportation, and personalized service to ensure your journey is smooth, memorable, and stress-free.

Tour Highlights

• Airport pickup and drop-off in Kigali
• Kigali city tour
• Scenic drive through Rwanda’s beautiful countryside
• Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park
• One-hour encounter with mountain gorillas
• Visit to the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village
• Comfortable lodge accommodation
• Professional English-speaking driver-guide
• Private 4×4 safari vehicle

Safari at a Glance

Duration: 3 Days / 2 Nights

Destination: Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

Starting Point: Kigali International Airport

Ending Point: Kigali

This Tour Can Be Customized

Besides trekking gorillas in Rwanda, we can also customize this itinerary to include:

• 3 Days Bwindi Gorilla Trekking Safari (Uganda)
• 3 Days Mgahinga Gorilla Trekking Safari (Uganda)
• 3 Days Kahuzi-Biega Gorilla Trekking Safari (Democratic Republic of Congo)

Our safari consultants will help you choose the destination that best matches your travel preferences, budget, and permit availability.

3-Day Rwanda Gorilla Tour

Detailed Itinerary

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

Upon your arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by an experienced Abunda Discoveries Uganda driver-guide.

Depending on your arrival time, you will enjoy a guided city tour of Kigali, one of Africa’s cleanest and safest capitals. Highlights may include:

• Kigali Genocide Memorial
• Kimironko Market
• Local craft shops
• Kigali Convention Centre (drive-by)

After lunch, begin the scenic journey to Volcanoes National Park, located approximately 104 kilometers northwest of Kigali. The drive takes about 2.5 to 3 hours, passing through Rwanda’s spectacular rolling hills and picturesque villages.

Upon arrival, check in to your lodge, relax, and prepare for the following day’s gorilla trekking adventure.

Accommodation Options

Luxury

• Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
• Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel

Mid-range

• Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge
• Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge

Budget

• Kinigi Guest House
• Muhabura Hotel

Meal Plan: Lunch and Dinner

Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

Today is the highlight of your safari.

After an early breakfast, your guide will transfer you to the Kinigi Park Headquarters, where you’ll attend a briefing by Rwanda Development Board park rangers.

During the briefing, you’ll learn:

• Gorilla trekking guidelines
• Conservation practices
• Safety procedures
• Group allocation

Each trekking group is assigned a specific gorilla family based on fitness level and trekking preferences.

The trek may take anywhere from 30 minutes to 6 hours, depending on the location of your assigned gorilla family.

When you finally encounter the gorillas, you’ll spend one unforgettable hour observing them in their natural habitat. Watch the dominant silverback protect his family, mothers care for infants, and playful juveniles interact in the forest.

After the trek, return to the lodge for relaxation.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3: Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village—Return to Kigali

After breakfast, visit the famous Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village (also known as the Gorilla Guardians Village).

This community-based tourism project offers visitors an authentic introduction to Rwanda’s rich traditions and cultural heritage.

Activities include:

• Traditional dance performances
• Local drumming
• Cultural storytelling
• Traditional medicine demonstrations
• Community interaction
• Handicraft exhibitions

After the cultural experience, enjoy lunch before returning to Kigali.

Depending on your flight schedule, your guide will transfer you to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight.

This marks the end of your unforgettable Rwanda Gorilla Safari.

Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch

What’s Included

Your safari package includes:

• Gorilla trekking permit
• Park entrance fees
• Airport pickup and drop-off
• Kigali city tour
• Full-board accommodation
• Meals as indicated
• Bottled drinking water
• Private 4×4 safari vehicle
• Professional English-speaking driver-guide
• Government taxes and VAT
• Cultural village visit

What’s Excluded

The package does not include:

• International flights
• Rwanda visa fees (where applicable)
• Travel insurance
• Alcoholic and soft drinks
• Laundry services
• Telephone charges
• Personal shopping
• Tips and gratuities
• Any personal expenses

Best Time to Visit

This tour operates throughout the year.

The best months for gorilla trekking are:

• June to September
• December to February

These dry seasons generally offer more comfortable hiking conditions.

What to Pack

We recommend bringing:

• Waterproof hiking boots
• Long trousers
• Long-sleeved shirts
• Rain jacket
• Gardening gloves
• Camera (without flash)
• Small backpack
• Insect repellent
• Reusable water bottle
• Personal medications

Frequently Asked Questions

How difficult is gorilla trekking?

The trek ranges from easy to challenging depending on where the gorillas are located. Rangers assign visitors to gorilla families based on fitness level whenever possible.

How long can I stay with the gorillas?

Visitors are allowed to spend one hour with the gorillas after locating them.

What is the minimum age for gorilla trekking?

Participants must be 15 years or older.

Is the gorilla permit included?

Yes. The gorilla trekking permit is included in this safari package.

Why Book with Abunda Discoveries Uganda?

At Abunda Discoveries Uganda, we are committed to delivering exceptional safari experiences across East Africa. Our experienced guides, carefully selected accommodations, and personalized itineraries ensure every traveler enjoys a safe, comfortable, and unforgettable adventure.

Whether you are traveling solo, as a couple, with family, or in a group, we take care of every detail—from securing your gorilla permit to arranging accommodation and transportation—so you can focus on enjoying the once-in-a-lifetime experience of meeting Rwanda’s mountain gorillas.

Book Your 3 Days Rwanda Gorilla Tour Today

Ready to experience one of the world’s greatest wildlife encounters? Contact Abunda Discoveries Uganda today to book your 3 Days Rwanda Gorilla Tour. Our travel experts are ready to help you plan an unforgettable journey to Volcanoes National Park and create memories that will last a lifetime.