Journey Details
- Start / End
- Kigali International Airport → Kigali, Rwanda
- Languages
- English, French, German (on request)
- Guide
- Expert Local Guide
- Group Size
- 2–12
- Accommodation
- Luxury
About This Journey
Overview
Experience one of Rwanda’s most unforgettable wildlife encounters on this 3-day gorilla safari from Kigali. Travel from the capital into the mist-covered Virunga Mountains and Volcanoes National Park, home to Rwanda’s mountain gorillas.
The highlight is a guided mountain gorilla trek through the forest, where you’ll search for a habituated gorilla family and experience these remarkable animals in their natural habitat. With only three days, this itinerary is ideal for travellers who want to add Rwanda gorilla trekking to an East African holiday without committing to a longer safari.
The Route Ahead
Every stop, stay and meal — laid out so you know exactly what each day holds.
Arrive in Kigali, Rwanda
Begin your unforgettable gorilla encounter as you touch down in Kigali, Rwanda's vibrant capital. You'll check into a comfortable hotel in Kigali, where you can relax and prepare for the adventure ahead. Get ready to embark on a journey that will leave a lasting impact.
Transfer to Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
After a delicious breakfast, you'll embark on a scenic drive to Volcanoes National Park. Nestled near the park, your cozy lodge awaits, surrounded by the lush beauty of the Rwandan countryside. The anticipation builds as you get closer to the mountain gorilla habitat.
Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
The day you've been waiting for has arrived! Today, you'll embark on an extraordinary gorilla trekking adventure. Accompanied by experienced guides, you'll venture into the misty mountains, where you'll come face to face with the majestic mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. This intimate encounter will be etched in your memory forever.
Departure Dates & Pricing
Available on request — tell us your preferred dates and we'll tailor a departure around them.
What's Included
- Accommodation in Kigali on Day 1.
- Lodge accommodation near Volcanoes National Park on Day 2.
- Guided gorilla trekking experience in Volcanoes National Park on Day 3.
- All necessary permits and entrance fees.
- Meals as specified in the itinerary.
What's Excluded
- International and domestic flights.
- Visa fees (if applicable).
- Travel insurance.
- Personal expenses.
- Gratuities for guides and staff.
Frequently Asked Questions
East Africa — including Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, and Tanzania — welcomes hundreds of thousands of international visitors every year, and the overwhelming majority return home with wonderful memories and no safety issues.
The main tourist areas (national parks, gorilla trekking zones, established lodges, and well-travelled routes) are generally very safe when you travel with a reputable operator. Crime against tourists is relatively rare in these environments. Like any destination in the world, larger cities require normal urban awareness, especially after dark.
Safety can vary by country and by region, and the situation can change. For this reason we always recommend that you check the latest official travel advice from your own government’s embassy or foreign office before you book and again closer to your departure date. This is the most reliable and up-to-date source of information.
At Tuntu Safaris we take safety extremely seriously. We use experienced local guides, well-maintained vehicles, carefully selected lodges, and proven routes. Your wellbeing is our highest priority from the moment you arrive until you leave.
This is one of the best questions you can ask, and the answer depends on the kind of experience you want.
Uganda is ideal if you want exceptional variety in a single country. Here you can trek mountain gorillas, track chimpanzees, enjoy classic game drives, boat safaris, and beautiful scenery — all without excessive travel days. It feels less commercial than some of its neighbours and offers outstanding value, especially for gorilla trekking.
Rwanda is perfect for a short, high-end, polished trip focused on mountain gorillas. The infrastructure and service standards are excellent, and the experience is very exclusive.
Kenya and Tanzania are the classic choices for big open savannahs, large numbers of the Big Five, and (in season) the Great Migration. They deliver the iconic “endless plains” safari experience many people picture when they think of Africa.
Many of our guests combine two countries. Uganda + Rwanda is a particularly popular pairing for primate lovers. We’re happy to help you decide based on the length of your trip, your interests, and your budget.
Uganda can be visited year-round, but conditions change with the seasons.
The two dry seasons — June to September and December to February — are generally considered the best times for gorilla and chimpanzee trekking. Trails are less muddy and hiking is more comfortable. Wildlife viewing in the savannah parks is also excellent during these months as animals gather around water sources.
The rainy seasons (March to May and October to November) bring lush green landscapes, excellent birdwatching, fewer visitors, and sometimes better availability of gorilla permits and lodge rooms. Trekking is still very possible, though you should expect some mud and rain.
If your main goal is comfortable gorilla trekking, aim for the dry seasons. If you prefer quieter parks and don’t mind a bit of rain, the green seasons can be wonderfully rewarding.
A standard gorilla trekking permit in Uganda currently costs USD 800 per person for foreign non-residents. This allows you one hour with a habituated gorilla family in Bwindi or Mgahinga.
A gorilla habituation experience permit (which lets you spend up to four hours with a group still being habituated) costs USD 1,500.
Permits are limited and sell out quickly in peak season, so we recommend securing them as early as possible. We handle the entire permit booking process for our clients.
