Rwanda · Wildlife

4-Day Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Tour from Kigali with Fossey Visit

4 Days Round trip from Kigali Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Life-changing gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park
02 Hike through Rwanda's mountains to see gorillas in their natural habitat
03 Visit the Genocide Memorial in Kigali
04 Optional visit to the Diane Fossey Foundation

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is often described as a "life-changing" experience, and with good reason. With only an estimated 880 gorillas left in the world, seeing these gentle creatures in their natural habitat is a truly unique moment. This 4-day journey from Kigali includes a visit to Volcanoes National Park, mountain hiking that can last anywhere from 30 minutes to 4 hours or more, and the chance to visit the Diane Fossey Foundation. The journey back can take just as long, but you are often carried along by the euphoria you feel after seeing the gorillas.

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is often described as a "life-changing" experience, and for good reason.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 4 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

Cities Kigali, Volcanoes National Park

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Arrival Kigali

Upon arrival in Kigali, you will be greeted by a representative outside the customs and immigration hall, who will assist you with your paperwork. You will then be transferred to Heaven Boutique Hotel, your accommodation in the city.

Dinner and overnight stay at Heaven Boutique Hotel in a Double Room with a half-board meal plan.

Day 02

Kigali to Memorial Visit & Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

Day 03

Gorilla Trekking

Start your day with an early breakfast before heading to the park headquarters for the gorilla trek briefing at 7am. You will then be taken to the starting point of your guided walk. At 8am, you will begin the amazing adventure of gorilla trekking.
Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is often described as a "life-changing" experience, and for good reason. With only an estimated 880 gorillas remaining in the world, seeing these gentle creatures in their natural habitat is a truly unique and special moment. The length of the hike can vary between 30 minutes to 4 hours or more, depending on the family allocated to your group and their location. The journey back can take just as long, but the feeling of euphoria after seeing the gorillas often carries you along.
After enjoying this magical experience, you will return to the hotel for lunch and relaxation. The meal plan includes full board.

Day 04

Transfer to Kigali

Today you will have breakfast and have an optional visit to the Diane Fossey foundation with a welcome donation of $20. For 55 years, the Fossey Fund has been working to help conserve wild gorilla populations and support the people who share gorillas’ forest home. It all started with two tents that Dian Fossey erected in the forest in 1967. From there, they grew over the years, from one person to a staff of more than 300. The team made a strategic decision to move forward on an ambitious, 20-year dream to create a purpose-built facility in Rwanda aimed at accelerating science and conservation work.

Alternatively, you can check out and enjoy the facilities and have lunch then drive back to Kigali.

If time permits, you do some last-minute shopping before transferring to Kigali International Airport in time for your outbound flight.

Where this trip takes you

Volcanoes National Park, Diane Fossey Foundation, Kigali

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Kigali 2 cities · 4 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Inclusions

Private airport and inter-hotel transfers from day 1 to the last day
Accommodation at hotels/lodges and meals mentioned in the program
Exclusive use of a safari Land Cruiser 4x4 with WiFi where receptive and a pop-up roof
Services of a professional, experienced driver-guide
Gorilla permit per person
Genocide Memorial visit
Our assistance

What's Not Included

International and domestic airline tickets unless otherwise indicated
Entry visa fees - $50
Donation for visit to the Diane Fossey Foundation - $20
Optional extras while in Kigali
Drinks throughout the trip
Tips and gratuities
Personal expenses such as telephone calls, minibar, porterage, and travel insurance

What to bring

Camera
Comfortable wear

Know before you go

GORILLA PERMIT NOTE AND TREKKING RULES

If you have a cold, flu, or other contagious infection, you should not go gorilla trekking, as the gorillas are very susceptible to catching human infections, particularly respiratory ones.

WEATHER IN RWANDA

Rwanda has a tropical highland climate, with plenty of rain. Temperatures vary considerably between locations depending on their altitude, but very little from month to month in the same place. In the capital, Kigali, the average daily temperature is about 21°C/70°F.

Rainy season: March to May and October to November
Hottest months: June to September

For all outdoor activities, we recommend suitable outdoor clothing appropriate to the season and weather. The weather in the rainforest and mountains can change quickly, ranging from warm sunny days to rainy spells and very cool conditions during rainy evenings. We therefore recommend that you pack a range of clothing suitable for all conditions, particularly warm gloves, scarves, and headwear during rainy seasons, as well as waterproof outerwear, closed shoes for hikes, plus a hat and sun protection.

TIME ZONE

The time zone in Rwanda is set two hours ahead of GMT (GMT +2).

Minimum of 2 people.

Logistics