Rwanda
2-Days Bucket List Rwanda Mountain Gorilla Trek
Diverse Beauty
From
$15,645 PP
Duration
2 Days
Pickup
Kigali International Airport
Best Time
1 january to 28 February
Immerse yourself in Rwanda’s breathtaking landscapes and encounter some of the world’s most remarkable primates. This two-day adventure takes you deep into Volcanoes National Park, where you will trek through dense bamboo forests in search of the endangered golden monkeys and majestic mountain gorillas. Beyond wildlife, this journey offers an authentic cultural experience, allowing you to engage with local communities and learn about Rwanda’s conservation efforts. Whether you are a wildlife enthusiast or a first-time visitor, this experience promises unforgettable moments in the heart of Africa.
Highlights
Encounter endangered mountain gorillas and playful golden monkeys up close during expert-guided treks in Volcanoes National Park.
Immerse in Rwandan culture with a visit to Gorilla Guardians Village and explore the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund.
Enjoy seamless logistics with private transport, luxury lodge stays, and personalized attention throughout your 2-day safari from Kigali.
Day 1: Kigali to Volcanoes National Park – Golden Monkey Trek & Cultural Visit
04h30: Your journey begins with a scenic drive from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park, passing through rolling green hills and local villages. Along the way, take in the stunning countryside that has earned Rwanda its nickname, The Land of a Thousand Hills.
Upon arrival at the park headquarters, you will receive a briefing on golden monkey trekking before setting off into the bamboo forests. As you step onto the soft forest floor, you will immediately sense the rich biodiversity surrounding you. The golden monkeys, known for their striking reddish-gold fur, are highly active and playful, leaping from branch to branch as they forage for food. Observing them in their natural habitat, you will see them interact in family groups, groom one another, and occasionally dart past you with incredible agility.
After the trek, you will return to your lodge for a well-earned lunch. The afternoon is dedicated to a visit to Gorilla Guardians Village, where former poachers have transformed their lives by promoting conservation and Rwandan heritage. Engage in traditional dances, listen to fascinating stories, and even try your hand at grinding grains or shooting a bow and arrow. This experience offers a deep cultural connection and insight into Rwanda’s efforts to harmonize tourism with conservation.
As the sun sets behind the misty Virunga Mountains, return to your lodge for a delicious dinner and a relaxing evening in the serene surroundings of the park.
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking & Ellen DeGeneres Campus – Return to Kigali
06h00: Wake up to the crisp mountain air and the sounds of the forest coming to life. After an early breakfast, you will head to the park headquarters for a briefing on gorilla trekking. Here, expert guides will assign you to a gorilla family based on your fitness level and preferences.
The trek itself is an adventure, weaving through dense jungle, crossing streams, and navigating varied terrain. Along the way, your guide will share insights about the forest ecosystem, pointing out medicinal plants, bird species, and signs of other wildlife. The anticipation builds as your team moves closer to the gorilla family. Suddenly, you will find yourself just a few meters away from these gentle giants.
For one precious hour, you will witness their incredible interactions—playful juveniles tumbling through the undergrowth, mothers tenderly cradling their infants, and the dominant silverback maintaining a watchful presence over his group. The experience is both humbling and awe-inspiring, offering an intimate glimpse into the lives of our closest relatives in the animal kingdom.
After descending from the forest, return to the lodge to freshen up and enjoy a well-deserved lunch. Later, visit the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, a state-of-the-art conservation center dedicated to protecting Rwanda’s gorillas and preserving their habitat. Here, you will explore interactive exhibits, learn about groundbreaking research, and understand the legacy of Dian Fossey’s conservation work.
As your journey comes to an end, begin the drive back to Kigali, passing through picturesque landscapes one last time. Depending on your schedule, you may stop for a brief city tour or head directly to the airport for your onward flight.
Tour Pricing (Per Person in USD)/ 2025
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1 person in a single will pay $3660
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2 persons sharing in a double/twin will each pay $2955
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3 persons sharing in a triple will each pay $2700
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4 persons sharing in 2 doubles or twin rooms will each pay $2520
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5 persons sharing a triple and double rooms will each pay $2480
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6 persons sharing in 3 doubles/twin rooms will each pay $2450
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Single room supplement $100
What's Included
- Pick-up from your hotel in Kigali at start of tour and drop-off at Kigali International Airport
- Private transport in a custom safari 4×4 vehicle
- Accommodation of choice as mentioned above
- Golden Monkey Trekking Permit ($100)
- Gorilla Trekking Permit USD 1500/ person
- Services of a professional English-speaking driver-guide
- Bottled drinking water during the safari and treks
- All visits and activities mentioned in the itinerary as well as extra meals.
- Emergency medical evacuation services
- Our availability and personalized attention from start to end of tour
What's Excluded
- Drinks at the lodge unless mentioned
- Tips and gratuities
- Personal expenses (e.g., phone calls, mini-bar, travel insurance
- Visa to Rwanda
- All extras not mentioned in the itinerary
Travel Information – Kenya & Rwanda
Passenger Information:-
- In case of non-availability, we may have to reroute and provide alternative accommodation at lodges of similar category.
- At the moment, gorilla permit rates have not increased. Should they do so in 2026, the cost will be passed on to the guest after informing the agent with a formal communication from Rwanda Development Board.
- Passengers should bring only soft sided bags on safaris as our vehicles have limited luggage space
- All the passengers must have Identification Card/Passport with them throughout their travel.
Tipping:
Tipping is not compulsory but always enthusiastically received if you are happy with the service and would like to tip. There are no set percentages for tips. Local culture believes the level of tips should be at the discretion of the client and any token of appreciation is gladly received. These are our suggestions: We recommend that you tip your guide direct at the end of your stay in camp; as a rough guideline you might
want to tip from US$5-10 per person/ day.
Photography:
- A good camera with zoom function. 300 mm lenses are adequate for wildlife photography.
- We recommend you bring plenty of memory cards/film and batteries.
- A dustproof bag ensures your camera is safe from the dust whilst on safari.
- A pair of binoculars will enhance your game viewing experience and although your guide will have pairs available to use, you may wish to bring your own.
- Please don’t forget to ask permission before taking a photograph of any Rwandan resident. There could be a charge for this.
- A small flashlight – although flashlights are available at each property.
Safety:
Most areas are as safe as any other destination in the world, however, basic common-sense precautions should be used:
- Ask the concierge at your hotel which areas are safe to walk around in and when
- Travel in groups or pairs and always choose well-lit areas
- Carry only as much cash as necessary
- Don’t leave your property unattended
- Don’t draw attention to yourself by flaunting valuables around openly or counting your cash at the ATM
- Carry a copy of your passport/ ID in a separate section of your luggage
- Clothing:
- Subdued safari colors such as khaki, green, beige and neutral colors (dark blue and black clothing is not practical during game drives/treks but can be worn at the lodges)
- Shirts with long sleeves
- (Safari) trousers
- A fleece or thick sweater is recommended for early mornings
- Lightweight waterproof jacket
- Comfortable walking shoes sturdy shoes for hiking, (running/tennis shoes are fine).
- Jackets or ties are not required nor any special dress code when dining in lodges & restaurants.
- Swimwear is fine on the beach or around the pool, but not appropriate in town. Topless sunbathing is prohibited.
What to Bring on Safari:
- Sunscreen
- Toiletries, personal medication
- Insect repellent
- Sunglasses
- Camera (with extra memory card and batteries)
- Binoculars
- Lip balm
- Hand wipes
- Wildlife checklist (or just paper) & a pen
Please use the form below for bookings or questions
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