2 Day Gorilla Trekking Rwanda from Kigali

The 2 Day Gorilla Trekking Rwanda safari is one of the most popular short wildlife experiences in East Africa. This tour allows travelers to visit Volcanoes National Park, the only national park in Rwanda where visitors can track endangered mountain gorillas.

Located about 2 hours and 20 minutes from Kigali, the park lies within the spectacular Virunga Mountains, a chain of volcanic mountains shared by Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

This itinerary is ideal for visitors who want to enjoy gorilla trekking in Rwanda without rushing, unlike the intense one-day gorilla trek. Travelers get enough time to relax, enjoy the scenic countryside, and fully prepare for the trekking experience.

A Rwanda gorilla trekking permit costs USD 1500 per person and allows visitors to spend one unforgettable hour with a habituated gorilla family under the guidance of professional ranger guides.

Quick Tour Details

Tour Duration: 2 Days
Start / End: Kigali
Availability: All year round
Activities: Mountain gorilla trekking
Destination: Volcanoes National Park
Group Size: Tailored / Private or small groups

Tour Highlights

Scenic transfer from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park
Optional Kigali city tour including the Kigali Genocide Memorial
Overnight stay near Volcanoes National Park
Guided mountain gorilla trekking experience
Spectacular views of Rwanda’s rolling hills and volcanoes

Detailed Itinerary

Your safari begins with a pickup from your hotel in Kigali or from Kigali International Airport by a professional driver-guide.

Before leaving the city, you may enjoy a short Kigali city tour including a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial to learn about Rwanda’s history and resilience.

After lunch, you begin the scenic drive north toward Volcanoes National Park. The journey takes approximately 2–3 hours and passes through Rwanda’s beautiful countryside, often referred to as the Land of a Thousand Hills.

Upon arrival near the park, you check in to your lodge and relax while enjoying stunning views of the Virunga volcanoes.

Accommodation Options

Luxury: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
Mid-range: Gorilla Solution Lodge
Budget: Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge

Meal Plan: Lunch and Dinner

After an early breakfast, your driver-guide transfers you to the park headquarters in Kinigi for a briefing from park rangers.

During the briefing, you will learn about gorilla trekking rules, safety guidelines, and conservation efforts in Volcanoes National Park.

Groups of eight trekkers are assigned to a habituated gorilla family. The trek begins around 8:30 AM, guided by experienced ranger guides.

The trek through bamboo forests and mountainous terrain can take 2–6 hours, depending on the location of the gorilla family. Once the gorillas are found, visitors spend one magical hour observing their social behavior, feeding habits, and interactions.

After the trek, you return to the park headquarters where you meet your driver-guide and begin the journey back to Kigali.

Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch