Your Ultimate Guide to a 2 Days Rwanda Gorilla Safari
Embark on a thrilling 2 Days Rwanda Gorilla Safari to Volcanoes National Park. Experience unforgettable close encounters with endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.
This 2 Days Rwanda Gorilla Safari is a breathtaking adventure that brings travelers face-to-face with the majestic mountain gorillas in the lush, misty forests of Volcanoes National Park.
Rwanda, known as the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” offers one of the most accessible and unforgettable gorilla trekking experiences in Africa.
Perfect for those with limited time, this short but immersive trip combines wildlife, culture, and stunning landscapes.
Why Choose a 2 Days Rwanda Gorilla Safari?
Rwanda is a premier destination for gorilla trekking, hosting roughly a third of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas—about 350 of the estimated 1,000—in Volcanoes National Park.
Unlike longer safaris, a 2-day trip is ideal for busy travelers, offering a condensed yet profound experience.
The park’s proximity to Kigali, Rwanda’s vibrant capital (just a 2-3 hour drive), makes it feasible to maximize your time with the gorillas.
Rwanda’s well-maintained roads, safety, and conservation focus ensure a smooth and impactful journey. This safari delivers not only a chance to see endangered gorillas but also a glimpse into Rwanda’s rich culture and resilience.
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Detailed Day-by-Day Itinerary for the 2 Days Rwanda Gorilla Safari
A 2 Day Rwanda Gorilla Safari is tightly packed with adventure and discovery. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what to expect.
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali and Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Your journey begins in Kigali, where you’ll land at Kigali International Airport or start from a hotel in the city. Most tours arrange for a driver-guide to meet you early, typically between 5:00 AM and 7:00 AM, to ensure ample time for the day’s activities.
After a brief introduction to your gorilla safari, you’ll embark on a scenic 2-3 hour drive to Volcanoes National Park in northwestern Rwanda.
The drive winds through Rwanda’s iconic rolling hills, dotted with terraced farms and vibrant villages. You’ll pass through Musanze (formerly Ruhengeri), a bustling town near the park, with views of the Virunga Volcanoes—a chain of eight volcanoes straddling Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. These peaks, including Karisimbi and Bisoke, form the backdrop for your gorilla trekking adventure.
Upon arrival at your lodge near Volcanoes National Park, you’ll check in and relax. Accommodation options cater to various budgets:
- Luxury: Bisate Lodge or Singita Kwitonda Lodge offer eco-friendly elegance with volcano views, gourmet dining, and spa-like amenities.
- Mid-range: Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge or La Palme Hotel provide comfort and proximity to the park at affordable rates.
- Budget: Kinigi Guesthouse offers clean, basic rooms ideal for cost-conscious travelers.
In the afternoon, you might visit the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village (now called Gorilla Guardians Village). This community-led initiative introduces you to Rwandan traditions through dance, storytelling, and demonstrations of basket weaving or traditional medicine.
It’s a chance to connect with locals, many of whom are former poachers turned conservationists, and learn how gorilla tourism supports communities.
Alternatively, some tours include a brief Kigali city tour en route, visiting the Kigali Genocide Memorial to understand Rwanda’s history and remarkable recovery.
Dinner at your lodge will feature Rwandan specialties like ugali (maize porridge), grilled goat, or fresh vegetables, preparing you for the next day’s trek. Rest early—gorilla trekking starts at dawn.
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking and Return to Kigali
Rise before sunrise, around 5:30 AM, for breakfast and a short drive to the Kinigi Park Headquarters in Volcanoes National Park.
By 7:00 AM, you’ll join a briefing session with park rangers who outline gorilla trekking rules, such as maintaining a 7-meter distance from the gorillas, wearing masks (to protect the animals from human diseases), and staying quiet.
You’ll be assigned to one of 12 habituated gorilla families, like Susa, Amahoro, or Kwitonda, with groups capped at eight trekkers for an intimate experience.
The trek begins around 8:00 AM, led by expert trackers and rangers who use machetes to navigate the bamboo-covered slopes. Volcanoes National Park spans 160 square kilometers of dense forest, with altitudes between 2,500 and 4,000 meters.
The duration of the hike varies—30 minutes to 4 hours one way—depending on the gorilla family’s location, terrain, and weather.
The park’s open terrain, compared to Uganda’s denser forests, often allows clearer views of the gorillas.
Porters, available for $20, can carry your bag and assist with tricky paths. The trek can be physically demanding, involving steep climbs and muddy trails, but the reward is unparalleled.
When you find your gorilla family, you’ll spend one magical hour observing them—silverbacks leading, juveniles playing, and mothers nursing infants—just meters away. Non-flash photography is permitted, capturing memories of this rare encounter.
After the trek, return to the headquarters (2-4 hours round trip) for a certificate of participation and lunch at your lodge. By early afternoon, you’ll drive back to Kigali, arriving by evening.
