Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport or after breakfast at your hotel, meet your driver-guide for a welcome briefing. Begin your adventure with a Kigali city tour, visiting landmarks such as the Kigali Genocide Memorial, local craft centers, and cultural markets that showcase Rwanda’s resilience and creativity. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before departing on a 2.5-hour scenic drive north to Volcanoes National Park in Musanze District. The drive reveals the stunning Rwandan countryside — terraced hillsides, lush plantations, and the towering Virunga volcanoes forming a breathtaking horizon. Upon arrival, check in to your lodge nestled at the foot of the mountains, relax by the fire, and enjoy dinner surrounded by the serenity of the forest.

After an early breakfast, head to Kinigi Park Headquarters for a briefing about your gorilla trek. Here, you’ll be assigned to a gorilla family based on fitness levels and group preferences. Accompanied by experienced rangers, venture deep into the misty forest — a world of tangled vines, towering bamboo, and echoing birdcalls. The gorilla trek can take between one and four hours, depending on the gorillas’ location.

When you finally meet these gentle giants, you’ll have an extraordinary hour to observe their natural behavior: the silverback’s quiet dominance, mothers cradling their young, and curious juveniles playing nearby. This intimate encounter with the world’s last remaining mountain gorillas is one of Africa’s most powerful wildlife experiences. After descending, return to your lodge for a warm lunch and a well-earned rest. In the afternoon, you may opt to visit the nearby Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village to learn about traditional Rwandan life and enjoy local performances. Dinner and overnight at your lodge.

After breakfast, set out for a guided hike to the Dian Fossey Tomb, located between Mount Karisimbi and Mount Bisoke. The trail begins in the lush forest at the park’s base and ascends gently for about two to three hours through bamboo and hagenia trees. Along the way, you’ll see remnants of the Karisoke Research Center, where Dian Fossey conducted groundbreaking studies on mountain gorillas from 1967 until her death in 1985. Upon reaching her grave, beside her beloved gorilla Digit, your guide will share stories about her life, conservation work, and enduring legacy that continues to protect these remarkable creatures. The hike is both emotional and inspiring, offering stunning views of the Virunga Mountains and a deeper appreciation of Rwanda’s conservation efforts.

After descending, enjoy lunch at your lodge before beginning the drive back to Kigali, with optional stops at roadside markets or viewpoints along the way. Arrive in the city in the evening for drop-off at your hotel or Kigali International Airport, marking the end of your meaningful three-day journey in Rwanda.