Easy Gorillas in Rwanda
The Rwanda gorilla treks are usually regarded as the easiest – here’s the smart way to trek for mountain gorillas from Kigali into Parc de National Virunga – includes mountain gorilla tracking permit and park fees.
Kigali, Parc de National Virunga, Rwanda 
3 days/2 nights
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The easy way to see gorillas in Rwanda
A relatively short and easy 2 hour drive north of the capital Kigali to the Virunga Volcanoes National Park. This gorilla safari allows you to explore the habitat of mountain gorillas and having tracked the gorillas with your experienced guide you’ll spend one hour intimately observing the habituated group.
- Kigali
- Virunga National Park (a distinctive chain of five volcanoes).
- 3 days /2 nights
- permit included
Highlights of the Mountain Gorilla Safari
Your first port of call is Kigali, one of the safest cities in Africa, and Rwanda’s cultural hub. This vibrant city is packed with bustling markets, excellent restaurants and has an atmospheric Muslim quarter. It’s worth spending a day or two here if time permits.
Then head up into the Virunga Volcanoes National Park and check in to your lodge for the next two nights. The Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel is the perfect base for exploring Volcanoes National Park, and for relaxing before and after your amazing gorilla trekking experience. The lodge has just 11 rooms, a family suite and VIP cottage along with a restaurant, pool and beautiful gardens.
- Market and memorials in Kigali
- Parc de National Virunga, Rwanda
- 3 days/2 nights – suits busy schedules
- Mountain gorilla experience
- Includes one mountain gorilla tracking permit (currently $1500), park fees and professional trackers.
- Optional golden monkey tracking, canoe trip on a local river or bike tour (if time permits)
Best time to see gorillas in Rwanda
You can trek for gorillas year round, but some seasons are drier than others – so, theoretically the easiest trekking time if you have the choice:
- June to mid-September is the long dry season
- October to November is a short rainy season
- December to February is the short dry season
- March to May the wettest and therefore usually the hardest treks.
(Mountain gorilla portrait courtesy Julie Brenner)
Trek mountain gorillas
Probably the easiest and smartest way to trek for mountain gorillas
The Parc National des Volcans is in northern Rwanda on the border of Uganda.
This is a lush home for the mountain gorilla, one of the last habitats in which they're able to survive.
The steep slopes are covered with rich bamboo forests and evergreen glades with open grassland and heath.
The slopes are perfect terrain for the gentle giants of the primate world.
ItineraryFrom $3195
Day 1 - Arrive Kigali You'll be met on arrival at Kigali International Airport for Kigali city tour and transfer to Musanze to check in to your lodge. Ideally located for the Volcanoes National Park.
Day 2 - Volcanoes National Park Breakfast then off to the HQ where you'll join a Gorilla Tracking Group for briefing. Drive to the trail start for your amazing Gorilla adventure.
Day 3 - Depart Breakfast then transfer back to Kigali airport for your flight. If you have a late flight today then optional Golden Monkey Trekking is possible, or a kayaking trip on Lake Kivu.
Tips and notes
Gorillas can be seen in several key areas in the mountains (Mountain Gorillas). Or, for the more adventurous, in the Congo basin (Lowland Gorillas).
How to get there
The safari starts and finishes at Kigali Airport in Kigali, capital of Rwanda. You’ll drive from Kigali through the Rwandan countryside to Ruhengeri at the foot of the Virungas to experience both your gorilla trek before returning once again to Kigali.
Flight connections are available to Rwanda from within Africa, and from Europe, India and China. Speak to us if you require assistance with arranging your flights to Rwanda.
Combine your Gorilla trek with a more traditional African Safari
There is now a great network of regional African flights. As a result, a gorilla trek in Rwanda is now easily combined with a traditional open Savannah safari experience in East Africa. Or even in Southern Africa. Just ask us for more details and help in planning.
Enquire now - let the Zambezi team help you
We're well established "can-do" professionals for whom Africa is home turf offering unrivalled local connections on the ground supported by a wider network closer to you.
We're on hand to help wherever you are. Just drop a note right here...
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