Our 3 days gorilla tour in Volcanoes National Park is a perfect gorilla tour for business travelers or visitors that have limited time. Alternatively, this safari can be added as part of your combined African Safari that also includes Uganda, Tanzania and Kenya.
This short tour starts in the City of Kigali where you will be picked up from the Hotel, Airport or any other location and drive to the spectacular Volcanoes National Park where you will be spending the next 2 nights. Besides the trek for mountain gorillas in the jungle of Volcanoes National Park, this tour also involves undertaking a City excursion to the top historical and cultural sites, visit to Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village and a refreshing tour of the Twin Lakes.
Detailed Itinerary.
Day 1: Airport Arrival and scenic drive to Volcanoes National Park, in the Northern Province.
Arrival in Rwanda, via Kigali International Airport and meet with your private safari driver. He/she will brief you on the safari, hand-over necessary documents (gorilla permit and receipts) then embark on the drive to the Northern Province of Rwanda.
Traverse through the country’s rural countryside and immerse your emotions in Mother Nature’s serenity. Total drive time is approximately 3 hours and allows you to appreciate Rwanda’s beautiful scenery and on arrival check-in at the Lodge for Lunch.
After relaxing through the afternoon, be driven to the Gorilla Guardian Village, on the borders of Volcanoes National Park. While here, you will immerse your imaginations in the cultural and traditions of Rwandan people through cultural dance performances, drumming lessons, visit to traditional herbalists, preparation of traditional dishes and many other activities. Later in the evening proceed to your place of stay on the outskirts of Volcanoes National Park for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 2: Mountain gorilla trekking in the jungles of Volcanoes National Park
After an early breakfast, be driven to the Park Headquarters for gorilla briefing that lasts 30-45 minutes. At 8:00am begin venturing into the jungles with your packed Lunch, comfortable hiking boots, drinking water, appropriate clothing and walking stick. The time spent trekking for the mountain gorillas is unpredictable but ranges from half an hour to 6 hours before the magical encounter with the giant apes.
Exact location of the habituated gorilla group depends on the availability of food, temperature of the area and movement in the previous day. Some of the guidelines issued during briefing such as maintaining a distance of 7 meters from gorillas, avoiding flash cameras, not eating or drinking in their presence, not sneezing or coughing towards gorillas, avoiding direct eye contact should be applied at this point.
Spend the one hour allotted to observe and take photos of this unforgettable experience as they go about their daily routine of foraging, playing, resting and nursing their babies. The encounter with these mountain gorillas is the climax of your 3 days Gorilla Tour in Volcanoes National Park. Later return to the Lodge for relaxation and in the evening embark on a boat ride on the Twin Lakes.
After exploring the Twin Lakes of Ruhondo and Burera, retire for a buffet dinner and overnight at the same lodge.
Day 3: Drive back to the City.
With an early breakfast, you are good for return to Kigali City. On arrival, be treated to an excursion through the City to explore the Presidential Palace Museum, Kigali Genocide Memorial Center, Caplaki Craft market to purchase some African handcrafts and souvenirs.
However, the time you spend in these places will depend on your flight departure time and this marks the end of your 3 days Gorilla Tour in Volcanoes National Park.
