.jpg)
.jpg)
Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Volcanoes National Park
Tour Highlights
What makes this trip special
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Your trip, day by day
Kigali City Tour & Travel to Volcanoes National Park
Your African Majestic Adventures guide will pick you up from your hotel in Kigali or the airport. Your adventure begins with a city tour of Kigali, one of Africa's cleanest and safest cities. Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial for a deeply moving insight into Rwanda's history and remarkable reconciliation. After lunch, we begin the scenic 2.5-hour drive north through Rwanda's famous terraced hills and lush countryside to the base of the Virunga Mountains. Check in at your lodge with stunning views of the volcanoes. Morning: Pickup from your Kigali hotel or airport. Begin with a guided city tour of Kigali, visiting the Kigali Genocide Memorial, local markets, and artisan cooperatives. Learn about Rwanda's incredible transformation since 1994. Coffee at a local cafe overlooking the city hills. Afternoon: After lunch at a local restaurant, depart Kigali for the 2.5-hour drive north to Musanze district. The scenic drive winds through Rwanda's iconic terraced hills, potato farms, and vibrant villages. Arrive at Volcanoes National Park area in the late afternoon. Check in to your lodge and enjoy views of the Virunga volcanoes, including Mount Bisoke and Mount Karisimbi. Evening: Freshen up and enjoy sundowner drinks with volcano views. A gourmet dinner is served with traditional Rwandan cuisine. Your guide will brief you on tomorrow's gorilla trekking experience, including what to wear, what to pack, and what to expect during the trek. Overnight at Mountain Gorilla View Lodge or similar.
Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Today is the highlight of your safari - gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. After an early breakfast, you will report to the park headquarters at Kinigi for a briefing by the Rwanda Development Board rangers. You will be assigned to a specific gorilla family and briefed on trekking protocols. The trek takes you through cultivated fields, bamboo forests, and dense montane vegetation. The duration varies from 1 to 5 hours depending on the gorillas' location. Once you find the family, you will spend one magical hour observing these magnificent creatures. Morning: Early wake-up call at 5:30 AM with tea and coffee. Depart for Kinigi Park Headquarters by 6:30 AM for the 7:00 AM gorilla trekking briefing. Rangers assign groups, provide trekking instructions, and share information about the gorilla family you will visit. The trek begins from the park boundary through farmland, then into bamboo and montane forest. The terrain is steep and muddy - porters are available for hire at the park gate to carry your backpack. Afternoon: Once the gorilla family is located, you will spend one hour in their presence - the most profound wildlife experience of your life. Observe the silverback protecting his family, mothers nursing infants, and juveniles playing. Photography is permitted without flash. After the hour, you trek back to the park gate where your driver awaits. Lunch is served at a local restaurant or back at your lodge. Afternoon rest or optional visit to IbyIwacu Cultural Village. Evening: Return to the lodge for a hot shower and well-deserved rest. Enjoy sundowner drinks with stunning volcano views. A celebratory dinner is served with traditional Rwandan entertainment. Overnight at Mountain Gorilla View Lodge or similar.
Golden Monkey Tracking & Return to Kigali
On our final morning, we head back to Volcanoes National Park for golden monkey tracking. These rare and playful primates live in the bamboo forests of the Virunga Mountains and are endemic to this region. The trek is generally shorter and easier than gorilla trekking. After your golden monkey encounter, you will visit the IbyIwacu Cultural Village for an immersive experience in traditional Rwandan culture. Then we begin the scenic drive back to Kigali. Morning: Early breakfast at the lodge. Depart for Volcanoes National Park at 6:30 AM for golden monkey tracking. The trek through bamboo forests is generally easier than gorilla trekking, lasting 1-3 hours. Golden monkeys are highly active and playful - you will see them leaping through bamboo and feeding. These rare primates are only found in the Virunga region and are a delight to observe in their natural habitat. Afternoon: Visit the IbyIwacu Cultural Village for an immersive experience in traditional Rwandan life. Participate in banana beer making, traditional cooking, Intore dancing, and learn about the relationship between local communities and gorilla conservation. Depart Musanze for the 2.5-hour drive back to Kigali. Stop at local craft markets for souvenir shopping. End of tour with drop-off at your hotel or Kigali International Airport. Evening: Arrive in Kigali by late afternoon. We recommend booking onward flights departing after 6:00 PM from Kigali to allow ample time for the drive and any optional visits.
What's Included & Excluded
Know exactly what your package covers
Included
- Gorilla trekking permit
- Park entrance fees
- Professional trekking guide and armed ranger
- Lodge accommodation
- Full board meals
- Ground transport
Not Included
- International flights
- Visa
- Travel and medical evacuation insurance
- Tips
- Porter fee for carrying bags on the trek (optional but recommended)
- Alcoholic drinks
Best Time to Travel
Gorilla trekking is possible year-round. The driest, easiest trekking conditions fall June-September and December-February.
Lodges near the park
Full board at lodges
What to Pack
Suggested gear for this trip
You Might Also Like
Similar tours our guests love
Get a Free Quote
Tell us about your trip and we'll get back to you within 24 hours — or message us on WhatsApp for a faster reply.