Loading...
Loading...
Mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, just 2.5 hours from Kigali
Volcanoes National Park, on the Rwandan side of the Virunga volcanoes, is where Dian Fossey studied mountain gorillas. It is only 2.5 hours from Kigali on good roads, so you can arrive one day, trek the next and fly home on the third. Rwanda's permit is higher than Uganda's, and the trekking is generally shorter on the bamboo and volcano slopes. The trip starts with a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial.
Dry season, firmer forest trails; book permits early
Showers return, permits easier to find
Rainy month, lower permit and lodge rates
Short dry season, green hills
Rains building
Long rains, lower permit and lodge rates
Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, then drive about 2.5 hours north to Musanze at the foot of the Virunga volcanoes.
Briefing at Kinigi park headquarters at 07:00, then trek through farmland and bamboo forest to your gorilla family for one hour. Afternoon free, or visit the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund's Ellen DeGeneres Campus.
Drive back to Kigali (about 2.5 hours) for your flight.
One night in a mid-range Kigali hotel with breakfast, per person sharing.
Half day with a local guide: markets, Nyamirambo, the Inema Arts Center and the Kigali Genocide Memorial if not already visited.
Trek to a habituated troop of endangered golden monkeys in the bamboo forest of Volcanoes National Park, permit included (USD 100). Minimum age 12.
Tell us your dates and party size — we'll confirm availability and send a clear quote.