How difficult is gorilla trekking?

Gorilla trekking can range from moderate to challenging, depending on the gorilla family's location that day.

How long does gorilla trekking take?

The trek can take several hours, depending on the location and movement of the gorilla family.

Where does gorilla trekking take place?

Gorilla trekking takes place in Volcanoes National Park, in Rwanda's Virunga Mountains.

Can I enjoy other activities besides gorilla trekking?

Yes. Depending on your itinerary, you can enjoy cultural experiences, golden monkey tracking, and Kigali sightseeing.

5 Days Volcanoes National Park Gorilla Encounter

A&S Safaris presents a memorable 5 Days Volcanoes National Park Gorilla Encounter through Rwanda, combining incredible primate encounters, conservation history, and authentic cultural experiences.

Explore the beautiful Volcanoes National Park, home to the endangered Mountain Gorillas and fascinating Golden Monkeys. The highlight of the journey is an unforgettable gorilla trekking experience through the misty Virunga Mountains, where you will observe these remarkable primates in their natural habitat.

Overview

Itinerary

Includes/Excludes

Accommodation

FAQs

Overview

Itinerary

Includes/Excludes

Accommodation

FAQs

Overview

5 Days Volcanoes National Park Gorilla Encounter

A&S Safaris presents a memorable 5-day journey through Rwanda, combining incredible primate encounters, conservation history, and authentic cultural experiences.

Your adventure also includes a visit to the Dian Fossey Tomb and former Karisoke Research Centre, following the story of one of the pioneers of mountain gorilla conservation.

Continue to Ibyi’wacu Cultural Village for an authentic experience of Rwanda’s traditions, music, dance, and local community life.

The safari ends in Kigali with a city tour and a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, offering insight into Rwanda’s history and its journey toward peace and recovery.

A&S Safaris — Discover Rwanda. Experience the Wild. Embrace the Culture.

Trip Highlights

Experience an unforgettable mountain gorilla trekking adventure.
Explore the misty forests of Volcanoes National Park.
Encounter endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.
Discover the beautiful Virunga Mountains and volcanic landscapes.
Visit the Dian Fossey Tomb and former Karisoke Research Centre.
Experience Rwanda’s traditions at Ibyi’wacu Cultural Village.
Enjoy a Kigali city tour and discover Rwanda’s remarkable history.
Travel through Rwanda’s scenic countryside and rolling green hills.

Day 01 :

Arrival in Kigali - Welcome to Rwanda

Welcome to Rwanda

Touch down at Kigali International Airport, where your dedicated A&S Safaris guide will be waiting to warmly welcome you. Sit back and enjoy a comfortable, private transfer to your hotel in the heart of Kigali. Take time to relax, refresh, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of this beautiful city ahead of your unforgettable gorilla encounter. Time permitting, enjoy an optional evening city tour of Kigali.

Meal Plan: Bed and Breakfast

Day 02 :

Scenic Transfer to Volcanoes National Park & Iby'Iwacu Cultural Experience

Volcanoes National Park

After breakfast, meet your guide for a briefing before embarking on a scenic drive to Volcanoes National Park. This is one of East Africa's most beautiful road trips, winding through Rwanda's endless rolling hills, lush tea plantations, bustling local markets, and vibrant countryside. Experience firsthand why Rwanda is celebrated as the "Land of a Thousand Hills."Upon arrival in Musanze, dive into Rwanda's rich heritage at the renowned Iby'Iwacu Cultural Village (now Gorilla Guardians Village). This award-winning community initiative brings Rwandan traditions to life through captivating dance performances, ancient storytelling, and traditional practices. Learn how gorilla conservation and tourism have transformed local livelihoods. More than just a visit, this is an authentic and meaningful connection with the local community.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 03 :

Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

Mountain Gorilla Trekking

Today, the moment you have been waiting for finally arrives. First, enjoy an early breakfast before heading to the park headquarters. There, you will register and receive a briefing from experienced RDB ranger guides.

Next, you will join a habituated gorilla family for an unforgettable forest adventure. Your trek takes you through misty forests, bamboo groves, and beautiful mountain slopes. Depending on conditions, the trek can take between two and six hours. Along the way, your guide will explain gorilla behavior and the surrounding wildlife.

You will also discover fascinating plants and learn about ongoing conservation efforts. Finally, you will meet the majestic mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Then, the magic truly begins as you watch these gentle giants up close.

On this 5 Days Volcanoes National Park Gorilla Encounter

You will spend one profound, once-in-a-lifetime hour in the presence of the gorillas. Watch the mighty silverback lead his family, mothers tenderly nursing their infants, and playful juveniles tumbling in the undergrowth. It is a deeply moving and humbling experience that will stay with you forever. After this life-changing encounter, return to your lodge to relax, reflect, and relive the memories. Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 04 :

Golden Monkey Trekking & Dian Fossey Legacy Hike

Wake up to another thrilling primate adventure in Volcanoes National Park - this time with the rare and enchanting golden monkeys. After breakfast, return to the park for golden monkey tracking. Lighter and more playful than gorillas, these rare, photogenic primates are found only in the bamboo forests of the Virunga Mountains. The trek is less strenuous and incredibly rewarding as you spend an hour watching them leap through the trees, play, and chatter in large, lively troops - a paradise for photographers.

Dian Fossey Legacy Hike

After this delightful encounter, embark on a deeply meaningful hike to the legendary Dian Fossey Tomb and the former Karisoke Research Center. This is a pilgrimage for every conservation lover. Pay tribute to Dr. Dian Fossey, the world-renowned primatologist whose courage and dedication saved the mountain gorillas from extinction - a story immortalized in "Gorillas in the Mist."

Your guide will share powerful stories of her life, her groundbreaking research, and her lasting legacy. You will also discover the history of Karisoke Research Station - named after Mount Karisimbi and Mount Bisoke - whose spirit lives on today through the state-of-the-art Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund. After this inspiring hike, return to your lodge for a well-deserved dinner and overnight.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 05 :

Return to Kigali - Genocide Memorial & Departure

Genocide Memorial & Departure

After breakfast, check out and enjoy your final scenic drive back to Kigali. Upon arrival, visit the poignant Kigali Genocide Memorial - a powerful and deeply moving tribute to the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

More than a museum, it is a place of remembrance, learning, and hope that offers profound insight into Rwanda's painful past and its incredible journey of resilience, unity, and rebirth. After this meaningful experience, you will be transferred to Kigali International Airport in time for your departure flight, marking the end of your unforgettable Rwanda primate adventure.

Meal Plan: Breakfast