5 Day Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari – Volcanoes National Park Adventure

Experience the Ultimate Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari

This 5 Day Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari offers one of the most extraordinary wildlife experiences in Africa — a close encounter with the endangered mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park.

Your journey begins in Kigali, Rwanda’s vibrant and modern capital city, where you will learn about the country’s inspiring history before traveling to the breathtaking Virunga Mountains, home to the rare mountain gorillas.

During this unforgettable safari you will enjoy:

• Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park
• Golden monkey trekking
• Cultural experiences with local communities
• Spectacular volcanic landscapes
• Comfortable safari lodges surrounded by nature

Rwanda is one of the best destinations in Africa for primate safaris, offering a unique combination of wildlife, conservation, and cultural discovery.

Trip Highlights

This safari offers an exciting combination of wildlife encounters, cultural experiences, and stunning landscapes.

Safari Highlights

• Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park – Spend one magical hour observing endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.
  • Golden Monkey Trekking – Track one of Africa’s rarest primates in the bamboo forests of the Virunga Mountains.
  • Kigali City Tour & Genocide Memorial Visit – Learn about Rwanda’s history and remarkable recovery.
  • Virunga Volcano Landscapes – Enjoy breathtaking views of Rwanda’s volcanic mountain ranges.
  • Cultural Experience at Red Rocks Cultural Centre – Discover traditional Rwandan culture and the making of banana beer.
  • Exclusive Primate Safari Experience – Two of Africa’s most unique wildlife encounters in one unforgettable journey.

Accommodation Information

Your Rwanda safari includes comfortable and well-located accommodations that offer relaxation after each day’s adventure.

Kigali Serena Hotel – Kigali

Located in the heart of Kigali, Kigali Serena Hotel is one of the city’s finest luxury hotels. The property features elegant rooms, tropical gardens, a swimming pool, and excellent dining options. It provides the perfect place to relax after your international flight before starting your Rwanda safari adventure.

Mountain Gorilla View Lodge – Volcanoes National Park

Located near the entrance of Volcanoes National Park, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge offers cozy cottages surrounded by lush gardens with stunning views of the Virunga volcanoes. Each cottage features a fireplace, spacious rooms, and a peaceful mountain atmosphere — perfect after a day of gorilla trekking.

Why Book This Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari

This itinerary has been carefully designed to provide travelers with a seamless and unforgettable safari experience.

Reasons to Book

• Experience two rare primate encounters – gorilla trekking and golden monkey trekking
  • Travel with a private professional safari guide
  • Stay at comfortable lodges close to Volcanoes National Park
  • Enjoy a well-balanced itinerary combining wildlife, culture, and relaxation
  • Experience one of the most exclusive wildlife safaris in Africa

Detailed Safari Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival in Kigali

Your Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari begins upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, where you will be warmly welcomed by a representative from Travels with Kip Limited.

After completing immigration procedures, you will meet your professional driver guide who will transfer you to your hotel in Kigali for check-in.

The rest of the day is at leisure, allowing you to relax and recover from your journey.

Overnight: Kigali Serena Hotel
Meals: Breakfast

Day 2 – Kigali City Tour & Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

After breakfast, begin your day with a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, one of Rwanda’s most important historical sites. The memorial offers a powerful insight into the tragic events of the 1994 genocide while also highlighting Rwanda’s incredible journey of healing and reconciliation.

After the visit, depart Kigali for Volcanoes National Park, located in northern Rwanda near the borders of Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The park is world-famous for protecting the endangered mountain gorillas, first studied by the legendary conservationist Dian Fossey.

You may optionally visit the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, a modern conservation center dedicated to gorilla research and protection.

Arrive at your lodge in time for lunch and relaxation.

Accommodation: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
Meals: Lunch & Dinner

Day 3 – Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

Today is the highlight of your Rwanda Wildlife Safari — Gorilla Trekking.

Your day begins with an early morning wake-up call at approximately 5:30 AM followed by breakfast at the lodge.

At 6:45 AM, depart for the Volcanoes National Park Headquarters where you will attend a briefing from the park rangers. During this briefing, visitors are assigned to specific gorilla families and informed about trekking guidelines.

At around 8:00 AM, begin your trek into the forest to search for the gorillas.

The trekking time can vary between 30 minutes and 4 hours, depending on the location of the gorilla family.

Once the gorillas are located, you will spend one unforgettable hour observing them in their natural habitat — watching them feed, play, groom, and interact.

This close encounter with the gentle giants of the forest is considered one of the greatest wildlife experiences in the world.

After the trek, return to your lodge for lunch and relaxation.

Accommodation: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4 – Golden Monkey Trekking & Cultural Experience

After breakfast, transfer to the park headquarters for another exciting wildlife activity — Golden Monkey Trekking.

Golden monkeys are an endangered primate species found only in the Virunga Mountains. They are known for their energetic movements and striking golden fur.

Similar to gorilla trekking, visitors are allowed one hour with the golden monkeys once they are located.

After the trek, return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation.

In the afternoon, visit the Red Rocks Cultural Centre where you will learn about traditional Rwandan culture and witness the local production of banana beer, a traditional drink made from fermented bananas.

This cultural experience offers a deeper insight into the local communities living near Volcanoes National Park.

Accommodation: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5 – Return to Kigali & Departure

After breakfast, check out from the lodge and enjoy a scenic drive back to Kigali.

Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time for lunch or a short visit to local craft markets before your transfer to Kigali International Airport for your onward flight.

Your Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari ends with unforgettable memories of Rwanda’s incredible wildlife and landscapes.

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

• Airport transfers
  • Accommodation with meals mentioned
  • Bottled drinking water during the safari
  • Private 4×4 safari vehicle with professional driver guide
  • All park entrance fees
  • Activities included in the itinerary
  • Gorilla trekking permit
  • Golden monkey trekking permit

• International flights
  • Rwanda visa fees
  • Optional activities not mentioned
  • Travel insurance
  • Tips and personal expenses