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4 days - Kigali to Volcanoes National Park

Kigali, then the Virungas and the gorillas

Four days from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park, with a scenic helicopter transfer to Musanze and gorilla trekking in the Virungas.

1 Country
2 Stops
3 Nights
Luxury to Top Luxury Service level
  • The storyThe headline tells the journey in a few lines, one after another.
  • At a glanceThe figures beneath it are the essential facts of the trip.

The journey

When to go

Gorilla trekking
Kigali city touring
Gorilla trekking Kigali city touring Avoid
January Primary window

A short dry season. The trails are drier, the volcano slopes are clearer and visitor numbers are moderate. Dry and mild at 1,500 m, with comfortable days for markets and city walks.

Short dry season Dry, mild

The route

Kigali Volcanoes National Park
01

Rwanda

Kigali, then Volcanoes National Park for gorilla trekking.

Upon arrival, after clearing customs and immigration, a representative of our airport and a driver-guide will greet you warmly. The driver will take you to the hotel and help you with check-in, and in the hotel lobby, he/she will tell you about the upcoming safari.
City Tour. In Kigali, you will have a guided city tour in which you will explore this fast-growing city. Kigali Genocide Memorial. You will visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, which has been and continued to be a place of remembrance and learning to honour victims of genocide against the Tutsi and ensure that it never happens again. It is also designed to engage and challenge an international visitor base. Inema Arts Center spurs creativity for personal, social, and economic growth. You will witness the use of the creative expression to bring the community and country alive. Lunch will be at Mille Collines Hotel and onto Kimronko Local market, the largest comprehensive market in the area selling handicrafts, fruits, and vegetables. Drive to Musanze You will then be transferred to Kigali Airport for your scenic helicopter transfer to Musanze. Arrive at the Volcanoes National Park, the home of the endangered mountain gorillas, the lodge staff will welcome you and assist you to check in. Relax and prepare for the next day’s spectacular activities.
After breakfast, you will proceed to park headquarters for check-in, orientation, and assignment. After a briefing led by experienced ranger guides, you will hike to one of the 12 mountain gorilla families that inhabit the park. The terrain is rough and at times muddy. You will spend an hour in their presence when you can observe, photograph, and film them in their idyllic habitat. After tracking, you shall return to your accommodation and relax for the rest of the evening.
After breakfast, you will proceed to park headquarters for check-in, orientation, and assignment. After a briefing led by experienced ranger guides, you will hike to one of the 12 mountain gorilla families that inhabit the park. The trekking can take from 1 to 6 hours and climb to altitudes, not in excess of 7,500 feet. The terrain is rough and at times muddy. You will spend an hour in their presence when you can observe, photograph, and film them in their idyllic habitat. After this memorable experience, return to the lodge for lunch and check out. Later, we will transfer you to Kigali International Airport and proceed to check in for your outbound flight.

The detail

About this trip

Welcome to Rwanda! It is a rapidly developing country famous for its high level of service, beautiful scenery, and, of course, Gorillas.

Your 4-Day Rwanda journey will begin with a stop in its capital—Kigali. During the sightseeing tour, you will immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the African metropolis. You'll also visit sites associated with the tragic events of the last century: the Genocide of the Tutsi people. 

You'll continue on your way to do what you set out on the 4-Day Rwanda Tour to do—meet mountain gorillas. But before that, you'll take a helicopter flight from Kigali to Musanze. The scenery of Rwanda is mesmerising. From a bird's-eye view, you will see an incredible sight that will make you love this country forever. 

What is included

  • Park fees (For non-residents);
  • Gorilla permits (One per person, non-resident);
  • Chimp permits (One per person, non-resident);
  • All activities (Unless labelled as optional);
  • All accommodation (Unless listed as an upgrade);
  • A professional driver/guide;
  • All transportation (Unless labelled as optional);
  • Round-trip airport transfer.
  • Meals (As specified in the day-by-day section);
  • Drinks (As specified in the day-by-day section);

What is not included

  • International flights (From/ home);
  • Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour;
  • Tips (Tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day);
  • Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.);
  • Increases in taxes and/or park fees set by the government.

