Magic Gorilla Trek in Rwanda – An Unforgettable 2-Day Safari

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611
2 days 1 night
Availability : Jan - Dec
Kigali, Rwanda
Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
Min Age : 15
Max People : 24

Magic Gorilla Trek in Rwanda – An Unforgettable 2-Day Safari

0
  • 2 Days
  • Guide : Expert
  • Difficulty : 7/10
  • Minimum Age : 15
  • Gear : Hiking

Detail

Gorilla tracking in Rwanda offers an unparalleled wildlife experience, allowing visitors to observe endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. This unique adventure takes place in the lush, misty forests of Volcanoes National Park, home to several habituated gorilla families. Guided by expert trackers, small groups of tourists embark on treks through dense vegetation, ultimately coming face-to-face with these magnificent primates.

The experience is not only thrilling but also contributes to conservation efforts. Strict regulations limit the number of daily visitors, ensuring minimal disturbance to the gorillas while generating crucial funds for their protection. Visitors are required to maintain a safe distance and follow specific guidelines to protect both themselves and the gorillas.

Activities

  • cultural experience icon
    Dian Fossey Museum Ticket
  • Cultural Experience
  • Campfire
  • Dining experience
  • Gorilla tracking
  • Hiking
  • Photography
  • scenic drive
    Driving through villages

Price Includes

  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Gorilla permit
  • Ellen DeGeneres Gorilla Conservation Museum of Dian Fossey Ticket
  • Guiding and transportation

Price Excludes

  • Accommodation (pick hotels based on preference and budget)
  • Lunch or dinner
  • Gorilla Guardians Village (Iby'Iwacu Cultural Experience)

What to Expect

Embark on an unforgettable gorilla tracking adventure in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, a once-in-a-lifetime experience that offers a rare opportunity to observe endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. As you trek through the lush, mist-shrouded forests and navigate rugged terrain, expert local guides will lead you to a habituated gorilla family. Here, you’ll spend a precious hour observing these magnificent creatures up close, witnessing their complex social behaviors and interactions in an intimate, awe-inspiring setting.

 

This extraordinary adventure promises to be the highlight of your Rwandan experience, offering a profound connection with nature and a deeper understanding of these remarkable primates. As you observe the gorillas’ gentle nature and striking similarities to humans, you’ll gain a new appreciation for wildlife conservation and the importance of protecting these endangered species for future generations.

The memories of your time spent with these majestic creatures will undoubtedly last a lifetime, inspiring a renewed commitment to global conservation efforts.

  • Gorilla Encounter
  • Conservation education
  • Cultural immersion
  • Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village

Itinerary

Day 1 - Visit The Ellen DeGeneres Dian Fossey Museum

Morning Start: You’ll depart from Kigali early in the morning—around 8:00 AM from Kigali (a 2–3-hour drive to the park area). 
 
You will either visit the Dian Fossey Musuem or the cultural tour depending on your preferences.
 
  1. The Ellen DeGeneres Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund Museum is a proposed attraction that aims to honor the legacy of both Ellen DeGeneres and Dian Fossey while raising awareness about gorilla conservation. This unique museum would showcase the life’s work of Dian Fossey, her groundbreaking research on mountain gorillas, and Ellen DeGeneres’ continued efforts to support gorilla conservation through her fund.
  2. Cultural Experience: Your first stop will be a cultural site, most commonly the Gorilla Guardians Village near Kinigi. This is a community-led initiative showcasing Rwandan traditions. Here’s what to expect:
      • Activities: Traditional dance performances (think energetic Intore dancers), demonstrations of local crafts like basket weaving, and hands-on experiences such as grinding millet or tasting homemade banana beer. You might also visit a mock king’s palace and hear stories from ex-poachers turned conservationists about their role in protecting the gorillas.
      • Duration: This typically takes 2–3 hours, wrapping up by late morning or early afternoon
Lunch and Exploration: After the cultural tour, you’ll likely have lunch nearby—either at a local restaurant in Musanze or at your lodge. 
 
Evening: You’ll check into your accommodation near the park. The evening is usually low-key—resting up for the big trek.

Day 2 - Wake up early and embark on a gorilla tracking adventure

  • Early Morning: It’s an early wake-up—around 5:00–6:00 AM. You’ll head to the park headquarters in Kinigi by 7:00 AM for the official briefing. 
  • Briefing and Group Assignment: At headquarters, rangers brief you on safety and behavior rules (e.g., no eating near gorillas, keeping 7 meters distance). You’ll be assigned to one of the 12 habituated gorilla families—group size is capped at 8 trekkers. The family you track depends on your fitness level and any preferences you’ve shared (e.g., shorter vs. longer hikes).
  • The Trek: After driving to the trailhead, the hike begins. It can take 30 minutes to 4+ hours each way, depending on the gorillas’ location that day. The terrain is rugged—steep slopes, muddy trails, and thick vegetation like bamboo and nettles. Guides, trackers, and armed scouts lead the way, and porters (highly recommended) can carry your bag for a small fee (usually $10–20).
  • Gorilla Encounter: Once you locate the gorillas, you get one precious hour with them. You might see them eating, grooming, or tumbling around (especially the playful juveniles). It’s a humbling experience—mountain gorillas are calm but powerful, and their human-like behaviors are captivating. Cameras are allowed (no flash), and guides will help position you for the best views while respecting the animals. The hike back takes another 1–4 hours. You’ll be back at the trailhead by mid-to-late afternoon, depending on the trek’s length.
  • Return: Following a brief debriefing and the handover of your permit certificate, our guide will escort you to a nearby restaurant. There, you can unwind, recharge, and enjoy a invigorating cup of coffee to boost your energy. Afterward, we’ll drive you back to Kigali—a journey of approximately 3–4 hours—arriving by evening, depending on traffic and road conditions.

To ensure a comfortable and rewarding expedition, it’s essential to come prepared. Bring appropriate hiking gear, including:

  • Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots
  • Long, quick-drying pants
  • A waterproof jacket
  • Gloves for protection against nettles
  • A hat and sunscreen
  • A small backpack for carrying water and snacks
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Price

Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda's Volcanoes Park

From$1,500
0
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Proceed Booking

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