- Duration
- 4 days · 3 nights
- From
- USD 3,050 per person sharing
- Best time
- January to December
Worth knowing
What makes this one different.
- I
Kigali and Volcanoes National Park
Explore one of Africa's most celebrated conservation destinations, known for mist-covered volcanoes, bamboo forests and rare wildlife.
- II
Mountain gorilla trekking
Encounter a habituated mountain gorilla family with expert park trackers and guides in the beautiful montane rainforest of Volcanoes National Park.
- III
Kigali city experience
Enjoy a relaxed introduction to Rwanda's capital, with an optional cultural experience or visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial where appropriate.
- IV
Scenic lodge accommodation
Relax at your chosen lodge after a day of adventure, with options ranging from affordable guesthouses to high-end forest retreats.
Accommodation
Where you sleep, night by night.
Camps and lodges of this standard, named where we have a firm allocation. We will confirm the exact property before anything is booked.
Budget accommodation
Affordable guesthouses and simple lodges around Musanze offering clean rooms and convenient access to the park headquarters. Ideal for travellers prioritising the gorilla trekking experience.
Midrange accommodation
Comfortable lodges with private bathrooms and inviting dining areas. A good balance of comfort, location and value for couples and small groups.
Luxury accommodation
Premium forest lodges and exclusive retreats featuring beautifully designed suites, attentive service, quality dining and dramatic views of the Virunga volcanoes where available.
Day by day.
- 1
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali and transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Journey to the Virunga Mountains Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your Duma Tours representative and introduced to your professional driver-guide. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a short Kigali city tour or proceed directly to Volcanoes National Park. The drive to the Musanze area takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours depending on traffic and road conditions. Travel through Rwanda's picturesque countryside, characterised by terraced hillsides, green valleys and traditional villages. On arrival near the park, check in at your lodge and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. Your guide will brief you on the following day's gorilla trekking adventure and help you prepare for an early start. Meal plan: Lunch and dinner depending on arrival time. Accommodation: Budget, midrange or luxury lodge near Volcanoes National Park.
- 2
Day 2: Mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park
The highlight of your Rwanda safari After an early breakfast, transfer to the Volcanoes National Park headquarters for your gorilla trekking briefing. Park officials will assign you to a habituated gorilla family and explain the trekking rules and conservation guidelines. Accompanied by experienced park guides and trackers, enter the forest in search of endangered mountain gorillas. The trek may take a few hours or longer depending on the gorillas' location and the terrain. Once the gorillas are located, you will generally have one hour to observe them. Watch as they feed, groom one another, play and interact within their family group. Seeing a powerful silverback at close range is often one of the most memorable moments of an African wildlife holiday. After the trek, return to the park headquarters and transfer back to your lodge. Spend the afternoon relaxing or enjoying an optional local cultural activity. Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner. Accommodation: Budget, midrange or luxury lodge near Volcanoes National Park. Important: Gorilla trekking requires a valid permit booked in advance. Trekking duration and physical difficulty depend on the gorilla family's location and forest conditions.
- 3
Day 3: Cultural experiences and exploration around Volcanoes National Park
Discover Rwanda's culture and landscapes Enjoy breakfast at your lodge before spending the day discovering the cultural and natural attractions around Musanze. Choose an optional visit to a community tourism project such as the Iby'Iwacu cultural village experience. Learn about traditional Rwandan music, dance, crafts and local heritage while supporting community-based tourism. Alternatively, travellers seeking more outdoor adventure can enquire about guided hikes or other permitted activities in the Volcanoes National Park area. Golden monkey trekking may be available as an additional activity subject to permits and availability. Return to your lodge for dinner and a final evening surrounded by the peaceful scenery of the Virunga region. Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner. Accommodation: Budget, midrange or luxury lodge near Volcanoes National Park.
- 4
Day 4: Return to Kigali and departure
A scenic end to your Rwanda gorilla safari Enjoy breakfast at the lodge before checking out and beginning your transfer back to Kigali. If your flight schedule permits, you may enjoy a brief city excursion or purchase locally made crafts and souvenirs. A visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial can also be arranged for travellers who wish to learn more about Rwanda's history, subject to opening hours and available time. Your driver-guide will drop you off at Kigali International Airport in time for your onward flight. Meal plan: Breakfast. End of safari: Kigali International Airport.
Before you book
Per person sharing
| Season | When | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Budget Gorilla Safari | Simple comfortable accommodation with private transport and the gorilla permit included | USD 3,050 |
| Midrange Gorilla Safari | Comfortable lodge accommodation with meals and a private guided safari experience. | USD 3,750 |
| Luxury Gorilla Safari | Premium accommodation with attentive service and an exclusive safari experience. | USD 8,150 |
Subject to availability when you book. A single supplement applies to solo travellers.
What is included
Your safari includes
- Airport pickup and drop-off in Kigali.
- Private ground transportation in a suitable safari vehicle.
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide.
- Three nights of accommodation.
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary.
- One mountain gorilla trekking permit per person.
- Applicable activities specifically listed in the confirmed itinerary.
- Bottled drinking water during road transfers.
- Pre-safari briefing and assistance with trip arrangements.
Not included
- International flights to and from Rwanda.
- Rwanda visa fees and travel insurance.
- Optional golden monkey trekking and other additional activities.
- Personal expenses including laundry and souvenirs.
- Tips and gratuities.
- Alcoholic beverages and premium drinks unless included by the lodge.
- Any service not specifically stated in the inclusions.
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