3-Day Rwanda Gorilla Safari
Mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, golden monkeys in the Virunga bamboo forest, and the poignant history of Kigali.
3-Day Rwanda Gorilla Safari
Experience the "Land of a Thousand Hills" with Tarec Gorilla Safaris. This 3-day expedition is designed for those seeking a high-end, efficient, and deeply moving encounter with the endangered mountain gorillas in Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park. From the clean, vibrant streets of Kigali to the misty bamboo forests of the Virunga Mountains, we provide a seamless journey into the heart of Africa's most iconic wilderness.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
From Kigali to the bamboo forests of the Virungas and back, this journey unfolds day by day. Follow the timeline below to see how each day leads into the next.
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your Tarec Gorilla Safaris guide. Your journey begins with a brief tour of Kigali, a city known for its remarkable cleanliness and hilly scenery. We include a poignant visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, providing vital historical context to Rwanda's journey of resilience. After lunch, we enjoy a scenic 2.5-hour drive through the terraced hillsides of the Rwandan countryside, arriving in Musanze (the gateway to Volcanoes NP) by late afternoon.
After an early breakfast, we head to the Kinigi Park headquarters. You will be assigned to a gorilla family and briefed by expert rangers on trekking etiquette. You will then enter Volcanoes National Park, hiking through bamboo forests and stinging nettles in search of the gentle giants. The trek can last between 2 and 5 hours. Once found, you will spend one unforgettable hour observing the gorillas as they feed, groom, and play just meters away. In the afternoon, we visit the Iby'iwacu Cultural Village (Gorilla Guardians Village) to experience traditional Rwandan dance, archery, and a glimpse into the ancient ways of the local community.
This morning, we return to the forest to track the golden monkeys, a rare and playful species endemic to the Virunga Massif. These primates are highly active and provide a wonderful contrast to the calm nature of the gorillas. Following the trek, we return to the lodge for a warm lunch before driving back to Kigali. If time permits, we can visit local craft markets for souvenirs before your drop-off at the airport for your evening flight.
Rates & Pricing
Our rates are per person sharing and vary depending on group size, season, and accommodation level. The Rwanda gorilla permit ($1,500) and golden monkey permit are included in every rate below. All rates include park fees, meals, and a private 4×4 safari vehicle with a professional English-speaking driver-guide.
| Group Size | Accommodation | Price per Person |
|---|---|---|
| 1 traveller | Budget | $3,850 |
| 2 travellers | Budget | $3,150 |
| 2 travellers | Mid-range | $2,750 |
| 2 travellers | Luxury | $4,650 |
| 4 travellers | Mid-range | $2,550 |
| 6+ travellers | Mid-range | $2,380 |
What's Included & Excluded
We believe in full transparency. Here is exactly what is included in your 3-Day Rwanda Gorilla Safari — and what is not. If you have any questions, our team is happy to clarify before you book.
- Rwanda Gorilla Permit ($1,500 included)
- Golden Monkey Tracking Permit
- 4×4 Luxury Safari Land Cruiser / Van
- Professional English-speaking Driver/Guide
- Full Board Accommodation (All Meals)
- Kigali City Tour & Genocide Memorial Visit
- Iby'iwacu Cultural Village visit
- Bottled mineral water throughout the safari
- Airport transfers on arrival and departure
- Fuel and vehicle maintenance
- International Airfare & Visas
- Personal Travel Insurance
- Tips for Guides, Rangers, and Porters
- Alcoholic Beverages & Sodas
- Personal Laundry services
- Souvenirs & items of a personal nature
- Optional Porter fees ($20 per trek)
- Any item not mentioned in the inclusions
Getting There
Your safari begins and ends in Kigali, Rwanda's capital. Most international travellers arrive at Kigali International Airport (KGL), the country's main gateway. We provide complimentary airport transfers on arrival and departure. Direct flights operate from major hubs across Africa, Europe, and the Middle East.
Meet the Tarec Gorilla Safaris Team
We are a locally owned and operated safari company based in Kampala, Uganda. Our team of experienced driver-guides, primate trackers, and travel planners is passionate about sharing the beauty of East Africa with travellers from around the world. Every safari we run is personally designed by someone who has walked the trails, tracked the gorillas, and knows the lodges by name.
Tarec Gorilla Safaris
We are a full-service safari operator offering custom itineraries, group tours, and self-drive packages. Our fleet of well-maintained 4×4 vehicles and our network of trusted lodges ensure a safe, comfortable, and unforgettable safari experience.