The 3 Days Helicopter Gorilla Trekking Rwanda Tour by Silverback Tour is an exclusive luxury experience designed for you to explore Rwanda’s spectacular landscapes and encounter endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. This short safari combines the convenience of helicopter transfers with an unforgettable gorilla trekking adventure in Volcanoes National Park, located in the north-western part of Rwanda. By flying from Kigali towards the Virunga volcanoes, you can enjoy remarkable aerial views of rolling hills, green countryside, terraced farms and mist-covered mountains while reducing the time spent travelling by road. You will also have the opportunity to experience Rwanda’s warm hospitality, stay in carefully selected luxury accommodation and learn about the conservation efforts protecting mountain gorillas. With private transfers, a professional safari guide and a carefully organised itinerary, this tour is ideal if you want a premium gorilla trekking experience within a limited time. Helicopter arrangements, trekking permits and accommodation should be confirmed in advance, as availability and flight operations can vary.
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali and Helicopter Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be welcomed by a Silverback Tour representative who will assist you with your luggage and introduce you to your safari arrangements. Depending on your arrival time and the helicopter schedule, you may enjoy a short introduction to Kigali before proceeding to the airport’s helicopter departure point. Your scenic helicopter flight towards the Musanze area offers beautiful aerial views of Rwanda’s rolling hills, rural settlements, cultivated landscapes and the dramatic Virunga volcanic range. On arrival, a local transfer will take you to your selected luxury lodge near Volcanoes National Park, where you can settle into your room and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Your guide will brief you about the following day’s gorilla trekking experience, including what to pack, the expected physical demands and the park’s conservation rules. Spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing at the lodge, enjoying the views, or taking part in an optional lodge activity if time permits. In the evening, enjoy a freshly prepared dinner and an overnight stay in the heart of Rwanda’s gorilla trekking region.
Accommodation options: One&Only Gorilla’s Nest, Bisate Lodge, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner (depending on your arrival time and package arrangements).
Day 2: Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Rise early and enjoy breakfast at your lodge before transferring to the Volcanoes National Park headquarters at Kinigi for your gorilla trekking briefing. Park staff will explain the trekking guidelines and assign you to a habituated mountain gorilla family, with the trek led by experienced guides and park rangers. You will then enter the forest and hike through dense vegetation, bamboo stands and rugged volcanic terrain while searching for the gorillas. The duration and difficulty of the trek depend on the location of your assigned family, the terrain and the gorillas’ movements, so a reasonable level of fitness is beneficial. Once you find the gorillas, you will have a strictly regulated period of approximately one hour to observe their behaviour, watch family interactions and take photographs without flash, while following your ranger’s instructions.
After the trek, return to the park headquarters and transfer back to your lodge for lunch or refreshments, depending on the day’s schedule. Spend the afternoon relaxing, enjoying the lodge’s facilities or taking in the scenery of the Virunga volcanoes before dinner and your final overnight stay near the park.
Accommodation options: One&Only Gorilla’s Nest, Bisate Lodge, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 3: Helicopter Transfer to Kigali and Departure
Enjoy your final breakfast at the lodge, taking time to appreciate the peaceful forest setting before checking out. Depending on your confirmed helicopter schedule and departure flight, you will transfer to the designated departure point for your flight back towards Kigali. During the journey, you may enjoy one last aerial view of Rwanda’s lush countryside, terraced hills and volcanic landscapes, providing a memorable conclusion to your gorilla trekking adventure. On arrival in Kigali, your driver will meet you and transfer you to Kigali International Airport for your onward flight. If your international flight departs later in the day, you may be able to arrange a short city visit or lunch in Kigali, subject to available time and your flight check-in requirements. Your guide will assist with the final transfer arrangements and ensure that you reach the airport with sufficient time for departure formalities. This marks the end of your three-day luxury helicopter gorilla trekking safari with Silverback Tour.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
Items Included in the 3 Days Helicopter Gorilla Trekking Rwanda Tour
- Airport meet-and-greet services in Kigali.
- Helicopter transfers between Kigali and the Musanze or Volcanoes National Park area, according to the confirmed flight schedule and package.
- Two nights’ accommodation at a selected luxury lodge near Volcanoes National Park.
- Meals as specified in the itinerary.
- One Rwanda mountain gorilla trekking permit per person, if expressly included in your quotation.
- Private ground transfers between the helicopter landing point, lodge and park headquarters.
- Services of a professional English-speaking safari guide or driver-guide.
- Park ranger guidance during the gorilla trekking experience.
- Bottled drinking water during scheduled safari transfers.
- Itinerary planning and coordination by Silverback Tour.
Items Excluded from the Tour
- International flights to and from Rwanda.
- Rwanda visa fees and other applicable entry requirements.
- Travel, medical and personal accident insurance.
- Any helicopter flights or luggage charges not specified in the final quotation.
- Meals, drinks and snacks not listed in the itinerary.
- Tips and gratuities for guides, lodge staff, porters and other service providers.
- Porter fees during gorilla trekking, unless specifically included.
- Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, souvenirs and spa treatments.
- Optional activities not stated in the confirmed itinerary.
- Additional accommodation before or after the scheduled tour.
- Costs arising from flight changes, delays, cancellations or other unforeseen circumstances where not covered by the booking terms.