Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Tour - 2 Days Gorilla tour Cost
Our inclusive 2-Day Rwanda Gorilla Tour with gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National is for those with limited time for the full tour. We start/end the 2-day gorilla trek safari from Kigali (airport or your hotel), spend the night closer to the gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, and then do the gorilla trekking on the second day. After the gorilla trekking, you will have lunch and return back to Kigali. Plan on arriving in Kigali at about 5 pm after your gorilla trek. Enjoy and see the remaining population of the highly endangered mountain gorillas in their wild, on the shortest gorilla tour ever! This is the best gorilla tour option for those with limited time on holiday.
Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Tour - 2 Days Gorilla tour
This is a 2 day Rwanda gorilla trekking tour that starts and ends in Kigali, Rwanda. One gorilla permit for Volcanoes National Park is included in the cost.
Having a chance to see some of the last remaining 1010 mountain gorillas in the world is a wonderful experience. It offers you an opportunity to track gorillas in Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda.
- Day 1: Meet in Kigali, drive to Volcanoes National Park, and overnight at a hotel near the park
- Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park, transfer back to Kigali, end of gorilla trekking tour
Detailed Itinerary for Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Tour - 2 Days Gorilla tour
Day 1: Meet with your Rwanda Gorilla Tour Guide/ driver, Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Your 2 days Rwanda gorilla tour shall start at the Kigali International Airport when your Rwanda tour guide comes to pick you up upon your arrival. If you are arriving the previous night, we shall arrange to meet with you at your hotel of residence in Kigali city. We shall then set off with our gorilla tour with the 2-3 hours scenic drive to Volcanoes National Park.
For those available in the morning hours, we shall typically be doing a brief city tour of Kigali before proceeding to the gorilla home, Volcanoes National Park. Otherwise, this can also be done on the next day towards the end of your 2-days gorilla tour. The new prosperity features a number of thriving markets and features the mountain terrain famous in Rwanda. A sober contrast to its recent history.
For survivors and others whose families were murdered in Rwanda´s genocide in 1994, the Memorial sites and centers are places of dignified remembrance for loved ones lost. It is also a place of reflection and learning for the wider community, both in Rwanda and internationally.
Ranging in altitude from 2,400km to 4,507, Rwanda's mountain gorillas' home, the Volcanoes National Park is dominated by the setting of several volcanoes after which it is named. Best known to the outside world as the place where for almost 20yrs the American primatologist Dian Fossey took her pioneering studies of mountain gorillas behavior.
Day hikes to see the gorilla families can be strenuous on tracks climbing through the forest, and time is very limited once contact is made with the gorilla families. It is a rare and memorable experience to visit with these giant cousins of man.
Our accommodation is ideally positioned for those who want to watch animals in their habitat, specifically the endangered Rwanda mountain gorillas that still roam these areas. Share in the cuisine of Rwanda, which is served with the hospitality for which we all return to African countries.
Accommodation options in Volcanoes National Park (all on a full board basis)
Top Luxury: Sabinyo Silverback Lodge
Up-market: Mountain Gorillas View Lodge
Moderate: Davinci Gorilla Lodge
Low Budget: Hotel Muhabura
Meals included today: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
On your second and final day of the 2-days Rwanda gorilla tour, you will have the most exciting and memorable big primates experience - gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. Your hotel/lodge shall serve you breakfast early enough so that you are ready to be at the Volcanoes National park headquaters before 7:30 AM for the pre-trek briefing.
During the gorilla trek briefing exercise, you will also be treated to lots of entertainment from the park's neighboring community's traditional cultural dance groups. You shall then be allocated a gorilla group or gorilla family for your trek. Some gorilla families are located quite farther away from the park headquarters and the trekking could last the entire day, but these offer the most adventurous experience as well. For those who are physically challenged, it is wiser to liaise with the park officers for an easier-to-access gorilla group. Your Rwanda tour guide shall be at hand to help you get allocated to the most preferred gorilla group.
