3-day Gorilla Trekking tour in Rwanda
A 3-day Gorilla Trekking tour in Rwanda allows for a more relaxed experience compared to the 2-day trek, giving you extra time to explore the region and engage in other activities around Volcanoes National Park. This itinerary typically includes additional cultural experiences or nature hikes in the area, and allows you to immerse yourself in the beauty of Rwanda’s landscapes and wildlife.
Here’s a sample itinerary for a 3-day Rwanda Gorilla Trekking tour:
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali – Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Morning or Afternoon:
- Arrival in Kigali: You will be picked up at Kigali International Airport or from your hotel in Kigali. If you arrive early in the day, you may start with a short city tour.
Optional Kigali City Tour:
- Kigali Genocide Memorial: A visit to this moving memorial provides insight into Rwanda’s tragic history and remarkable recovery.
- Local markets: Visit places like Kimironko Market to experience local Rwandan life and buy handicrafts or souvenirs.
Drive to Volcanoes National Park:
- After your city tour, or straight after pick-up, you will depart for a scenic drive from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park in the Musanze district. The drive is around 2 to 3 hours, taking you through Rwanda’s picturesque countryside, also known as the “Land of a Thousand Hills.”
Afternoon:
- Check into your Lodge: Upon arrival in Musanze, you will check into your lodge or hotel near Volcanoes National Park.
- Optional activities: Depending on your arrival time, you can relax at the lodge or take part in optional activities, such as a village visit or a nature walk around the Twin Lakes (Burera and Ruhondo).
Evening:
- Dinner and Briefing: You’ll have dinner at your lodge, and your guide will brief you on the next day’s gorilla trek, providing tips on what to expect and how to prepare.
Overnight: Stay at a mid-range or luxury lodge in Volcanoes National Park (options include Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, or others depending on your budget and preferences).
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Early Morning:
- Pre-Trek Briefing: After an early breakfast, your guide will take you to the Volcanoes National Park headquarters at 7:00 AM. You’ll receive a briefing from the park rangers who will assign you to a specific gorilla family and explain the trekking rules.
Gorilla Trekking:
- Trek through the Forest: Around 8:00 AM, you’ll set out with your assigned ranger guide and group. The trek can last between 2 to 6 hours depending on where the gorilla family is located. The terrain can be rugged and challenging, but the sight of mountain gorillas in their natural habitat is an awe-inspiring reward.
- One Hour with the Gorillas: Once you reach the gorilla family, you will spend up to one hour observing their behavior, including how they interact, feed, and play. This close encounter is one of the most unforgettable wildlife experiences in the world.
Afternoon:
- Return to the Lodge: After your trek, you will return to the park headquarters and then to your lodge for lunch and relaxation.
- Rest or Optional Activities: You can spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing or choose to take part in optional activities like visiting the nearby Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village (Gorilla Guardians Village) to learn about Rwandan traditions, or take a short hike around the local villages.
Evening:
- Dinner and Relaxation: Enjoy dinner at your lodge and reflect on the day’s adventures.
Overnight: Same lodge as the previous night.
Day 3: Optional Activities – Return to Kigali
Morning:
- Optional Activities: Depending on your preference and schedule, you can engage in one of the following activities before heading back to Kigali:
- Golden Monkey Trekking: An alternative trekking experience in Volcanoes National Park, where you can track endangered golden monkeys. This activity usually takes around 2-3 hours.
- Dian Fossey Hike: Visit the Karisoke Research Center, the former site of Dian Fossey’s gorilla conservation work, and her tomb.
- Nature Walk or Village Tour: Take a nature walk around the Twin Lakes (Lake Burera and Lake Ruhondo) or visit a local Rwandan village for cultural immersion.
Afternoon:
- Lunch at the Lodge: Enjoy lunch before you check out of your lodge.
- Drive Back to Kigali: After lunch, you will drive back to Kigali, arriving in the afternoon or early evening.
End of Tour: Depending on your departure schedule, you can be dropped off at Kigali International Airport for your flight or at your hotel in Kigali.
Inclusions:
- Gorilla trekking permits (USD 1,500 per person)
- Accommodation for two nights in a mid-range or luxury lodge
- Meals (typically breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
- Private transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle with a professional driver-guide
- Bottled water and snacks during the trek
- Kigali city tour (if time allows)
- Optional activities as specified (e.g., village tour, Twin Lakes visit)
Exclusions:
- Flights to/from Kigali
- Optional second activities like golden monkey trekking or the Dian Fossey Hike (available at an additional cost)
- Personal expenses (souvenirs, drinks)
- Travel insurance
- Tips for guides, drivers, and rangers
Best Time for Gorilla Trekking:
- The best times are during Rwanda’s dry seasons from June to September and December to February, though gorilla trekking is possible year-round.
Packing List for Gorilla Trekking:
- Waterproof hiking boots
- Long-sleeved shirts and long pants
- Rain jacket or poncho
- Hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses
- Gardening gloves (for grip in dense forest)
- A backpack with snacks, water, and camera gear (without flash)
- Insect repellent
A 3-day gorilla trekking experience allows for a more leisurely journey, with opportunities to experience other attractions in Volcanoes National Park and interact with local culture. It’s perfect for those who want to maximize their time in this stunning region.
