4-Day Gorilla Trek & Cultural Adventure

• You'll be collected from the airport.
• Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.

Arrival in Kigali & Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be warmly greeted by a Naleyo Tours and Travel guide, who will brief you about your safari. Depending on your arrival time, you may take a short city orientation drive through Kigali, one of Africa’s cleanest and friendliest capitals. You’ll see tree-lined streets, bustling markets, and a skyline framed by rolling green hills.

Afterward, you'll embark on a scenic 2.5-hour drive north to the Volcanoes region. The journey offers spectacular views of terraced hills, rural farmlands, and the Virunga volcanic chain rising in the distance. You will arrive in Musanze by afternoon and check into your lodge, located close to Volcanoes National Park headquarters.
You'll settle in, enjoy a refreshing drink, and breathe in the cool mountain air. Later, your guide will brief you about tomorrow’s gorilla trek.
You'll spend the evening relaxing by the fireplace or enjoying dinner at your lodge restaurant with views of the misty volcano slopes.

Main Destination:

Volcanoes National Park (Gorillas)

Best Time To Visit June to August (It is drier and hiking is easier)

High Season June to September (Permits are scarce)

Best Weather June to October (Sunny, but not too hot)

Wildlife in Volcanoes NP

GorillaCommon

ChimpanzeeNone

ElephantRare

BuffaloRare

White RhinoNone

Black RhinoNone

Show more

GiraffeNone

LionNone

LeopardNone

CheetahNone

ZebraNone

WildebeestNone

HippoNone

Accommodation:

Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel

• Mid-range lodge located less than 1hr drive from Volcanoes NP (Gorillas)

+8 Photos

+7 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• Lunch & dinner (Breakfast not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

After breakfast, you'll head to Volcanoes National Park headquarters for a briefing by the park warden. You’ll be assigned to a gorilla family group based on your fitness level and interest. Rangers and trackers will share important guidelines on approaching the gorillas safely and respectfully.

You'll begin your trek into the bamboo and rainforest-clad slopes of the Virunga Volcanoes. The trek may take between 1- 5 hours, depending on where the gorillas nested the previous night. As you climb higher, you’ll be immersed in the sights and sounds of the forest — the rustling of tree canopies, and the scent of damp earth.
When you finally meet the mountain gorillas, you’ll spend an hour observing them feed, groom, and play. Witnessing a silverback’s calm authority or the curiosity of young gorillas is one of Africa’s most moving wildlife experiences.

In the afternoon, you may visit a local craft market, enjoy spa time, or simply relax in the garden watching the sunset over the Virungas.

Main Destination:

Volcanoes National Park (Gorillas)

Accommodation:

Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel

• Mid-range lodge located less than 1hr drive from Volcanoes NP (Gorillas)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Golden Monkeys or Cultural Experience

This morning offers two options. Option 1: Golden Monkey Trekking – a lighter trek in Volcanoes National Park to see endangered golden monkeys leaping through bamboo forests, taking 2–3 hours and offering great photo opportunities.

Option 2: Cultural & Conservation — You'll visit Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village to experience local dances, hunting techniques, banana brewing, and community life, or explore the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund’s Ellen DeGeneres Campus to learn about gorilla research. In the afternoon, you'll visit the scenic Twin Lakes of Burera and Ruhondo for a gentle boat ride or short nature walk before returning to your lodge for a relaxing evening.

Main Destination:

Volcanoes National Park (Gorillas)

Accommodation:

Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel

• Mid-range lodge located less than 1hr drive from Volcanoes NP (Gorillas)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Return to Kigali – Optional City Tour & Departure

You'll enjoy a relaxed breakfast with stunning mountain views before checking out. Your Naleyo Tours and Travel driver will take you on a 2.5-hour drive back to Kigali, descending through the lush countryside.

If time allows, you'll enjoy an optional Kigali city tour, including a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, the Kimironko local market, and various art and craft shops. This gives you a meaningful understanding of Rwanda’s journey from tragedy to resilience and renewal.

Later, your driver will transfer you to Kigali International Airport — marking the end of an unforgettable gorilla adventure in the heart of Africa.

Main Destination:

Kigali

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

• Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost.
• You'll be dropped off at the airport.