A thrilling trek through the refined foothills of the Virungas provides inspiring views in all directions. Then, suddenly, the trail enters the national park, engrossing trekkers in the strange closeness of the rainforest, alive with the calls of colorful birds and chattering of the rare golden monkey, and besieged with fresh spoor of the mountains' elusive populations of buffalo and elephant.
Through gaps in the forest canopy, the marvelous peaks are sighted, easily easy to get to, and among the uppermost in Africa, indicating an ascent. Rwanda gorilla trekking is quite strenuous but a worthwhile encounter for these gentle giants. The enthusiasm of your coming across with these apes will wipe away your intricacy of the strenuous trek.
Spend time watching gorillas, watch the adults feeding their young ones, brushing and resting as the youngsters play from vines in a pleasurably playful display.
After the gorilla trek, we depart Volcanoes National Park and drive back to Kigali and transfer to the airport for your flight.
Day 1: Start from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park for your gorilla trek
For your 2 Days Rwanda gorilla tracking safari, we shall be having our Rwanda tour guide meet with you in Kigali to start the tour. Alternatively, if you are arriving on the day you want to start the tour, your driver can pick you up from the airport and drive straight to the park. In this case, your arrival at Kigali has to be not later than 16:00hrs because we have a drive of about 3 hours to Volcanoes National Park which is best safely done during the day.
If you are available in Kigali during the morning hours, we can start at 8 AM for the commencement of the gorilla tour. Your guide will take you on a tour of the new and vibrant capital city of Kigali. The new prosperity features a number of thriving markets and features the mountain terrain famous in Rwanda. A sober contrast to its recent history.
For survivors and others whose families were murdered in Rwanda´s genocide in 1994, the Memorial sites and centers are places of dignified remembrance for loved ones lost. It is also a place of reflection and learning for the wider community, both in Rwanda and internationally.
Ranging in altitude from 2,400km to 4,507 the Volcanoes National Park (French: Parc National des Volcans) is dominated by the setting of volcanoes after which it is named. Best known to the outside world as the place where for almost 20yrs the American primatologist Dian Fossey did her pioneering studies of mountain gorilla behavior.
Day hikes to see the gorilla families can be strenuous on tracks climbing through the forest, and time is very limited once contact is made with the gorilla families. It is a rare and memorable experience to visit with these giant cousins of man.
Our accommodation for the gorilla trek tour is ideally positioned for those who want to watch animals in their habitat, specifically the endangered Rwanda mountain gorillas that still roam these areas. Share in the cuisine of Rwanda, which is served with the hospitality for which we all return to African countries.
Accommodation options available (all on a full board basis)
Top Luxury: Sabinyo Silverback Lodge
Up-market: Mountain Gorillas View Lodge
Moderate: Davinci Gorilla Lodge
Low Budget: Hotel Muhabura.
Day 2: Rwanda Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
On your second and final day of the 2-days Rwanda gorilla tour, you will have the most exciting and memorable big primates experience - gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. Your hotel/lodge shall serve you breakfast early enough so that you are ready to be at the Volcanoes National park headquarters before 7:30 AM for the pre-trek briefing.
During the gorilla trek briefing exercise, you will also be treated to lots of entertainment from the park's neighboring community's traditional cultural dance groups. You shall then be allocated a gorilla group or gorilla family for your trek. Some gorilla families are located quite farther away from the park headquarters and the trekking could last the entire day, but these offer the most adventurous experience as well. For those who are physically challenged, it is wiser to liaise with the park officers for an easier-to-access gorilla group. Your Rwanda tour guide shall be at hand to help you get allocated to the most preferred gorilla group.
A thrilling trek through the refined foothills of the Virungas provides inspiring views in all directions. Then, suddenly, the trail enters the national park, engrossing trekkers in the strange closeness of the rainforest, alive with the calls of colorful birds and chattering of the rare golden monkey, and besieged with fresh spoor of the mountains' elusive populations of buffalo and elephant.
