3 Days Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda | Volcanoes National Park Safari

Route, Style & Guided Experience

Route: Kigali – Volcanoes National Park – Kigali (Round trip)
Style: 3 Days Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda – Private or group tour, available in budget, mid-range, or luxury styles
Operated by: Nextgen Safaris – Expert English-speaking safari guide (German, French, Russian available on request)

This 3 Days Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda itinerary is perfect for travelers with limited time who want to experience one of the most life-changing wildlife encounters on Earth. You’ll track mountain gorillas deep in the misty forests of Volcanoes National Park, visit cultural sites in Kigali, and enjoy breathtaking views of the Virunga Volcanoes — all within a short but rich itinerary.

Overview – 3 Days Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

The 3 Days Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda safari is a short yet powerful journey into the heart of Africa’s highland jungle. You’ll spend two nights near the legendary Volcanoes National Park, home to the world’s last remaining mountain gorillas, and one full day dedicated to tracking these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.

This trip includes a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, beautiful countryside drives through the land of a thousand hills, and the unforgettable experience of standing a few meters away from a wild silverback gorilla. The tour is ideal for wildlife lovers, photographers, and those seeking a meaningful, once-in-a-lifetime encounter.

Day-by-Day Highlights – 3 Days Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

• Day 1: Arrival in Kigali – City tour & transfer to Volcanoes National Park

• Day 2: Mountain Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park – Cultural visit (optional)

• Day 3: Transfer back to Kigali – Souvenir shopping – Departure

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali – Complimentary City Tour – Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

Your 3 Days Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda adventure begins with a warm welcome from your Nextgen Safaris guide at Kigali International Airport or at your hotel in Kigali. After a short briefing and luggage assistance, you’ll begin a complimentary Kigali city tour to explore Rwanda’s clean, modern capital and learn about its powerful history.

Complimentary Kigali City Tour Includes:

• Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre – a moving tribute to Rwanda’s past

• Kimironko Market – Kigali’s largest local market, full of colors and culture

• Craft & Art Centers – perfect for authentic souvenirs and local artwork

• Optional coffee stop at Question Coffee or Inzora Rooftop Café

This city tour is fully guided, designed to offer you a personal connection to Rwanda’s story before your gorilla trekking experience begins.

Transfer to Volcanoes National Park (Musanze/Ruhengeri)

After the city tour and lunch in Kigali, you’ll begin the scenic drive to Volcanoes National Park, located in Rwanda’s Northern Province. The route passes through rolling green hills and rural villages — showcasing why Rwanda is called the Land of a Thousand Hills.

• Distance: Approx. 115 km (71 miles)

• Drive Time: 2.5 to 3 hours depending on traffic and stops

• Road Type: Smooth, paved tarmac all the way

Upon arrival in Musanze, you’ll check in at your lodge with views of the Virunga Volcanoes and prepare for the following day’s gorilla trek.

Accommodation Options near Volcanoes National Park

• Meal Plan: Lunch (in Kigali) & Dinner at the lodge

• Included: Private transfer, professional guide, bottled water, city tour

• Optional Add-ons: Visit to Dian Fossey Fund offices (if time allows)

Your first day of this 3 Days Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda sets the perfect tone: cultural insight, smooth travel, and a warm Rwandan welcome.

Day 2: Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park – Optional Cultural Visit

Day 2 of your 3 Days Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda begins early with a hearty breakfast at your lodge. By 7:00 AM, your Nextgen Safaris guide will transfer you to the Volcanoes National Park headquarters in Kinigi, where you’ll check in and be assigned to a gorilla family group based on your fitness level and preferences.

Gorilla Trekking Experience

• Briefing Time: 7:30 AM by a senior ranger

• Trekking Time: Typically 2 to 6 hours, depending on gorilla location

• Group Size: Maximum of 8 people per gorilla group

• Time with Gorillas: Strictly 1 hour, once located

Your professional park rangers will lead you deep into the misty rainforest, tracking signs such as nests, dung, or vocalizations. Once you reach your assigned mountain gorilla family, you’ll observe their behavior—grooming, feeding, playing, or simply relaxing—just a few meters away. It’s a profound, emotional, and unforgettable encounter.

This moment is the highlight of your 3 Days Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda experience, and for many, one of the greatest wildlife moments of a lifetime.

What to Bring for the Trek

• Sturdy hiking boots

• Long trousers & sleeves (for nettle protection)

• Rain jacket & waterproof backpack

• Gloves & walking stick (can be provided at park HQ)

• Energy snacks & 2L of water

• Camera (no flash allowed)

Download Our Free Nextgen Gorilla Trekking Checklist

Optional Afternoon Cultural Visit (Time & Energy Permitting)

After returning from the trek and enjoying lunch at your lodge, you may choose to relax or take part in an optional cultural experience:

• Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village – meet local Rwandan communities, enjoy traditional music, storytelling, and dancing

• Visit local schools or community projects supported by conservation tourism

• Visit Dian Fossey Museum or Gorilla Guardians Camp (additional fee)

Overnight in Musanze (same lodge)

Enjoy a relaxed evening with views of the volcanoes and reflect on your gorilla trekking day. Many guests choose to share stories around a lodge fireplace, surrounded by Rwanda’s lush highland forest air.

• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch (post-trek), Dinner

• Included: Gorilla trekking permit ($1,500), park ranger, porter services (optional tip), private transport

• Optional: Cultural activity or community visit

Day 2 of your 3 Days Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda is the emotional and experiential core of the journey — offering raw connection with endangered mountain gorillas in their natural home.

Day 3: Return to Kigali – Souvenir Shopping – Departure

After breakfast at your lodge, your 3 Days Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda concludes with a scenic drive back to Kigali, giving you one last opportunity to admire Rwanda’s rolling green hills and misty volcanoes.

• Distance: Approx. 115 km (71 miles)

• Drive Time: 2.5 to 3 hours

Along the way, you can choose to stop at local markets, artisan workshops, or craft centers for souvenir shopping, including:

• Hand-carved gorilla statues

• Traditional Rwandan baskets (Agaseke)

• Locally made clothing, jewelry, or ceramics

• Fair-trade coffee and tea products

Your guide can also arrange a lunch stop in Kigali before your airport drop-off or transfer to your preferred hotel.

Departure Details

• Drop-off: Kigali International Airport or Kigali city hotel

• Optional: Late-day visit to Nyamirambo Women’s Center or Camp Kigali Memorial (time permitting)

• Meal Plan: Breakfast only

• Included: Private transfer, guide, bottled water during transfer

Safari Completion Summary

Over the course of this 3 Days Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda safari, you have:

• Explored Kigali’s rich cultural history

• Witnessed mountain gorillas in the wild

• Engaged with local communities and landscapes

• Experienced one of Africa’s top eco-tourism destinations in just 3 days

Whether you’re on a quick wildlife getaway or combining this with a longer East African trip, this short gorilla trekking safari is designed to leave you transformed.

Ready to Meet the Mountain Gorillas of Rwanda?
Book your 3 Days Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda with Nextgen Safaris and enjoy an expertly guided, all-inclusive journey to the legendary Volcanoes National Park. Whether you’re short on time or want to add this to a longer East Africa safari, we’ll make it unforgettable.
📩 Contact us now to check permit availability and plan your custom trip!

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