1 Day Gorilla Trekking Adventure
A pre-dawn start from Kigali to trek the slopes of Volcanoes National Park and spend an hour with a mountain gorilla family, with a cultural visit in the afternoon.
Enquire About This TourOverview
This is the encounter most people come to Rwanda for, and it fits into a single day from Kigali. After a ranger briefing at the park headquarters you are assigned a gorilla family and hike through farmland and misty forest until the trackers find them. Then you have one hour watching the silverback, mothers and infants, often just a few metres away. The afternoon is spent with the local community, with traditional dance and a look at Rwandan customs, before the drive back to Kigali or straight to the airport.
- Gorilla Trekking
- Primates
- Hiking
- Culture & Heritage
Highlights
- One hour with a habituated mountain gorilla family
- Trek through misty forest on the slopes of the Virunga volcanoes
- Afternoon cultural visit with traditional dance and customs
- Same-day return to Kigali, or drop-off at the airport
Itinerary
A typical running order. Justin adjusts timings around your group, the weather and park conditions.
- 1
4:30 am: Pick-up in Kigali
Collection from your hotel for the drive north to Volcanoes National Park, arriving in time for the morning briefing.
- 2
Briefing at park headquarters
Coffee and a ranger briefing on how to behave around the gorillas, then you are assigned your gorilla family.
- 3
Trek to the gorillas
Hike through farmland and into the forest. Treks take anything from 30 minutes to several hours depending on where the family has moved. Porters can carry your bag.
- 4
Your hour with the gorillas
Put the bags down and watch. Rangers keep the group at a respectful distance and help with photography.
- 5
Lunch and cultural afternoon
Lunch near the park, then time with the local community: traditional dance, a traditional wedding demonstration and stories of Rwanda's royal past.
- 6
Evening: Back to Kigali
Drive back to your Kigali hotel, or straight to the airport for an evening flight.
What's Included
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off in Kigali
- Private 4x4 vehicle with pop-up roof
- Professional English- or French-speaking guide
- Lunch and bottled water
- All taxes
- Soft drink with lunch
- Airport drop-off on request
Not Included
- Gorilla trekking permit (we book it and quote it with your trip)
- International flights and visa
- Travel insurance
- Tips for guides, trackers and porters
- Drinks and personal purchases
- Porter fee (paid on the day, strongly recommended)
Plan Your Visit
The practical details, so you know what to expect before you enquire.
Duration
Best time to visit
Fitness level
Getting there
What to bring
- Waterproof hiking boots
- Rain jacket and long trousers
- Garden gloves for nettles
- Light backpack and water
- Camera with the flash turned off
Want to Book This Trip?
Every tour is quoted individually for your group size, dates and accommodation style. Send Justin your plans and he will come back with a tailored itinerary and quote.
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