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 the dramatic landscapes and extraordinary wildlife of Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park on this 4-day gorilla trekking and hiking adventure from Kigali. After arriving in Rwanda’s capital, travel into the Virunga Mountains and settle into the lush surroundings of Volcanoes National Park.
The highlight is an unforgettable mountain gorilla trekking experience, taking you into the forest to encounter one of Africa’s most remarkable primates in its natural habitat. The journey also gives you time to experience Kigali’s culture and history, making this a compact option for travellers seeking a Rwanda gorilla trekking experience combined with a mountain adventure.
The Route Ahead
Every stop, stay and meal — laid out so you know exactly what each day holds.
Arrival in Kigali International Airport
Begin your adventure as you arrive at Kigali International Airport and check into the iconic Hotel des Mille Collines, known for its rich history. Relax and prepare for the exciting days ahead.
Into the Volcanoes National Park
Embark on a journey to Volcanoes National Park, a place of breathtaking beauty and home to remarkable volcanoes. Settle into your lodge nestled in the heart of the park, surrounded by lush forests and stunning landscapes.
Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Thrills Experience the highlight of your adventure with a day of gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. Encounter these magnificent creatures up close in their natural habitat, an awe-inspiring and humbling experience you'll cherish forever.
Return to Kigali city
Bid farewell to the park and head back to Kigali city. Take some time to explore the vibrant culture and history of the city before departing, leaving with unforgettable memories of your volcano hiking adventure.
Departure Dates & Pricing
Available on request — tell us your preferred dates and we'll tailor a departure around them.
What's Included
- Accommodation at Hotel des Mille Collines and Lodge in Volcanoes National Park
- Gorilla trekking experience in Volcanoes National Park
- Ground transportation throughout the tour
- Meals as per the itinerary
- Experienced tour guide
What's Excluded
- International airfare
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
- Tips and gratuities
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.
