3-Day Classic Rwanda Gorilla Safari

3-Day Classic Rwanda Gorilla Safari

Overview

  • Duration:3 days 2 nights
  • Travelers:1 - 16 guests
  • Tour Type:Rwanda Gorilla Tours
  • Language:English
The essential Rwanda primate experience. This 3-day itinerary combines the thrill of tracking mountain gorillas in the Virungas with an exploration of Musanze’s volcanic lakes and cultural heritage.
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Highlights

  • High-altitude gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park.
  • Guided canoe/boat cruise on the Twin Lakes of Burera and Ruhondo.
  • Exploration of the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund.
  • Kigali historical city tour including local craft market visits.

Includes/Excludes

  • Gorilla Permit ($1,500 per person)
  • 2 night full-board accommodation
  • All activities mentioned in itinerary
  • 4x4 safari customised vehicle
  • Experienced English speaking driver guide
  • Park entry taxes.
  • Bottled drinking water in vehicle
  • International flights
  • Visa fees
  • Porter hiring fees
  • Tips for guides/rangers
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Travel insurance

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival, Kigali City Tour & Transfer to Musanze

Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, meet your private safari guide. Tour Kigali's vibrant highlights, including the Kigali Genocide Memorial and local artisan markets. Stop for lunch at a city restaurant before driving through the countryside to Musanze, arriving at your lodge near Volcanoes National Park in time for dinner.

  • Stay: Classic Gorilla Lodge
  • Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

Report to Kinigi park station at 7:00 AM for your assignment to a gorilla family. Trek into the rainforest alongside professional trackers and armed rangers. Spend an unforgettable hour with these giant gentle primates. In the afternoon, visit the state-of-the-art Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund to learn about decades of mountain gorilla research and conservation.

  • Stay: Classic Gorilla Lodge
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Twin Lakes Exploration & Return to Kigali

After a relaxed breakfast, take a scenic drive to the Twin Lakes of Burera and Ruhondo. Enjoy a peaceful boat cruise across the calm, volcanic waters surrounded by steep green mountains. After lunch, take the return drive back to Kigali for evening international flight connections or drop-off at your hotel.

  • Stay: N/A (End of Tour)
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Frequently asked questions

What is the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund? I

It is a modern, interactive conservation center near Kinigi that showcases Dian Fossey's legacy, ongoing gorilla research, and interactive exhibits.

What shoes should I wear for gorilla trekking?

Waterproof, sturdy hiking boots with good ankle support and grip are essential for navigating slippery slopes and dense bamboo undergrowth.

What is the weather like near Volcanoes National Park?

Due to its high elevation, the area is cool and damp. Temperatures range between 10°C and 20°C (50°F–68°F). Pack warm layers and rain gear.

Is it possible to track a specific gorilla group?

You can request a group based on your fitness level during the morning briefing, and the park rangers will try to accommodate your request.

How far in advance should I book my gorilla permit?

Because Rwanda limits gorilla permits to preserve the ecosystem, permits sell out quickly. Booking 3 to 6 months in advance is recommended.

Services

Gorilla & Primate Trekking Management

The hallmark service of Gentle Giants Safaris is organizing primate encounters. Permit Acquisition: We secure high-demand Uganda and Rwanda gorilla trekking permits for Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Volcanoes National Park, along with chimpanzee tracking permits for Kibale Forest and Nyungwe Forest. Habituation Experiences: We arrange full-day habituation permits to spend extended time with wild gorilla families undergoing human habituation. Logistics & Briefings: We provide pre-trek orientation, gear advice, and coordinating localized ranger and porter arrangements.

Lodge & Accommodation Reservations

At Uganda Rwanda Tours we secure strategic accommodation options across all park networks. Strategic Location Booking: We handpick lodges that align with specific gorilla sector assignments (Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, or Nkuringo) to avoid early-morning driving delays. Contracted Rates: We utilize preferential B2B trade rates to secure luxury safari lodges, eco-lodges, or budget guest houses for clients. Dietary & Special Requests: We manage dietary needs, honeymoon arrangements, and room preferences directly with lodge management.

Safari Transportation & Flight Connections

We maintain specialized transport fleets to handle long-distance transfers and rough terrain. 4x4 Safari Vehicles: We provide customized, pop-up roof 4x4 Land Cruisers and safari minivans equipped with onboard charging points, fridges, and long-range radios. Fly-In Safaris: We book domestic charter or scheduled internal flights (e.g., Aerolink) connecting Entebbe/Kajjansi to airstrips like Kihihi, Kasese, or Pakuba to eliminate long road journeys. Driver-Guides: We have professional, English-speaking driver-guides trained in animal tracking, defensive driving, and local flora/fauna interpretation.

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