Rwanda Gorilla Trek
Mountain gorillas in the Virunga Volcanoes
Your Route
Kigali → Volcanoes National Park → Kigali
Route Details
Kigali
Kigali
Rwanda's capital offers cultural context before the trek.
Highlights
- Genocide Memorial visit
- Local markets and restaurants
- Clean, efficient city experience
Volcanoes National Park
Musanze / Volcanoes NP
Home to mountain gorillas on the slopes of the Virunga Volcanoes.
Highlights
- Mountain gorilla trekking (1 hour with family)
- Possible second trek or golden monkey tracking
- Dian Fossey's grave hike
A Typical Day
Sample from Kigali
7:00–12:00
Arrival and rest
12:00–15:00
Lunch in Kigali
15:00–18:00
Genocide Memorial visit
18:00–21:00
Dinner in Kigali
Activities
Included Activities
Optional (additional cost)
Is This Right for You?
Best for
Travelers prioritizing the gorilla encounter above all else, those with limited time, and anyone combining with East African safari.
Not ideal for
Budget travelers, those wanting extended primate experiences, or travelers seeking savannah safari elements.
Trade-offs
Like what you see?
We'll customize this route around your preferences
Best Time to Go
Dry Seasons
Easier trekking conditions, though gorillas are seen year-round
Why This Itinerary Works
Every Vurara Safaris itinerary reflects specific trade-offs. Here is the reasoning behind this route:
5 days balances depth at each location against travel fatigue. Shorter trips sacrifice wildlife time; longer trips face diminishing returns.
Segment order minimizes backtracking and positions high-density wildlife areas at optimal points in the journey.
Premium positioning in private concessions or exclusive-use camps. Higher cost buys exclusivity, flexibility, and guide expertise.
Travelers prioritizing the gorilla encounter above all else, those with limited time, and anyone combining with East African safari.
Why each segment was chosen:
Kigali
Location selected for wildlife density, logistical efficiency, and alignment with stated priorities.
Volcanoes National Park
Gorilla group assignment affects trek difficulty. Permit timing constrains itinerary structure.
These decisions are not arbitrary. They reflect documented trade-offs from thousands of safari conversations.
How Vurara Safaris makes decisionsCustomization Options
Accommodation Options
Travel Modes
Available Extensions
Second Gorilla Trek
Additional trek for different family experience
Lake Kivu Relaxation
Lakeside rest after trekking
Cost Context
$5,000–$8,000/pp
Per person estimate
This cost band represents typical per-person pricing for this itinerary pattern. Actual costs vary based on accommodation tier, travel mode, season, and party size.
Excluding international flights, includes $1,500 permit
Related Decisions
Questions to consider before booking