If time allows, stop at a local market for crafts like woven baskets or wood carvings. Your guide will drop you at your hotel or the airport, concluding your 2-day Rwanda gorilla safari.
End of 2 Days Rwanda Gorilla Safari
Key Information for Travelers
To ensure a smooth Rwanda gorilla safari, here’s what your travelers need to know about preparation, costs, and logistics.
Gorilla Permits
A gorilla trekking permit is mandatory and costs $1,500 per person in Rwanda, valid for one trek. Only 96 permits are issued daily, reflecting the 12 habituated gorilla families, each visited by eight trekkers.
Book permits at least 6-18 months in advance, especially for the peak dry seasons (June-September, December-February), as they sell out quickly. Permits can be secured through a reputable tour operator or the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) via the Irembo platform. Rwandan and East African Community residents may access discounted rates.
Best Time to Go
Gorilla trekking is possible year-round, but the dry seasons—June to September and December to February—offer the best conditions. Trails are less muddy, and temperatures are cooler (daytime highs of 20-29°C).
The rainy seasons (March-May, October-November) bring lush scenery but slippery paths and frequent showers. Even in the dry season, pack waterproof gear, as Rwanda’s equatorial climate is unpredictable.
What to Pack
Pack light but strategically for your 2-day gorilla safari:
- Clothing: Long-sleeved shirts, long pants (to protect against nettles), sturdy hiking boots with grip, and a lightweight waterproof jacket. Layering is key for cool mornings and warm afternoons.
- Gear: Gardening gloves (for thorny vegetation), gaiters, a daypack, water bottle (1-2 liters), snacks, and a camera with extra batteries (no flash).
- Health: Yellow fever vaccination certificate (required for entry), malaria prophylaxis (consult your doctor), hand sanitizer, and a face mask (for gorilla safety).
- Documents: Passport, visa (if needed), gorilla permit confirmation, and travel insurance.
Physical Preparation
Gorilla trekking requires moderate fitness due to high altitudes and uneven terrain. Short hikes (30 minutes) suit most, but longer treks (up to 8 hours round trip) demand stamina.
Inform your guide of any mobility issues; porters or sedan chairs ($500) can assist. The minimum age for trekking is 15, and those with colds or flu are barred to protect the gorillas.
Visa and Entry
Most nationalities can obtain a 30-day single-entry visa on arrival ($50) or online via Rwanda’s e-visa portal. An East African tourist visa ($100) covers Rwanda, Uganda, and Kenya for 90 days. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is mandatory. Rwanda is safe, with low crime rates, but stay vigilant in crowded areas like markets.
Costs
Beyond the $1,500 gorilla permit, expect additional expenses:
- Tips: $10-$20 per person for rangers, trackers, and porters.
- Extras: Souvenirs, drinks, or optional activities like cultural visits ($20-$50).
- Flights: International tickets to Kigali range from $500-$2,000, depending on origin.
Accommodation and Transport
Lodges near Volcanoes National Park cater to all budgets, as noted earlier. Most tours use 4×4 vehicles (e.g., Toyota Land Cruisers) for comfort on Rwanda’s hilly roads. For luxury travelers, helicopter transfers to the park are available but costly ($600+). Public transport is unreliable, so book with a tour operator for seamless logistics.
Conservation and Etiquette
Gorilla trekking supports conservation, with 10% of permit revenue funding local communities. Follow park rules: maintain distance, avoid touching gorillas, and limit noise.
Your visit aids the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund and others, protecting these endangered primates. Respect local customs at cultural sites, dressing modestly and asking permission before photographing people.
Why It’s Worth It
A 2 Day Rwanda Gorilla Safari is more than a wildlife trip—it’s a transformative encounter. Staring into the eyes of a silverback or watching a playful juvenile tumble through the forest is a humbling reminder of our shared ancestry. Rwanda’s commitment to conservation ensures your visit protects the mountain gorillas while uplifting communities. The short duration makes it accessible, yet the memories last a lifetime.
Optional Add-Ons
If time allows, consider brief extensions:
- Golden Monkey Trekking: A 2-4 hour trek in Volcanoes National Park to see these vibrant primates ($100 permit).
- Kigali Exploration: Spend an extra day visiting the Kimihurura Craft Market or Nyamirambo Women’s Center for a deeper cultural dive.
- Lake Kivu: A 3-hour drive from Kigali, this serene lake offers relaxation after trekking (requires an extra night).
Final Tips
- Book early to lock in gorilla permits and preferred lodges.
- Stay hydrated and pace yourself during the trek.
- Embrace the moment—gorilla trekking is a rare privilege.
- Tip generously—rangers and porters make your experience unforgettable.
A 2 Days Rwanda Gorilla Safari packs adventure, emotion, and connection into a compact journey. From the misty trails of Volcanoes National Park to the warm hospitality of Rwanda’s people, this trip delivers a profound encounter with mountain gorillas and a taste of a nation reborn.
Plan now, trek boldly and let Rwanda’s gorillas steal your heart.