2 days Rwanda gorillas will entirely be in Volcanoes national park where you will be able to meet mountain gorillas at a close range. Volcanoes national park is found within Virunga conservation areas, covered within the 8 volcanoes, other parks shared in this area are Mgahinga gorilla national park in Uganda and Virunga national park in Congo.
The 2 days gorilla tour is ideal for people interested in seeing the gorillas on short notice but already within the country for other errands. This gorilla safari is a one-time unforgettable experience meeting a settled gorilla family in a communal gathering of about 8-10 members led by the silverback as the head of the family. in some instances, you will find two silverbacks in one gorilla family which implies the other silver-backs had to submit to his leadership or else break away and start their own families.
Volcanoes national park is about 2-hour drive from Kigali. As you drive to the park, you will go through the beautiful rolling hills of the countryside in Musanze district until you reach the park.
Detailed itinerary
Day 1: Transfer from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park
You will be picked up from your hotel if you are already in the country or at the airport upon arrival and immediately transfer to volcanoes national park, this is to allow you to prepare and refresh for hiking and trekking in search of the gorillas the following day. You will drive through Kigali city and major towns with a scenic view of the undulating rolling hills till you reach your destination. When you reach, check-in at the lodge refresh, and if it’s still early you can do an evening walk to the Iby’iwachu cultural village for traditional entertainment of Rwanda’s beautiful culture or canoe ride on River Mukugwa.
Accommodation options; Five Volcanoes Lodge, Le bambou gorilla lodge, Garden palace hotel
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking experience & Departure
Wake up early, refresh and check out of the lodge to Kinigi park headquarters for briefing, in the meantime while waiting you will be welcomed with a Rwandan hot cup of coffee and cultural entertainment. At 07:30 am you will be briefed on the gorilla rules and the gorilla families thereafter drive to a trail that takes you into the forest to begin searching for gorillas. You trek through the forest until you find the allocated gorilla family. There you are allowed to spend 1 hour observing and photographing gorillas. Thereafter your encounter with the gorillas you trek back to the starting point drive back to Kigali. You will have your hot lunch en-route.
Tour includes
- Gorilla permit
- Ground transport
- Bottled water in vehicle
- Full board meals & accommodation for one night
- An English-speaking driver guide
Tour Excludes
- Extras such as personal expenses i.e., drinks, telephone, laundry etc.
- Tips
- Any other not mentioned in the itinerary
Preparing for gorilla safari
- Wear long trouser and long-sleeved tops
- Insect repellent
- Garden gloves
- Rain jacket
- Waterproof hiking shoes
Gorilla trekking tips
- You must have tested negative for covid 19 before you access the pack.
- Wear your mask properly
- Carry a water bottle along on your trek,
- Eating, drinking and smoking near the gorillas is forbidden
- Only one hour time is allowed to spend with the gorillas
- Flash photography is prohibited.
- Porters are available to help you carry your day pack for a small charge.
