2-Day Mountain Gorilla Trek Rwanda - Volcanoes National Park from Kigali

Your representative picks you up from your hotel or Kigali International Airport in the morning. A Kigali city tour includes a visit to the Gisozi Genocide Memorial, where the events of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi are documented with solemnity and clarity — an important and moving introduction to modern Rwandan history. The drive to Musanze in the Northern Province takes approximately two hours through the green hills that give Rwanda its name as the Land of a Thousand Hills. On arrival near Volcanoes National Park, check in at your lodge for dinner and overnight.

Distance: Approximately 2 hours from Kigali to Musanze

Activity: Kigali city tour; Gisozi Genocide Memorial visit; transfer to Musanze

Accommodation: Lodge near Volcanoes National Park, Musanze

Meals: Half Board

After breakfast, transfer to the Rwanda Development Board offices at Kinigi for the morning briefing at 7:00 AM. Here, ranger guides explain the code of conduct for gorilla trekking: minimum approach distance, photography guidelines, and health protocols to protect both visitors and gorillas. Trekking then begins through the forest and volcanic slopes in search of your assigned gorilla family. Depending on where the gorillas have ranged overnight, treks can last from one to four hours. Once the group is located, one hour of observation is permitted at a minimum distance of 7 metres. Mountain gorillas are one of the most powerful and moving wildlife encounters possible — their similarity to humans and the intimacy of forest observation leave a lasting impression. After the trek, your guide meets you for lunch before the return drive to Kigali for drop-off at your hotel or the airport.

Distance: Trekking in Volcanoes National Park; approximately 2 hours return to Kigali

Activity: Mountain gorilla trek in Volcanoes National Park; return to Kigali

Accommodation: N/A – return to Kigali

Meals: Half Board

Extend your trip

Combine gorilla trekking with an Akagera wildlife safari for a more complete Rwanda experience — see our 4-day Rwanda safari and 2-day Akagera wildlife safari. For longer gorilla itineraries, explore our Rwanda gorilla trekking packages.