This 2 Days Rwanda gorilla Safari is designed for travelers with a little time to spare for a longer expedition in the country. It could be someone attending a workshop or training in the country or a tourist coming from a safari in other African countries and is only interested in seeing the gorillas. The tour can start from Kigali or Musanze in Rwanda but travelers from Kisoro/Kabale in Uganda can also take it. It only takes 3 hours of driving past beautiful countryside to reach the Volcanoes National Park from Kigali. This makes the 2 days gorilla safari more practical in Rwanda then it is in Uganda. Driving from Entebbe or Kampala in Uganda to Bwindi Impenetrable forest can take 8 or more hours. If one is interested in a gorilla tour in Uganda, they would have to go for the 3 days Uganda gorilla safari package.
A little information and background about the Volcanoes national park in Rwanda? Well the Volcanoes National Park is one of the four national parks where tourists can track mountain gorillas. The other national parks are Virunga in Congo, Mgahinga and Bwindi in Uganda. The Volcanoes National Park is situated on the northwestern part of the country. It has about 360 of the 1006 mountain gorillas remaining on earth. The Volcanoes National Park stands out from other gorilla national parks because it is more accessible and things are done more professionally. The park became known globally in 1967 when the American primatologist Dian Fossey resided there with the mission to save the then decreasing number of the mountain gorillas. She established her research Centre between Mount Bisoke and Karisimbi where she carried out research on the social behavior and biology of the mountain gorillas. Fossey loved her work with the gorillas that she later set up the Dian Fossey gorilla fund which was formerly known as the Digit Fund to solicit funds to stop their extinction. The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund has carried on even after Fossey died and is still doing a tremendous raising funds for gorilla conservation and informing the world about their importance to the ecosystem. The number of mountain gorillas continues to increase year after year. We now have over 1000 mountain gorillas roaming the mountainous regions of Uganda, Rwanda and Congo.
Other than mountain gorillas, the Volcanoes National park is also home to golden monkeys, hyenas, forest buffaloes, elephants, forest hogs, different species of trees and over 200 species of birds. These are not given much attention but they are always a complement to the gorilla trekking experience. Some of these creatures can be encountered while tracking the gorillas in the jungle. It is also important to note that the Volcanoes national park is home to five volcanoes which are open to hikers. They include Bisoke, Gahinga, Karisimbi, Muhabura and Sabinyo.
This 2 days gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda also includes a Kigali city tour. This tour involves and visiting the Iby’iwacu Cultural Village close to the Volcanoes National Park. The city tour will include visiting the Gisozi genocide memorial site, artisan shops, the former presidential palace and the central market. If you find the 2 days gorilla tour in Rwanda expensive, you can check out our 2 days Uganda gorilla safari package for a better deal.
Main Activities
- Touring the city of Kigali and the Gisozi genocide memorial visit
- Visiting the Iby’iwacu Cultural Centre
- Observing gorillas at the Volcanoes National Park
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1. Pick up – Kigali city tour – Visit the Iby’iwacu Cultural Village
Wake up early and wait for the company driver to pick you up from your hotel. In case you are arriving on an early morning flight, the driver will pick you from Kigali international airport and take you straight for the city tour. Kigali is a relatively small city but one of the cleanest in the continent of Africa. The roads are smooth and free of potholes. The driver will take you to do any money exchange before taking you to the check out some of the architectural marvels of Kigali. You will visit the Gisozi genocide memorial Centre were thousands who were brutally murdered are buried. You will watch brief documentaries and learn about how the tragic event unfolded.
The tour also takes you to the place of the former president Habyarimana. Habyarimana’s plane was shot down in front of the presidential palace sparking off a genocide which killed about 1,000,000 
people. The driver will also take you to visit the city market and some artisan shops. After the tour, you will take lunch and then start the 3-hour journey to the Volcanoes National Park. The drive to the park will be engaging as look at hundreds of rolling hills and beautiful green landscape in the countryside. Once you arrive at your lodge, your will check in and take a shower in preparation for a visit to the nearby Iby’iwacu Cultural Village. Also known as the Gorilla Guardians Village, the Centre is the best place to experience the culture of the people of Rwanda. It began as a Centre where former poachers would sell souvenirs to tourists but has now grown into a high quality cultural establishment.
