4 Days Gorilla Trekking Safari with Kigali City Tour

Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, a private transfer is arranged, and assistance is provided through arrival formalities. The day is gently introduced with a guided exploration of Kigali, widely regarded as one of Africa’s cleanest and safest capitals. The city tour is conducted at an unhurried pace and includes visits to key cultural and historical landmarks, local craft markets, and panoramic viewpoints that reveal Kigali’s rolling hills and organized urban layout.

A visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial is included to provide historical understanding and respectful reflection, offering essential context to Rwanda’s modern identity and resilience. Time is also allocated for lunch at a reputable local restaurant, allowing exposure to contemporary Rwandan cuisine. In the late afternoon, hotel check-in is completed, and the remainder of the evening is reserved for rest and acclimatization.

Accommodation options (Kigali):
Mid-range: Hotel des Mille Collines
Luxury: Kigali Serena Hotel or The Retreat by Heaven

After breakfast, departure is scheduled for northern Rwanda with a scenic drive toward Volcanoes National Park, located in the foothills of the Virunga Mountains. The journey takes approximately two and a half to three hours and passes through rural landscapes, terraced hillsides, and vibrant roadside communities, offering visual insight into everyday Rwandan life.

Upon arrival in the Volcanoes region, lunch is served either at the lodge or at a selected restaurant near the park. The afternoon is intentionally kept relaxed to allow preparation for the following day’s gorilla trek. A detailed briefing is provided by the guide, covering trekking procedures, physical expectations, and conservation rules. The evening is spent at leisure, with views of the volcanoes often visible from lodge grounds, reinforcing the sense of proximity to the wilderness.

Accommodation options (Volcanoes area):
Mid-range: Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge or Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
Luxury: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel or Bisate Lodge

An early start is required, with breakfast served before transfer to the park headquarters for formal registration and briefing by park rangers. Gorilla trekking groups are allocated based on fitness levels and gorilla family locations to ensure balanced impact and manageable trekking conditions. Once assigned, the trek begins into the montane forest, guided by experienced rangers and trackers.

The trekking duration varies depending on the movement of the gorilla family, ranging from one to several hours. Once the gorillas are located, a strictly regulated one-hour observation period is permitted. During this time, visitors quietly observe gorilla behavior such as feeding, grooming, and social interaction, all conducted under strict distance and health protocols to protect the animals.

After the trek, a return to the lodge is arranged for lunch and rest. The afternoon is reserved for relaxation or optional community visits, allowing time to absorb the emotional and physical intensity of the experience. The evening concludes with dinner at the lodge, often accompanied by views of mist settling over the volcanic slopes.

Accommodation: Same as Day 2

Following breakfast, departure from the Volcanoes region is scheduled for the return journey to Kigali. Depending on flight schedules, time may be allocated for last-minute shopping, café visits, or a brief stop at local artisan centers. A private transfer is provided to Kigali International Airport for onward travel, marking the conclusion of the safari.