Yes, you can absolutely do gorilla trekking on a weekend in Rwanda. Volcanoes National Park—the home of Rwanda’s mountain gorillas offers daily gorilla trekking experiences, including Saturdays and Sundays. Whether you’re planning a short safari escape or fitting an adventure into a tight travel schedule, Rwanda makes it entirely possible to have a life-changing gorilla encounter over a weekend.
In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about planning a weekend gorilla trek in Rwanda, including permits, logistics, sample itineraries, and tips for making the most of your time.
Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda: Available Every Day of the Week
Unlike many wildlife experiences that may operate seasonally or have weekday limitations, gorilla trekking in Rwanda happens every single day of the year, including weekends and public holidays. This consistency is one of the many reasons Rwanda is considered Africa’s premier destination for mountain gorilla encounters.
The treks are organized by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), which manages Volcanoes National Park and its eco-tourism activities. Each day, a limited number of visitors (currently 96 people total) are allowed to trek one of the park’s habituated gorilla families. Group sizes are kept small a maximum of 8 people per group—to minimize impact and enhance the experience.
Why Choose a Weekend for Gorilla Trekking?
A weekend gorilla trekking experience is ideal for:
- Travelers with limited vacation days
- Those already in Kigali on business or conference travel
- East Africa residents seeking a short, high-impact getaway
- Visitors combining gorilla trekking with other African safaris
Thanks to Rwanda’s exceptional infrastructure and proximity between its capital city and national parks, you can arrive on a Friday and return home on Sunday or Monday having completed one of the most exclusive wildlife encounters on the continent.
How to Plan a Weekend Gorilla Trek in Rwanda
Planning your weekend gorilla trekking adventure involves a few critical steps. Here’s how to make it work smoothly.
1. Book Your Gorilla Permit Early
Gorilla trekking permits in Rwanda cost $1,500 per person, and demand is high throughout the year. While weekends don’t necessarily have a surge in bookings, their convenience makes them popular—especially for short trips.
To secure your spot:
- Book your permit well in advance, ideally 3–6 months before your trip.
- Permits can be reserved through licensed Rwandan tour operators or directly from the Rwanda Development Board (RDB).
- The permit includes park entrance, your trekking guide, and one hour with a gorilla family.
2. Arrive in Rwanda the Day Before
Because gorilla trekking starts early in the morning (around 7:00 AM), it’s important to be close to Volcanoes National Park by the night before your trek.
Rwanda’s international airport in Kigali is well-connected to cities across Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. From Kigali, it’s a scenic 2.5-hour drive to Musanze, the nearest town to Volcanoes National Park.
3. Choose the Right Accommodation
Musanze (also known as Ruhengeri) and nearby Kinigi offer a wide range of accommodation—from budget lodges to luxury eco-retreats. Booking accommodation in advance ensures you’ll have a comfortable base for the night before and after your trek.
Popular weekend accommodations include:
- Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel
- Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
- Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge
- Kinigi Guesthouse (budget option)
Sample 3-Day Weekend Gorilla Trek Itinerary
Arrival in Rwanda
- Arrive at Kigali International Airport
- Transfer to Musanze (2.5-hour drive)
- Check into your lodge and prepare for your trek
- Optional: Evening visit to a local cultural center or dinner in town
Gorilla Trekking Day
- Early breakfast and transfer to Volcanoes National Park Headquarters
- 7:00 AM: Trek briefing and group assignment
- Gorilla trek (2–6 hours total including hiking)
- One hour spent in the presence of a gorilla family
- Return to lodge for lunch and relaxation
- Optional afternoon activity (cultural tour or nature walk)
Return to Kigali
- Morning at leisure or optional activity
- Transfer back to Kigali (arrive around midday)
- Optional Kigali city tour or visit to the Genocide Memorial
- Depart for home or extend your trip in Rwanda
Tips to Maximize Your Weekend Gorilla Trek Experience
To ensure your weekend gorilla trek is smooth, comfortable, and rewarding, keep the following in mind:
1. Physical Readiness
Trekking to the gorillas involves hiking in mountainous terrain, which may be muddy or steep. Being in moderate physical shape helps you enjoy the hike and reach your assigned gorilla family without strain.
2. Gear Checklist
Pack properly for mountain rainforest conditions:
- Waterproof hiking boots
- Lightweight rain jacket
- Long-sleeve shirt and trousers
- Gloves (for grabbing vegetation)
- Camera (no flash)
- Water bottle and snacks
- Daypack
3. Use a Reputable Tour Operator
A licensed Rwandan tour company can help:
- Reserve permits
- Arrange transportation and accommodation
- Provide local insights and guides
This ensures you avoid logistical errors and travel safely, especially when time is limited.
Are Weekends More Crowded?
Because Rwanda’s gorilla trekking system maintains strict limits on daily visitors and group sizes, weekends are no more crowded than weekdays. The overall trekking experience remains quiet, intimate, and personalized.
In fact, many solo travelers and couples prefer weekends due to the availability of group treks, which can reduce costs if shared.
What Makes Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda Unique?
If you’re wondering whether to prioritize gorilla trekking over other weekend adventures in Africa, consider what makes Rwanda’s experience world-class:
- Proximity: Easy access from Kigali makes weekend trips viable.
- Scenery: Trekking through bamboo forests and misty volcanoes is visually stunning.
- Conservation impact: Your permit directly supports anti-poaching, veterinary care, and local communities.
- Exclusive access: Only 8 people per group, per day, with one hour face-to-face with the gorillas.
- Safety and efficiency: Rwanda is one of Africa’s safest and cleanest countries, with outstanding tourism services.
Final Thoughts
So, is it possible to do gorilla trekking on a weekend in Rwanda? Yes—and it’s one of the best ways to experience this rare wildlife encounter without needing a long vacation.
Whether you’re visiting Rwanda on a short holiday or adding a weekend trek to a business trip, gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park offers a powerful, emotional, and logistically convenient adventure. With daily treks available including Saturdays and Sundays you can fit this once-in-a-lifetime journey into just a few days and leave with memories that last a lifetime.
Plan early, pack smart, and let Rwanda’s mountain gorillas show you why this is Africa’s most profound safari experience even on the weekend.