Through gaps in the forest canopy, the marvelous peaks are sighted, easily easy to get to, and among the uppermost in Africa, indicating an ascent. Rwanda gorilla trekking is quite strenuous but a worthwhile encounter for these gentle giants. The enthusiasm of your coming across with these apes will wipe away your intricacy of the strenuous trek.
Spend time watching gorillas, watch the adults feeding their young ones, brushing and resting as the youngsters play from vines in a pleasurably playful display.
After the gorilla trek, we depart Volcanoes National Park and drive back to Kigali and transfer to the airport for your flight.
2022/2023 Indicative Gorilla Safari Price for 2 days Rwanda Gorilla Tour:
|
Hotel Muhabura |
Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge |
Mountain Gorilla View Lodge |
Five Volcanoes Lodge |
Sabinyo Silverback Lodge/ Bishops' House |
|
|
1 person |
USD2,466 |
USD2,566 |
USD2,632 |
USD2,920 |
USD4,613 |
|
2 persons (per person sharing room) |
USD2,039 |
USD2,100 |
USD2,156 |
USD2,289 |
USD3,884 |
|
3 persons (per person sharing room) |
USD1,903 |
USD1,963 |
USD2,019 |
USD2,152 |
USD3,747 |
|
4 persons (per person sharing room) |
USD1,834 |
USD1,895 |
USD1,950 |
USD2,083 |
USD3,679 |
|
5 persons (per person sharing room) |
USD1,739 |
USD1,854 |
USD1,910 |
USD2,042 |
USD3,638 |
|
6 persons (per person sharing room) |
USD1,765 |
USD1,827 |
USD1,882 |
USD2,015 |
USD3,610 |
|
7 persons (per person sharing room) |
USD1,746 |
USD1,807 |
USD1,862 |
USD1,995 |
USD3,591 |
|
Single Room Supplement |
USD15 |
USD50 |
USD80 |
USD 200 |
USD 288 |
Included
- Gorilla tracking permit (each is $1500) with related park fees and local trek guides
- Accommodation for 1 night with meals (1 breakfast, 1 boxed lunch, 1 dinner)
- Private and exclusive transport to Volcanoes National Park and back to Kigali using a 4x4 vehicle
- Services of an English-speaking tour guide/driver
- Visit to Kigali Genocide Memorial and Museum
Start Planning Your 2 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Tour
Talk to our Rwanda Gorilla Trek Experts
Enquire about this safari and tour prices.
Talk to one of our destination experts to start planning your Rwanda gorilla trek.
Past Client Reviews about our Gorilla Tours and Safaris
-
Ivan has been consistently helpful & professional following our rescheduled visit to Bwindi due to the C19 pandemic.
Francis, our local guide, was friendly & punctual.
Would definitely... read more
Sazparella
2nd March 2023 A bucket list item that did not disappoint. Seeing gorillas up close was truly memorable especially being no more than 12 feet from a Silverback. Due to my... read more 
880Wendy
18th February 2023 A long hard trek of 2 hours - steep up and downhill climbs- make sure you take the walking sticks offered, I also hired a local porter ( there are... read more 
JudyOswestryUK
8th February 2023 Had the best time on this trip. Saw all the highlights of Rwanda and even made it to uganda to see the gorillas. Ivan was fantastic in helping answer any... read more 
kooshak514
2nd February 2023
THE RWANDA MOUNTAIN GORILLA TREKKING EXPERIENCE
Mountain gorillas( Gorilla Berengei Berengei) can only be found in Rwanda, Uganda, and Congo. The act of tourists visiting mountain gorillas is what is called gorilla trekking. In Rwanda, gorilla trekking can only be done in Volcanoes National Park. The park is located at least 2 hours of driving from Kigali, Rwanda's capital city, where the main international airport is also located. Volcanoes National Park, Parc Nationale Des Volcans, has 11 mountain gorilla groups for gorilla trekking and tourists can visit only one gorilla group each day. Every gorilla group can be visited by 8 persons per day. You can, however, book yourself a second Rwanda gorilla trek on the next day. You will need a gorilla trekking permit to visit the Rwanda gorillas. Each Rwanda gorilla permit for Volcanoes National Park is USD1500. Only those aged 15 years ab above can track the mountain gorillas.
