Perfect 3 days Rwanda gorilla tour 2024-2025
The 3 Days Rwanda Gorilla Tour will bring you to Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, which is the habitat of mountain gorillas in the Virunga conservation region. Diana Fossey dedicated 18 years to conducting study on the magnificent mountain gorillas of Rwanda. Due to her diligent efforts in safeguarding them, the nation has successfully established a small population residing in the mountains within the confines of the volcanoes national park. Rwanda, in the process of recovering from its own genocide in the 1990s, is an ideal location to observe these endangered yet magnificent primates. Engage with the local community in Nyamirambo Women’s Centre township. Engage with local residents and experience the authentic rural lifestyle of the region.
Highlights of 3 days Rwanda gorilla tour
- Gorilla trekking is a unique and extraordinary experience that can only be enjoyed once in a lifetime.
- Encounter Mountain Gorillas up close in Volcanoes National Park.
- Rwanda, sometimes referred to as the Land of a Thousand Hills, offers picturesque drives that showcase its stunning undulating landscapes adorned with tea plantations, craggy highlands, and towering volcanoes.
- Kigali is renowned as one of the most immaculate and captivating capitals in Africa.
- Experience a visit to the Genocide Memorial Centre in Kigali, where a staggering 250,000 victims have been interred.
- To truly understand and value this exquisite nation and its inhabitants, it is imperative to have personally experienced this memorial center. Engage with the local community in Nyamirambo Women’s Centre township.
The Rwanda Gorilla Trekking journey commences and concludes in Kigali, Rwanda.
Key information about 3 days Rwanda gorilla tour
Mountain gorillas exhibit a 98% similarity in their DNA compared to humans and are susceptible to contracting diseases that affect humans. Kindly be aware that if you are suffering from any communicable illness, including a minor ailment like a common cold, you may be refused permission to participate in any of the treks to guarantee the well-being of the gorillas. This law pertains to national parks and states that trekking permits will not be reimbursed in the event of denial of entry due to illness.
Physical contact with gorillas is prohibited, although there may be instances where gorillas may approach near enough to make contact with you.
To facilitate your strolling at the high altitude of above 2000m, it is advisable to hire a local assistant, commonly known as a porter. Porters are employed for a nominal price of $15 to transport your backpack along the trail.
All of our staff members are recruited from nearby communities. They are not only capable of carrying your day pack, but also willing to provide assistance in navigating challenging areas. Irrespective of your level of physical condition, we strongly advise using the services of a porter, as certain trails can be very muddy and even the most physically fit individuals can be affected by changes in elevation.
Detailed 3 days Rwanda gorilla tour safari
Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your designated hotel. If you have some spare time, I recommend exploring the nightlife. Kigali is renowned for its kind and congenial ambiance.
Day 1: Travel from Kigali City to Volcanoes National Park.
Approximate travel duration: 2-3 hours.
Day 1 of 3 days Rwanda gorilla tour, you will embark on a Kigali City Tour as you make your way to Volcanoes National Park. The Kigali City tour provides an authentic experience of the city’s essence. The nation’s remarkable comeback serves as a testament to its troubled history, yet also promises a promising future.
You will tour the Kigali Genocide Memorial Museum located in Gisozi. Discover the details of how almost one million Rwandans lost their lives during a period of genocide that lasted for nearly 100 days. The memorial museum has the bones of 250,000 victims of the 1994 Genocide. The location features a cemetery, a dedicated portion showcasing the historical genocide, and a library. A trip to this memorial complex offers a comprehensive understanding of the country’s tragic history and evokes deep emotions. The memorial is emotionally impactful – the tour lasts for a duration of two to three hours – It serves as a tribute to the countless individuals who lost their lives in the genocide that occurred in Rwanda in 1994.
