The 4 Days Volcanoes National Park Gorilla Safari is an unforgettable Rwanda wildlife adventure centred around the extraordinary experience of mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. Your journey takes you through Rwanda’s scenic countryside to the foothills of the Virunga Mountains, where you will explore lush montane forests and spend time observing a habituated gorilla family in its natural habitat. In addition to gorilla trekking, the safari gives you time to discover the beautiful landscapes around Musanze and experience aspects of Rwanda’s culture and local communities. You will travel in a comfortable 4WD safari vehicle accompanied by an experienced guide who will provide information about the region, wildlife and conservation. This Rwanda gorilla safari is ideal if you want a well-paced adventure combining primates, nature, culture and the spectacular scenery of Volcanoes National Park.
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali and Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be welcomed by your Silverback Tour representative and introduced to your safari guide. After a briefing about your 4 Days Volcanoes National Park Gorilla Safari, you will begin the scenic journey northwards towards Musanze and Volcanoes National Park. The drive takes you through Rwanda’s famous rolling hills, cultivated farmland, villages and local communities, offering an excellent introduction to the country’s landscapes. As you travel further north, the impressive Virunga volcanoes gradually become visible, creating a dramatic backdrop for your upcoming gorilla trekking adventure. Upon arrival in the Volcanoes National Park area, you will check into your lodge and enjoy lunch before taking time to relax. Your guide will brief you about the next day’s gorilla trek, including the meeting time, appropriate clothing and general trekking preparations. You will enjoy dinner and spend the night in the peaceful surroundings of the Virunga Mountains.
Accommodation: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Virunga Lodge
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
After an early breakfast, you will drive to the park headquarters for a briefing before beginning your highly anticipated Rwanda gorilla trekking experience. You will be assigned a habituated gorilla family and accompanied into the forest by experienced park guides and trackers. The trek may take several hours depending on the location and movement of the gorilla family, taking you through dense vegetation and beautiful montane forest. The journey itself is an important part of the adventure, as you can enjoy the sounds of the forest and observe different plants, birds and other wildlife along the trails. Once you find your gorilla family, you will spend the permitted viewing time observing their behaviour, interactions and daily activities from a respectful distance. Your guide will share fascinating information about mountain gorilla conservation and the importance of protecting the Virunga ecosystem. After the trek, you will return to the park headquarters before travelling back to your lodge for lunch, relaxation and dinner.
Accommodation: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Virunga Lodge
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 3: Volcanoes National Park Nature and Cultural Experience
After breakfast, you will have a relaxed day to explore the attractions surrounding Volcanoes National Park. You may visit a local community or cultural centre where you can learn about Rwandan traditions, local crafts, music and everyday life. Another option is to enjoy a guided nature walk around the foothills of the Virunga volcanoes, offering beautiful views of the mountains and surrounding countryside. Depending on your interests, your guide can also arrange a visit to a local market or craft centre where you can interact with artisans and purchase locally made products. The day provides an opportunity to appreciate the region beyond gorilla trekking while supporting local communities involved in tourism. You will have time to relax at your lodge and enjoy the mountain scenery after the previous day’s trek. In the evening, you will enjoy dinner and spend your final night in the Volcanoes National Park region before your departure the following day.
Accommodation: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Virunga Lodge
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 4: Departure
After breakfast, you will check out of your lodge and begin your journey back to Kigali. The drive takes you through the picturesque Rwandan countryside, giving you another opportunity to appreciate the country’s green hills, agricultural terraces and rural settlements. Depending on your flight schedule, you may stop at a local craft centre or enjoy lunch in Kigali before proceeding to the airport. Your Silverback Tour representative will monitor your departure schedule and ensure that you reach Kigali International Airport in good time for your flight. This marks the conclusion of your 4 Days Volcanoes National Park Gorilla Safari, an adventure filled with unforgettable wildlife encounters and spectacular mountain scenery. You will leave Rwanda with lasting memories of the mountain gorillas, the Virunga landscape and the welcoming communities you encountered during your journey. Silverback Tour looks forward to welcoming you again for another memorable African safari.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Included in the Safari
- Airport pick-up and drop-off
- Private 4WD safari vehicle
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide
- Accommodation as specified in the itinerary
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary
- Mountain gorilla trekking permit
- Volcanoes National Park entrance fees where applicable
- Services of park guides and trackers
- Cultural experience as specified
- Bottled drinking water during the safari
- Government taxes and applicable service charges
Excluded from the Safari
- International flights
- Rwanda visa fees where applicable
- Travel and medical insurance
- Personal expenses
- Laundry and telephone charges
- Alcoholic beverages and premium drinks
- Tips and gratuities for guides, trackers and lodge staff
- Porter services unless specifically requested
- Souvenirs and personal shopping
- Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
- Personal trekking equipment and clothing
- Any services not specifically listed under the inclusions.