2 Day Rwanda Gorilla Trek in Volcanoes National Park

A 2 Day Rwanda Gorilla Trek is one of the best short safari adventures in East Africa. This safari is designed for travelers who want to experience mountain gorilla trekking in Rwanda within a limited time while still enjoying the beauty of the country’s landscapes, wildlife, and culture.

The safari takes visitors to Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda’s most famous tourism destination and home to endangered mountain gorillas. Located in the northern part of Rwanda, the park forms part of the Virunga Mountain range and offers breathtaking scenery, mist covered forests, and unforgettable wildlife encounters.

This short Rwanda gorilla safari is ideal for:

Weekend travelers
Business visitors in Kigali
Luxury travelers
Wildlife lovers
Adventure seekers
Photographers

The highlight of the safari is the incredible opportunity to spend one hour with mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.

Safari Overview

The 2 Day Rwanda Gorilla Trek begins with pickup in Kigali followed by a scenic drive to Volcanoes National Park. Visitors spend the night near the park before enjoying a gorilla trekking adventure on the second day.

After trekking and spending time with the gorillas, visitors return to Kigali for drop off at the airport or hotel.

The safari offers an unforgettable wildlife experience within a short travel period.

About Volcanoes National Park

Volcanoes National Park is Rwanda’s leading safari destination and one of the best places in the world to see mountain gorillas.

The park is known for:

Gorilla trekking
Golden monkey tracking
Volcano hiking
Birdwatching
Scenic volcanic landscapes

The park protects part of the world’s remaining mountain gorilla population and plays an important role in conservation and eco tourism.

One major advantage of Rwanda gorilla trekking is the short driving distance from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park, which takes approximately two to three hours.

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali and Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

Your safari guide will pick you up from Kigali International Airport or your hotel in Kigali and brief you about the safari before starting the journey to northern Rwanda.

Depending on your arrival time, you may enjoy a short Kigali city tour before leaving the capital. Some of the popular attractions in Kigali include:

Kigali Genocide Memorial
Local craft markets
Kigali city viewpoints
Cultural centers

After the city visit, you will continue with a scenic drive through Rwanda’s beautiful countryside filled with rolling hills, green plantations, farms, and traditional villages.

The journey offers excellent photography opportunities and a chance to experience Rwanda’s famous “Land of a Thousand Hills” scenery.

Upon arrival near Volcanoes National Park, you will check into your lodge, relax, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the gorilla trekking adventure the following morning.

Accommodation Options

Luxury Lodges

Bisate Lodge
Singita Kwitonda Lodge
One and Only Gorilla’s Nest

Midrange Lodges

Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel

Budget Lodges

Kinigi Guest House
Muhabura Hotel

Most lodges offer beautiful views of the Virunga volcanoes and comfortable facilities for relaxation after trekking.

Day 2: Gorilla Trekking and Return to Kigali

The second day begins early with breakfast at the lodge before transferring to the park headquarters in Kinigi for the gorilla trekking briefing.

Gorilla Trekking Briefing

At the park headquarters, visitors are welcomed by park rangers who provide detailed information about the trekking experience.

The briefing covers:

Gorilla trekking rules
Safety procedures
Gorilla behavior
Conservation efforts
Expectations during the trek

Trekkers are grouped and assigned specific gorilla families based on fitness levels and trekking preferences.

Trekking Through the Forest

After the briefing, visitors drive to the trek starting point and begin hiking through the forest accompanied by ranger guides and trackers.

The trek may take between one and six hours depending on the movement and location of the gorilla family.

The hike passes through:

Bamboo forests
Dense vegetation
Mountain slopes
Scenic rainforest trails

Guides explain the forest ecosystem, wildlife, and conservation programs throughout the trek.

The trekking experience itself is adventurous, scenic, and rewarding.

Encounter with the Mountain Gorillas

Once the gorillas are located, visitors spend one unforgettable hour observing them in their natural environment.

This is considered one of the greatest wildlife experiences in the world.

Visitors may observe the gorillas:

Feeding
Grooming
Playing
Resting
Interacting as a family

Young gorillas are often playful while the dominant silverback carefully watches over the group.

Photography without flash is allowed, and visitors are encouraged to remain calm and respectful during the encounter.

The close interaction with mountain gorillas creates emotional and unforgettable memories.

Return to Kigali

After the gorilla encounter, visitors hike back to the starting point where they receive gorilla trekking certificates.

Lunch may be enjoyed at the lodge or a nearby restaurant before beginning the return drive to Kigali.

The journey back offers another chance to admire Rwanda’s scenic landscapes and countryside.

Upon arrival in Kigali, visitors are dropped off at the airport or hotel, marking the end of the safari.

What Is Included in the Safari

The safari package usually includes:

Gorilla trekking permit
Park entrance fees
Professional safari guide
Ground transportation
Accommodation
Meals during the safari
Bottled drinking water
Ranger guide services

What Is Excluded

The package may exclude:

International flights
Rwanda visa fees
Personal travel insurance
Tips and gratuities
Alcoholic drinks
Personal expenses

Gorilla Trekking Permit Cost in Rwanda

A Rwanda gorilla trekking permit currently costs 1500 USD per person for foreign non residents.

The permit includes:

Park entrance
One hour with gorillas
Ranger guide services
Conservation support

Permits are limited each day and should be booked in advance.

Best Time for Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

Gorilla trekking takes place throughout the year, but the dry seasons are usually preferred because hiking conditions are easier.

Best months include:

June to September
December to February

The rainy seasons also offer beautiful green scenery and fewer tourists.

What to Pack for Gorilla Trekking

Gorilla Trekking Rules

Visitors must follow park regulations to protect the endangered mountain gorillas.

Important rules include:

Keep a safe distance from gorillas
Do not touch the gorillas
Avoid flash photography
Follow ranger instructions
Do not litter in the park
Sick visitors should not trek

These rules help protect gorillas from human diseases and stress.

Why Choose Rwanda for Gorilla Trekking

Rwanda has become one of Africa’s top gorilla trekking destinations because of:

Easy access from Kigali
Excellent roads
Safety and cleanliness
Luxury accommodation
Strong conservation programs
Beautiful scenery

The country offers one of the most organized and comfortable gorilla trekking experiences in Africa.

A 2 Day Rwanda Gorilla Trek offers an extraordinary opportunity to experience mountain gorillas within a short period while enjoying Rwanda’s beautiful landscapes and hospitality.

From the scenic drive through the countryside to the unforgettable moment spent with mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, this safari provides memories that last a lifetime.

For travelers seeking a short but rewarding African wildlife adventure, Rwanda gorilla trekking remains one of the best safari experiences in the world.