1-Day Rwanda Gorilla Trek (Short gorilla trek in Volcanoes National Park)

Enjoy a 1-day Rwanda gorilla trekking experience in Rwanda’s only mountain gorilla national park – Volcanoes National Park. Tucked into Rwanda’s misty northwest, Volcanoes National Park is a sanctuary in the Virunga Volcanoes Region, which extends into Uganda and the DR Congo. Best known as one of the last strongholds of the endangered mountain gorilla, the park is home to over 10 habituated gorilla groups, offering visitors a rare opportunity for intimate gorilla trekking encounters. Volcanoes National Park also shelters golden monkeys, endemic bird species, and breathtaking hiking trails, making it Rwanda’s premier safari destination. The park is just a two-hour drive from Kigali, Rwanda’s capital, which makes it the easiest gorilla trekking destination to access.

Starting and ending in Kigali, this whirlwind 1-day Rwanda gorilla trek is the perfect escape for travelers whose schedules are tight but spirits yearn for the wild, delivering a deep breath of adventure with Africa’s Great Apes in their natural habitat.

Tour Highlights of 1-Day Rwanda Gorilla Trek

Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Scenic drive through the lush hills of Rwanda’s countryside

Detailed Trip Itinerary of 1-Day Rwanda Gorilla Trek

Your 1-day Rwanda gorilla trek begins with a meet and greet, early in the morning, with our expert driver-guide at your hotel in Kigali or Kigali International Airport. By 4:00 am, begin your journey northwestward to Volcanoes National Park. Enjoy the 2-hour drive through the country’s lush rolling hills, with stunning sights of farmlands and villages. By 7 am, you should be arriving in the park, upon which, you will drive straight to the Park Headquarters at Kinigi, where you will be registered and taken through a detailed briefing by the park rangers. Here, you will be taken through the guidelines, gorilla etiquette, and what to expect on a gorilla trek.

After the briefing, you will join a group of trekkers and be assigned a gorilla family to trek. And then the magic begins! Led by experienced park rangers and guides, you will embark on the hike through the emerald forest paths in search of your assigned gorilla group. The trek may last between thirty minutes to three hours, depending on the location of the gorillas, but every step taken is worth it. And when you finally meet them, you will be allocated an hour to spend time with them, appreciating the massive, majestic, and uncanny creatures they are.

After your one precious hour with the gorillas, trek back to the park headquarters for certification and a refreshing local lunch, before driving back to Kigali with nothing but unforgettable memories. Your 1-day Rwanda gorilla trek has come to an end!

Trip Inclusions;

Gorilla trekking permit ($1500)
Round transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle
A Professional English-speaking driver-guide
All activities as per the trip itinerary

Trip exclusions;

Accommodation
Personal expenses like tips, souvenirs, etc.

Things to Know When Going on a Rwanda Gorilla Trek

A Rwanda gorilla trekking permit costs $1,500 and must be booked in advance.
Gorilla treks in Volcanoes start as early as 7:00 am, with a briefing at Kinigi Park HQ by 7:00 AM for briefing.
Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes can be tough, with hikes varying from 30 minutes to 6 hours on steep terrain.
To trek mountain gorillas in Volcanoes, one must be 15 years and above
Dress appropriately for the trek. Wear hiking boots, long sleeves, rain gear, and gloves.
Pack essentials such as plenty of drinking water, insect repellent, snacks, a face mask, a good camera with extra batteries, and a walking stick.
To trek mountain gorillas, one must be healthy and sick travelers maybe denied trekking. this is because gorillas are vulnerable to human diseases.
Tourists are required to respect the gorilla trekking rules and follow the guides’ lead during trekking.
The best time to embark on a Rwanda gorilla trek is during the dry seasons, typically from June to September and December to February, when the trekking conditions are favorable.