Rwanda Mountain gorillas are wild animals and, as such, sightings cannot be guaranteed. However, for the last 14 years, no one has trekked the gorillas and failed to see them in Rwanda. Certainly, you won't be the one with bad luck! On the trek, once you find the gorillas, you will be allowed an hour with the gorillas and you can only go not more than 6 meters from them. As the gorilla tracking in Rwanda can sometimes take a full day, you will need to go with your packed lunch and lots of drinking water when trekking to the gorillas.
Gorilla trekking timings and conditions vary tremendously as the gorillas move continuously through the rain forest. It is good to be prepared and remember the weather can change with very little warning. The terrain is often steep and through areas where there are no marked paths.
TIPS FOR THE BEST GORILLA TREKKING EXPERIENCE IN RWANDA
Secure Your Rwanda Gorilla Trekking permits early
Gorilla Trekking is the most popular foreign tourist activity for Rwanda. This means the competition is quite high for the few gorilla permits in Rwanda and it becomes hard to secure gorilla trekking permits a few days to your Rwanda gorilla tour (although it is often possible with luck more so in the green season months of October, November, April and May). It is best to have your gorilla trek permit fully confirmed at least 4 months in advance.
Assess your fitness levels
There is a likelihood you could walk for 3-6 hours on a gorilla trek. Gorillas are located deep in the jungles of Volcanoes National Park with thick undergrowth over several steep volcanic slopes. Rwanda Gorilla groups keep roaming this forest looking for their favorite food. They are never stationed in the same place over days. Your Rwanda gorilla trek will follow this same trend and it is quite unpredictable knowing how long or tough your gorilla trekking shall be. The longer trek is not necessarily a problem, just something to be prepared for. A bit of moderate physical fitness is needed for gorilla trekking in Rwanda.
Guides & Porters for the gorilla trek
You will be guided through the forest on your gorilla tracking guide whom you will meet at the departure point in the morning of your trek. Your guide can help you book a porter (or two!) so that you can track without having to carry the few essential items listed below in a day pack which you should bring with you. The porters are from the local community and very used to the local conditions and can assist in pushing, pulling and supporting you during your trek to the gorillas. They are usually an additional fee, over and above your safari cost, and you should budget on approximately USD15-20 per porter per day as a fee with additional tipping being optional.
As the porters do not have tracking permits they will be stopped a short distance from the point you will be viewing the mountain Gorillas. Please remember to take whatever you may need from your bag to view the gorillas and rather leave valuables at the lodge/camp.
You will be allowed up to one hour for viewing of the gorillas from when they are sighted by your group. This is to ensure that the wild animals are not overexposed to human presence. Whilst in their presence you will also be required to keep minimum distances from them – generally between 5-7 metres and your guides will ensure this is enforced.
What to pack on gorilla trekking in Rwanda
• Plenty of water – 1-2 litres per person
• High energy snacks in addition to your packed lunch provided by the lodge/camp
• Spare film and batteries for videos and cameras
• Gloves (gardening type are good)
• Waterproof bag to protect photographic equipment
• A hat, sunscreen, mosquito repellent and band-aids might be useful
• A lightweight waterproof jacket/poncho
• Walking sticks are made available at the start of the trek for some of the steeper and more slippery tracks and may prove to be very handy.
Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Age Limits
The age limit for gorilla trekking is 15 years and the authorities are very strict on this! With special written permission however, a 14yr old might pass.