2 days Gorilla trekking Volcanoes Rwanda to Volcanoes national park offers an opportunity to spend an unforgettable hour observing and photographing the Virunga Mountain gorillas. Rwanda is renowned for its conservation efforts and the opportunity it provides to observe mountain gorillas in their natural habitat is truly remarkable. You will also visit the new Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund and get a newfound appreciation for the scientific research needed to save these endangered primates.
Highlights for 2 days Gorilla trekking Volcanoes
- Gorilla trekking experience
- Visit the new Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey
- Kigali city tour
Detailed 2 days Gorilla trekking Volcanoes Itinerary
Day 1: Kigali to Volcanoes National Park
You will be picked up by your guide from the airport on arrival or at the hotel if you’re already in Kigali city. Depart to Volcanoes national park in Ruhengeri Northern Province, which may take 2-hour drive (110 km). It’s one of the most beautiful drives you could imagine as you travel across terraced hills en-route to your accommodation on the edge of the protected area where you will have a view of the Virunga Mountains. Arrive at your lodge and check in for a delicious dinner and overnight stay.
Day 2: Gorilla trekking and transfer back to Kigali city
It’s the day for your gorilla trek. You will head to Kinigi the headquarters of Volcanoes national park by 7am to meet your rangers for a briefing on gorilla rules. You will be allocated to a gorilla family and tipped on how long it may take to find it. Locating the gorillas can take 2-5 hours and can be challenging due to the nature of terrain. It’s advisable to hire a porter and have a walking stick. The gorilla family you will see for an hour may include a Silverback, black backs, females, juveniles and infants.
After a once-in-a lifetime encounter, you will return to Kinigi for remarks from the park warden. Enjoy lunch at the lodge and drive back to Kigali capital city with an optional short tour of the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International. On arrive in Kigali, you can have a short Kigali city tour including some of the key landmarks and points of interest in Rwanda’s vibrant capital. Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a place for reflection and remembrance of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi.
Explore Caplaki Craft Village, where you can shop for handmade crafts and souvenirs crafted by local artisans. It’s a great place to pick up unique gifts and support local craftsmanship. Thereafter, you will be transferred to the airport or place of choice. End of 2 days gorilla trekking Volcanoes national park.