Day 2: Gorilla trekking in Rwanda – Departure to Kigali
Wake up early and take breakfast. Ask your hotel to prepare for you packed lunch which you will carry with you as you go to the park offices for briefing. The briefing is always conducted by the chief park Guide. The Guide will let you know what to expect, the packing list and how to remain calm around the gorillas.
They will then proceed into the dense bamboo forest in search for the gorillas. Gorilla trekking is not all about the gorillas. It is also an opportunity for a prolonged nature walk where you will be able to discover the creatures in the park (birds, small primates and occasional mammals). The activity will take between 2 to 6 hours before you finally meet the primates. The moment you have been waiting will eventually come and you find yourself in the midst of the gorillas group lead by the dominant silverback. Keep a distance, remain calm and do not attempt to touch the primates even when they come to you. Do not make prolonged eye contact with the primates to avoid being seen as a threat.
Watching a group of mountain gorillas in the wild is like going back hundreds of thousands when our ancestors lived in the jungles of Africa. You will observe the group play, groom, mate and communicate among each other. The Silverback will always be watching your movements. Do not ignore any instructions from the Guides. After one hour with the gorillas, you will begin walking back to the starting point to the hike. We hope that by this time you would have taken enough photos and videos of your time with the gorillas. On reaching the park offices, you will find our park Guide waiting to take you back to Kigali or the airport for departure.
End of Tour
Tour Inclusions and Exclusions
The cost of the 3 days Rwanda gorilla tour includes: –
- All accommodations included in the itinerary
- All meals and water while away from the lodge
- Ground transportation and fuel
- A Professional safari guide who speaks good English
- Gorilla trekking permits
- Kigali city tour
- Visiting the Iby’iwacu Cultural Village
- Pick-up and drop off at your hotel or airport
The cost of this 3 days gorilla safari in Rwanda excludes air flight fares, visas, cigarettes, wines, tips and souvenirs.
Important Information
You need to pack the following for gorilla trekking: –
- woolen gloves to protect your hands
- Hiking boots with good traction
- A rain jacket
- Light snack and drinking water
- Walking stick and porter to help with any extra luggage.
Other Important things to note: –
- Accommodation and dinner before and after the 2 days gorilla safari in Rwanda is not catered for. We can arrange it on request
- The age limit for gorilla trekking is 15 years
- Visitors should ensure that their visas and other travel documents are verified at the point of immigration. This is important if you are starting this tour from Uganda. Do not forget to have your yellow fever card when crossing borders.
Hotels and Lodges
Davinci Gorilla Lodge: Davinci is arguably the best mid-range lodge in the area. It is very close to the headquarters of the Volcanoes National Park. The lodge has single, double, twin and family rooms that are furnished with everything that a client would need. There is clean running water, flush toilets, bathrooms, comfortable beds, satellite television and a work desk for those who wish to complete office 
work while on the trip. Davinci Gorilla Lodge has additional services like a bar, a restaurant, private parking and a children’s mini park. Its rates are very good when you compared to the services offered.
Virunga Hotel: Virunga Hotel is regarded as the perfect budget accommodation facility around volcanoes national park. It was one of the first lodge to be set up in Musanze district. It is about 2 hours away from Kigali the capital of Rwanda and has 25 self-contained rooms. The rooms are self-contained with a TV screen, clean/comfortable beds, room service, a telephone, flush toilets, showers and showers a fridge. The restaurant serves tasty cuisines from all over the world. The lodge is built right in the town of Musanze where guests can access other services like banks, supermarket, pharmacies and a hospital.
Bisate Lodge: In Kinyarwanda, Bisate meaning “pieces”. The name was chosen because of the numerous volcanic stones in the area. These stones weathered away from the Virunga Volcanoes during the numerous eruptions in the past. Bisate is built overlooking the Virunga Volcanoes hence offering amazing views of the mountains and the park. Bisate lodge is one of three most expensive luxury lodges close to national park. It commands elegance in all ways from the services provided to the rooms and the premises. Many presidents have called this lodge home during their adventures in the park.