You will have the opportunity to visit the Nyamirambo Women’s institution and engage with the local community. The institution is located in the largest and most lively township in Kigali City. The center offers women and girls the chance to acquire practical skills to assist one another and thrive in life. Indulge in a delectable lunch crafted by the center’s female workforce, providing us with the opportunity to savor regional cuisine, traditional meals, and popular delicacies. Peruse the center’s shop, showcasing meticulously crafted, premium-quality crafts, fabrics, and garments, all handcrafted by select women. The sales revenue contributes to the funding of skills training programs for this women’s center.
Visit the Hotel des Milles Collines in Kigali, which served as the filming location for the 2004 movie ‘Hotel Rwanda’ depicting the events surrounding families seeking refuge in this luxurious hotel during the genocide. Subsequently, we will journey to the Volcanoes National Park, traversing the awe-inspiring landscape of lush green hills and valleys. Food provided: Lunch and dinner
Day 2: Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park Rwanda
Depart from the lodge in the early morning to reach the Volcanoes National Park headquarters in Kinigi for your mountain gorilla trekking experience. At this location, you will get the opportunity to interact with highly skilled park rangers and guides, who will provide a presentation on the proper conduct and manners for gorilla trekking. Following the orientation on gorilla trekking provided by the rangers at the park headquarters, you will be assigned a specific gorilla family to visit. From there, we will proceed to the beginning place by means of a brief drive.
Afterwards, venture into the forest. You will commence monitoring the locations where the gorillas were observed on the preceding day. During your visit to the gorillas, you will get the opportunity to observe habituated families of gorillas that are accessible to guests. Each group has a daily maximum capacity of 8 visitors.
Trekking typically commences from many initial locations. The hike can range from 1 to 8 hours for a roundtrip and involve ascending to altitudes above 7,500 feet. Encountering a mountain gorilla up close is a highly unforgettable wildlife experience in Africa. The mountain gorilla species, scientifically known as Gorilla beringei beringei, is classified as severely endangered. A minimum of 480 mountain gorillas reside in the Virunga complex, at elevations ranging from 2300 to 4500 meters. They are found in the southern region of Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Volcanoes National Park in northern Rwanda. Despite the physical exertion required, the captivating allure of the forest and its surrounding landscape make the hike highly rewarding. Upon locating the gorillas, any feeling of tiredness is completely disregarded, as this encounter is frequently recognized as the most deep experience in the field of natural history. Due to the unpredictable nature of rain, it is advisable to have waterproof gear and zip lock bags for cameras and film as necessary items. It is crucial to bring bottled water.
Gorilla trekking is an extraordinary and unique experience that can only be enjoyed once in a lifetime. To reduce animal stress and the risk of human disease transmission, daily visits are restricted to a maximum of one hour for viewing purposes. This regulation nevertheless provides you with a sufficient amount of time for engaging in photography and observing these magnificent primates in their unaltered environment.
In the afternoon today, you have the option to either unwind at the lodge or participate in additional activities. These activities include: a) visiting the adjacent Gorilla Guardians Cultural Village, or b) exploring the local market. Embarking on a guided stroll through this hamlet will provide you with a remarkable and indelible encounter as you visit various locations inside this community. You will have the opportunity to tour the king’s residence, listen to captivating anecdotes, and gain valuable knowledge about the various artifacts within his abode. Experience the captivating Rwandan traditional dances, such as the Intore dance, which are skillfully executed by members of the community, accompanied by authentic local musical instruments. Upon your return to the lodge. Meals provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Traveling from Musanze to Kigali
This morning, you have the option to visit the Dian Fossey Gorilla Conservation Campus, which is sometimes referred to as the Ellen DeGeneres of gorilla conservation. Visit the education gallery to gain knowledge about gorilla conservation, study ongoing research projects, and discover ways to actively participate in the efforts to protect gorillas. The gallery exhibits the artistic creations of Dian Fossey, an American primatologist who resided in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park from 1966 until her assassination in December 1985. Upon arrival in Kigali, you will proceed to catch your flight.
safari includes
- Accommodation
- Private 4×4 Land Cruiser safari vehicle
- 1 Gorilla trekking permit per person
Safari Excludes
- Entry visa for Rwanda
- International flights.
- Yellow fever inoculation certificate or an exemption letter from your doctor.