Day 1: Arrival at Kigali International Airport

Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be welcomed by our meet-and-greet lounge host, who will ensure a seamless transition from the airport and aid you through fast-track assistance with visas and luggage collection. After the immigration and baggage collection process, you will be handed over to our driver guide to start your safari journey. You will then be transferred to your hotel for dinner and overnight.

Dinner and overnight at The Retreat by Heaven/Kigali Serena Hotel (Luxury), Hotel des Milles Collines (Midrange), 5 Swiss Hotel (Budget)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 2: Kigali City Tour – Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

Kickstart your gorilla trekking adventure with an exploration of Kigali. After breakfast, you’ll enjoy a brief city tour through Kigali, exploring cultural landmarks, local markets, and historic sites. You’ll visit Kigali Genocide Memorial which will provide you with a moving insight into Rwanda’s Genocide history and resilience, serving as a reminder of the strength of its people. Following our Kigali exploration, you will embark on a scenic 2-3-hour drive to Volcanoes National Park.

Situated in the northwest of Rwanda, this park is renowned for its mountainous landscapes, lush vegetation, and being home to many of the world’s mountain gorilla populations. En route, we witness picturesque views of terraced hills, rural communities, and volcanic peaks. Upon arrival, you will check in to your lodge followed by an evening relaxation.

Dinner and overnight at One & Only Gorillas Nest/Singita Kwitonda Lodge/Bisate Lodge (Luxury), Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel/Sambora Kinigi/Ingagi Parkview Lodge (Midrange), Classic Resort Lodge/Lalocanda Boutique Hotel (Budget)

Day 3: Gorilla Trekking Adventure – Iby’wacu Cultural Experience

Our first full day in Volcanoes National Park is all about meeting the gorillas! Rising early, you will fuel up with a hearty breakfast before heading to the park’s headquarters for a briefing by experienced park rangers about the guidelines on gorilla trekking. Equipped with trekking gear and excitement, you’ll embark on a guided journey through dense forests, bamboo groves, and hilly terrains. The trek varies between 2 to 6 hours depending on the location of the gorilla family. Along the way, you encounter other fascinating wildlife, a wide array of bird species, and unique plant life that thrives in the volcanic soil. After navigating the forest, you’ll finally meet a family of mountain gorillas. During a one-hour interaction time permitted, you watch them play, feed, and rest, capturing memories that will last a lifetime. Observing these majestic creatures up close is a humbling experience as the gorillas’ expressive faces and close-knit family bonds leave a profound impression. Returning to our lodge, we unwind and share stories from the day over a delicious dinner, reliving each moment of the trek.

In the afternoon at 1400hrs, you’ll immerse yourself in the local culture with a visit to the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village. Here, you have the chance to interact with the local community and learn about traditional Rwandan norms and customs as you enjoy performances of traditional dances and songs. The village tour also includes demonstrations of traditional medicine, basket weaving, and hunting techniques, offering a glimpse into the local way of life and Rwanda’s rich heritage.

Dinner and overnight at One & Only Gorillas Nest/Singita Kwitonda Lodge/Bisate Lodge (Luxury), Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel/Sambora Kinigi/Ingagi Parkview Lodge (Midrange), Classic Resort Lodge/Lalocanda Boutique Hotel (Budget)

Day 4: Golden Monkey Tracking- Departure

Our final day in Volcanoes National Park begins with an exciting trek to see the golden monkeys. After breakfast at 07h00, you will transfer to the park headquarters for a briefing about Golden Monkeys Trekking code of conduct heading out to the Golden Monkey trails. These rare and lively primates are endemic to the Virunga Mountains, adding another layer of diversity to our wildlife experience. The golden monkeys are known for their playful nature and watching them leap from tree to tree is a joyous sight. This half-day trek offers a less strenuous but equally captivating exploration of the park’s biodiversity.

After our golden monkey trek, we will return to Kigali (2.5-3-hour drive). Depending on your time of Departure, you’ll bid farewell to Rwanda, taking with you, unforgettable memories and a newfound appreciation for the wonders of Volcanoes National Park.

End of the 4 Day Gorilla Trekking Adventure in Volcanoes National Park.