Good to know

Frequently asked questions

How do we get from Kigali to the gorillas?
On day 1 a driver-guide meets you at Kigali airport and takes you to your hotel. On day 2 you tour Kigali, then go to Kigali Airport for a scenic helicopter transfer to Musanze, where the lodge for Volcanoes National Park is. After the gorilla trek, you return to the lodge for lunch, check out and are transferred to Kigali International Airport for your outbound flight.
When is the best time for the Rwanda gorilla trek?
January, February, June to September and December score highest, with firmer trails, clearer views of the volcanoes and dry, mild days in Kigali. July and August are peak season for trekking, with the earliest sell-out, so book early. March to May and October to November are wetter, with muddy, slippery trails and cloud on the slopes, and April is the wettest.
What does the gorilla trekking day look like?
After breakfast you go to park headquarters for check-in, orientation and assignment, then a briefing by the ranger guides. You hike to one of the mountain gorilla families. The trek can take from 1 to 6 hours over rough, sometimes muddy terrain, climbing to no more than about 7,500 feet. You then spend one hour with the gorillas.
What is flexible on the Rwanda gorilla trip?
The trek length depends on where your assigned gorilla family is that day, so plan for anything from 1 to 6 hours. The Kigali day is a guided city tour that includes the Genocide Memorial, the Inema Arts Center and Kimironko market. Tell us your departure flight time so the final transfer fits. Dates are confirmed in your proposal.
Can you combine more than one country in a single trip?
Yes. Many of our journeys cross borders, for example Botswana with Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, or Cape Town with a safari and the Falls. Tell us the places you have in mind through the enquiry form and we will plan the route and transfers as one itinerary.
What meals are included on safari?
Meals depend on the camp or lodge and are set out in your itinerary. On safari they are usually taken at camp, with a picnic or packed meal on some days. Tell us about any dietary needs when you enquire.
Do I need vaccinations or medication before an African safari?
Health requirements depend on where you are travelling from and where you are going, and they change. Check your country's official travel health advice or TravelHealthPro (travelhealthpro.org.uk), and see a travel clinic well before you depart. Ask about malaria prevention early.
What should I pack for an African safari?
Lightweight, breathable clothing that covers your arms and legs helps against sun and insects, in neutral colours. Bring comfortable closed shoes (boots if you will walk), a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, binoculars and a camera with spare batteries and memory cards. Your itinerary lists any luggage limits for charter flights.
How do I stay safe on safari?
Your guides brief you on how to behave around wildlife. Follow their instructions, stay in the vehicle or camp area as told, and never approach or disturb animals. Conditions differ by country and change over time, so check your government's current travel advice before you book and again before you travel.

On this trip

Photographs from the route, not stock library scenery.

Gorilla with dark fur holding a baby gorilla in green forest undergrowth

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Field notes

The practical detail that decides whether a trip runs smoothly.

A day in Kigali

The city tour includes the Kigali Genocide Memorial, the Inema Arts Center and the Kimironko market. Dress modestly at the memorial and follow the staff's guidance on photography.

The flight to Musanze

The scenic transfer from Kigali airport to Musanze is flown by helicopter. Cloud can change the timing.

Trekking in the Virungas

You meet rangers at the park headquarters for a briefing and allocation to one of the habituated gorilla families. Expect rough, muddy ground.

Gorilla trekking kit

Wear waterproof boots, gaiters, gardening gloves and a rain jacket. The forest is full of nettles.

Minimum age

The minimum age for gorilla trekking is 15. Tell us the ages of all travellers when you enquire.

Plan this journey

Make this trip your own

Every journey is planned around your dates and your party. Tell us who is travelling and when, and a specialist will come back with a tailored itinerary and a quote. Payment is by invoice.

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