3 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari: A Journey into the Heart of Volcanoes National Park

Arriving in Kigali: Gateway to Rwanda’s Wildlife

Your 3 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari adventure begins the moment you step off the plane at Kigali International Airport. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by a professional guide from Samz Tours Uganda, who will assist with airport formalities and help you with your luggage. The guide will then escort you on a scenic road transfer to Volcanoes National Park, which is about a two-and-a-half-hour drive away from Kigali.

This journey offers a perfect introduction to Rwanda’s lush hills, terraced farmland, and rural landscapes. As you head north, you will pass through quaint villages, fertile valleys, and local communities, giving you a glimpse of the real Rwanda.

Visit to the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund

Upon arrival at Volcanoes National Park, you’ll visit the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund in the afternoon. Dian Fossey, one of the world’s most famous conservationists, dedicated her life to studying and protecting the endangered Mountain Gorillas. Her pioneering research and tireless efforts played a significant role in the conservation of these incredible animals.

At the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund’s Karisoke Research Center, you’ll gain a deep understanding of Fossey’s legacy and the vital work currently being done to protect the gorillas. The center also offers an interactive experience, with information on the park’s ongoing conservation efforts and the history of gorilla research.

You’ll get to learn about the gorilla families, their behavior, and how local communities and researchers collaborate to ensure their survival. After this enriching experience, you will head to your lodge, where you can relax and reflect on the day’s events.

• Pickup from Kigali International Airport.
• Road transfer to Volcanoes National Park.
• Visit to the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund.
• Overnight accommodation at a lodge near the park.

• Meals or drinks not included in the lodge package.

Mountain Gorilla Trekking: A Life-Changing Wildlife Encounter

The second day of your 3 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari is one of the most anticipated parts of your trip: Mountain Gorilla trekking. This unforgettable experience will take you deep into the lush forests of Volcanoes National Park, home to the last remaining Mountain Gorillas in the world.

After an early breakfast, you’ll head to the park headquarters where you’ll meet your experienced park ranger guides. They will brief you on the safety guidelines and rules for tracking the gorillas, as well as provide you with walking sticks and other trekking essentials. You’ll be assigned to one of the mountain gorilla families, and the trekking adventure begins.

The trek can be challenging, as you’ll hike through dense bamboo and montane forest, crossing streams and sometimes steep terrain. However, the thrill of meeting these majestic creatures face-to-face makes every bit of the journey worthwhile. Mountain Gorillas are incredibly gentle and social animals, and you’ll have the chance to observe them in their natural habitat as they interact, feed, and care for their young.

Depending on the gorilla family you are assigned to, the trek may last anywhere from 2 to 6 hours. You’ll have one hour with the gorillas once you’ve found them, providing ample time for photographs, personal reflection, and simply enjoying the magic of being so close to these endangered creatures.

After your gorilla trekking experience, you will return to your lodge, where you can unwind and enjoy a hearty meal. The evening will be free for relaxation, allowing you to digest the unforgettable moments you’ve just experienced.

• Mountain Gorilla trekking permit and park fees.
• Experienced park ranger guides.
• Overnight accommodation at a lodge near Volcanoes National Park.
• Meals or drinks not included in the lodge package.

Iby’Iwachu Cultural Experience: Discover Rwanda’s Rich Heritage

On the final day of your 3 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari, you’ll get a taste of Rwanda’s fascinating culture with a visit to Iby’Iwachu Cultural Village. Located near Volcanoes National Park, Iby’Iwachu is a traditional village that offers an authentic glimpse into the lifestyle of the Banyarwanda people, the indigenous communities of Rwanda.

At Iby’Iwachu, you’ll have the chance to interact with the locals, learn about their ancient customs, and observe traditional Rwandan dances and drumming. You will also discover the ways in which the community contributes to the conservation efforts of Mountain Gorillas and how eco-tourism has become a source of income for local villagers. The visit helps support the conservation work of Rwanda Development Board (RDB) and reinforces the symbiotic relationship between wildlife conservation and local communities.

In addition to the cultural immersion, you will also experience a traditional Rwandan meal, giving you the opportunity to savor authentic dishes like isombe (cassava leaves), ugali (maize porridge), and brochettes (grilled meat skewers).

Scenic Road Transfer Back to Kigali

After your visit to the cultural village, you will have a scenic drive back to Kigali, Rwanda’s vibrant capital. This journey offers beautiful views of the rolling hills and landscapes as you pass through the countryside. The transfer back to Kigali takes approximately two and a half hours, giving you a final chance to absorb the stunning scenery.

Upon arrival in Kigali, your guide will drop you off at Kigali International Airport for your departure. The 3 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari concludes here, but the memories of your incredible gorilla trekking experience will last a lifetime.

• Visit to Iby’Iwachu Cultural Village.
• Traditional Rwandan meal.
• Road transfer back to Kigali.
• Drop-off at Kigali International Airport.