3 Days Rwanda Gorilla Safari
Three days. One gorilla permit. A close look at Volcanoes National Park and the mountain families that live there, with golden monkey tracking and Ibyachu Cultural Village on the side.
Tour details
Duration: 3 days
Best for: Travellers with three days who want one proper gorilla trek plus a golden monkey morning, all from Kigali
Group size: Private tour, your group and your guide
Travel style: Gorilla trekking, Golden monkeys, Cultural, City break
Introduction
Three days. One gorilla permit. A close look at Volcanoes National Park and the mountain families that live there.
This trip covers Kigali, Volcanoes National Park, and a stop at Ibyachu Cultural Village. If your schedule allows more time, we can add pre or post accommodation to extend the trip.
On this journey, you will explore the following highlights:
Gorilla Tracking - The Ultimate Wildlife Encounter
Volcanoes National Park
Kigali City - The Heart of Rwanda
Cultural Encounters – Meet Uganda’s Communities
Day to day programme
Day 1: Kigali city tour, then Volcanoes National Park
Day one starts in Kigali. Your driver guide picks you up at your hotel or the airport and takes you through the city, including the Kigali Genocide Memorial, built for the more than one million people killed in 1994. You'll also stop at local food and craft markets. After lunch, you head to Volcanoes National Park.
Day 2: Gorilla trekking and Ibyachu Cultural Village
Briefing starts at 07:00am at Kinigi park headquarters. Volcanoes National Park has 12 habituated gorilla families: Bwenge, Hirwa, Ugyenda, Sabyinyo, Umubano, Karisimbi, Susa, Amahoro, Agashya, Kwitonda, Igisha, and Muhoza. Only 96 permits are issued per day across all families, so book early.
Hike time depends on where your assigned family was last seen. It can run from 30 minutes to 5 hours, at altitudes between 2,500m and 4,000m. Once you find them, you get one hour with the gorillas. Porters are available if you want help with your gear, and hiring one also puts money directly into the local community. That evening, you visit Ibyachu Cultural Village, also known as the ex-poachers' village, for music and a community walk.
Day 3: Golden monkey tracking, then Kigali
Day three is golden monkey tracking. Volcanoes National Park has two habituated golden monkey groups, on the slopes of Karisimbi and Mount Sabinyo. Briefing is again at 07:00am at Kinigi. Golden monkey tracking moves faster than gorilla trekking; the monkeys are easier to locate. After an early lunch, you transfer back to Kigali for your flight out.
Where you'll stay
Budget: Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge or Davinci Lodge. Midrange: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Five Volcanoes Lodge, or Ingagi Park View Lodge. Luxury: Bisate Lodge, One & Only Gorilla Nest, Bishop's House, Virunga Lodge, or Sabinyo Lodge.
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What's included
Includes
- Full board accommodation
- One gorilla permit per person
- Park entrance fees
- Internal flights
- Private guide for all sightseeing
- All transfers listed in the itinerary
Excludes
- Drinks
- Gratuities
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Visa fees
Accommodations
During the trip, you will stay at:
Volcanoes National Park: Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge or Davinci Lodge (budget), Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Five Volcanoes Lodge or Ingagi Park View Lodge (midrange), or Bisate Lodge, One & Only Gorilla Nest, Bishop's House, Virunga Lodge or Sabinyo Lodge (luxury), full board.
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