2-day Gorilla Trekking trip to Volcanoes National Park from Kigali.

A 2-day Gorilla Trekking trip to Volcanoes National Park from Kigali, Rwanda, is a popular and unforgettable experience for wildlife enthusiasts. This trek provides a unique opportunity to observe the endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat, along with a scenic journey through Rwanda’s beautiful landscapes.

Here’s an outline of what you can expect for a 2-day Gorilla Trekking tour from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park:

Day 1: Kigali to Volcanoes National Park

Morning:

• Pick-up from Kigali: Your tour guide will pick you up from your hotel or the airport in Kigali early in the morning (usually around 7-8 AM).
• City Tour (Optional): Depending on your arrival time and interest, you could take a brief city tour of Kigali, visiting landmarks such as the Kigali Genocide Memorial, the Kimironko Market, or local artisan shops.
• Drive to Volcanoes National Park: After the city tour or pickup, you’ll begin your 2-3 hour scenic drive northwards through the Rwandan countryside, passing through rolling hills and beautiful landscapes.

Afternoon:

• Arrival at Volcanoes National Park: Reach the park and check into your lodge or hotel in Musanze (Ruhengeri), the main town near the park.
• Optional Activities: Depending on your time of arrival, you can engage in optional activities such as visiting the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village (now known as the Gorilla Guardians Village) to learn about Rwandan culture and traditions, or take a nature walk around the local villages or lakes (such as Lake Ruhondo or Lake Burera).

Evening:

• Dinner and Preparation for the Gorilla Trek: Have dinner at your lodge and prepare for the next day’s trek. The lodge staff or your guide will brief you on what to expect during the trek and provide advice on the necessary gear and supplies (good hiking boots, long-sleeved shirts, etc.).
• Overnight: Stay at your chosen lodge or hotel near Volcanoes National Park.

Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park – Return to Kigali

Early Morning:

• Gorilla Trek Briefing: After an early breakfast, you’ll head to the Volcanoes National Park headquarters by 7:00 AM for a briefing by park rangers. They will assign you to a gorilla family and provide information on the guidelines and rules for gorilla trekking.

Trekking Experience:

• Gorilla Trekking: The trekking starts around 8:00 AM and can last between 2 to 6 hours, depending on the location of the gorilla family assigned to you. The hike through the dense rainforest can be strenuous, but encountering a gorilla family in their natural environment is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. You’ll spend a magical hour observing the gorillas as they interact, play, and go about their day.

Afternoon:

• Return to Lodge and Lunch: After the trek, you’ll return to the park headquarters and then to your lodge or hotel for lunch and freshening up.

Drive back to Kigali: In the afternoon, your guide will drive you back to Kigali (2-3 hours). You should arrive in Kigali in the late afternoon or early evening.

End of Tour: You can either be dropped off at your hotel in Kigali or at Kigali International Airport if you have an evening flight.

Inclusions:

• 4×4 safari vehicle and driver-guide
• Gorilla trekking permits (usually around USD 1,500 per person)
• Accommodation in a mid-range or luxury lodge (depending on your preference)
• Meals (typically breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
• Bottled water during the tour
• Kigali city tour (if time allows)

Exclusions:

• Personal expenses (e.g., souvenirs, drinks)
• Optional activities such as cultural village visits or canoeing on nearby lakes
• Tips for guides, drivers, and park rangers
• Flights to/from Kigali

Recommended Packing List for Gorilla Trekking:

• Sturdy hiking boots
• Long-sleeved shirts and long pants
• Waterproof jacket or rain poncho (weather can be unpredictable)
• Gloves for grabbing vegetation during the hike
• A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen
• Insect repellent
• A camera with a zoom lens (without flash)
• Snacks and water (some will be provided by your lodge)

Best Time for Gorilla Trekking:

The best times to go gorilla trekking are during Rwanda’s dry seasons, from June to September and December to February, when trails are less muddy and more accessible. However, trekking is available year-round, and you can see gorillas in any season.

This 2-day tour offers an immersive experience, combining the adventure of trekking through a beautiful national park and the awe-inspiring encounter with mountain gorillas.