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Typical 4 days Virunga Primates gorillas Lake Kivu Rwanda Packages includes:

Day 1: Arrival and Kigali City Tour

Day 2: Volcanoes National Park - Gorilla Trekking

Day 3: Lake Kivu Exploration

Day 4: Departure

Day 1: Arrival and Kigali City Tour

Arrive at Kigali International Airport and be met by your private driver/guide.

Transfer to your hotel in Kigali, the Kigali Serena Hotel, for check-in and refreshment.

After settling in, embark on a comprehensive city tour of Kigali, exploring the Genocide Memorial Center to learn about the country's history and visit other cultural sites such as the Nyamirambo Women's Center and the Kimironko Market.

Enjoy a local Rwandan lunch at one of the city's renowned restaurants.

In the afternoon, continue your tour, visiting the Inema Arts Center to admire the work of local artists.

Return to your hotel and spend the evening at leisure. Dinner will be served at the hotel.

Accommodation: Kigali Serena Hotel (or similar), Bed and Breakfast.

Day 2: Volcanoes National Park - Gorilla Trekking

Early morning transfer (approximately 2 hours) to Volcanoes National Park, located in the northern part of Rwanda.

After a briefing by the park rangers, embark on your Rwanda gorilla trekking adventure. The trek can take anywhere from 2 to 6 hours, depending on the location of the gorilla family.

Once you reach the gorillas, spend an unforgettable hour observing and interacting with these magnificent primates in their natural habitat.

Return to the lodge, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, for a well-deserved lunch.

Spend the afternoon at leisure, enjoying the lodge's amenities or exploring the surrounding areas.

Dinner will be served at the lodge.

Accommodation: Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge (or similar), Full Board.

Day 3: Lake Kivu Exploration

Depart for the picturesque Lake Kivu, one of the African Great Lakes, located on the border between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Embark on a boat cruise along the lake, exploring the local fishing villages and islands. During the cruise, enjoy a picnic lunch on the boat.

Spend the afternoon at leisure, relaxing on the shores of Lake Kivu or taking part in optional activities such as kayaking or visiting local communities.

Dinner will be served at your accommodation, the Cormoran Lodge.

Accommodation: Cormoran Lodge (or similar), Full Board.

Day 4: Departure

After breakfast at the lodge, transfer to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight.

Bid farewell to Rwanda, taking with your unforgettable memories of your Rwanda safari adventure.

Please note that the accommodations and meal plans mentioned are subject to availability and can be adjusted as needed

A gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda costs $1,500 for foreign non-residents, and $300 for East African citizens and the Rest of Africa pays $500 per person. This fee includes entry into Volcanoes National Park, the services of experienced ranger guides, and an hour spent with the gorillas. The cost of the permit is higher as compared to Uganda, where the permit is $800 for foreign non-residents and $400-$500 for the Democratic Republic of Congo. Rwanda offers a discount on the permit (30% discount) to $1050 during the low season. However, this only works if you have booked a safari to either Akagera National Park or Nyungwe after the gorilla trek. 

The best time to visit Rwanda for gorilla trekking is during the dry seasons, from June to September and December to February. During these months, the weather is more predictable, and the trails are less muddy, making the trek easier and more enjoyable. However, gorilla trekking is possible year-round, and each season offers its own unique experiences.

Getting to the gorilla trekking site in Rwanda is relatively straightforward. Most visitors fly into Kigali International Airport, which is well-connected to major international hubs. From Kigali, it’s a scenic two-hour drive to Volcanoes National Park. Many tour operators offer transportation as part of their Rwanda safari packages, making the journey hassle-free.

While gorilla trekking is the highlight, there are plenty of other activities to enjoy on a Rwanda safari tour. You can go golden monkey tracking, explore the vibrant city of Kigali, visit the Nyungwe Forest for a canopy walk, or embark on a 3 days Akagera National Park wildlife safari. These activities provide a well-rounded experience of Rwanda’s diverse wildlife and culture.

Rwanda is dotted with curio shops and five-star hotels that offer a range of accommodations from luxury lodges to more budget-friendly options. These establishments provide comfort, proximity to Volcanoes National Park and Lake Kivu, and a touch of luxury, ensuring a restful stay after a day of trekking.

A gorilla trekking safari holiday to Rwanda offers more than just the chance to see gorillas. It provides an opportunity to immerse yourself in the country’s rich culture and stunning landscapes. Rwanda’s commitment to eco-tourism ensures that your visit will have a positive impact on both the environment and local communities.

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is conducted in Volcanoes National Park, located in the northwestern part of the country. This Park is part of the larger Virunga Massif, which spans Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The park’s lush, mountainous terrain provides the perfect habitat for mountain gorillas.

Mountain gorillas are an endangered species that were almost extinct due to constant poaching from the locals, but with the coming and conservation ideas of Dian Fossey, gorillas survived. With the help of the government of Rwanda, some rules have been set up to continue conserving the natural habitat of the Mountain gorillas. The rules are to be followed by all who intend to go for a gorilla trek for your safety and the safety of the gorillas, and these include:

• Rwanda’s gorilla trekking age limit is 15 years, and no one below that age will be allowed to trek the gorillas.
• Feeding of the Mountain gorillas is prohibited.
• After locating the gorillas, the trekkers are allowed a maximum of an hour with the gorillas studying their behavioral patterns and taking photos and videos.
• You need to keep a distance of about 7 to 10 meters away from the gorillas.
• Gorillas are not used to flash photography, so make sure that you turn your camera flash off before taking photos.
• A maximum of 8 people is allowed to trek the assigned gorilla families.
• Holes 30 cm deep are to be dug and covered for hikers planning on using the toilet because there are no toilets within the national park.
• Avoid littering the national park with rubbish by leaving it the way you found it.
• Do not in any way get close to the gorillas to avoid passing on infections in case you are sick.
• No one can eat, smoke, or drink with the gorillas.
• Avoid staring at the gorillas in the eye, don’t put on sunglasses, and in cases where the gorillas approach you, follow the instructions given to you by the guides.

Packing for a gorilla trekking safari requires some careful planning. Here are some essentials to bring:

• Pack some warm clothes like sweaters for when the weather drastically changes.
• A raincoat is necessary whether you are travelling in the dry or wet season.
• Long-sleeved shirts and trousers protect your skin from insect bites, keep you warm, and protect your skin from tree scratches. The clothes packed should be neutral or in brown, khaki, and green colours. Avoid blue, any other brightly colored clothes, and black. Also, make sure to avoid jeans.
• First aid kit fully packed with all the medicines prescribed by your doctor, bandages, spirit, iodine, cotton, tummy ache medicines, pain killers, and other things needed to treat scratches during the trek.
• Gaiters, socks, and garden gloves are needed. The socks are used to keep you warm, and during the trek, trousers are tucked into the socks to prevent insects from crawling up your pants. The garden gloves and non-surgical gloves protect your hands from tree scratches during the trek, and the adjustable gaiters are mainly used during the wet season.
• Strong ankle-length boots are necessary to keep your feet steady on the trek, especially during the wet season. They should be well-fitting to avoid blisters and waterproof if you can get them.

Other items that you need to pack include a refillable water bottle, flashlight, extra batteries, camera and extra lenses, binoculars, wet wipes, biodegradable toilet paper, scarf, sandals, sunscreen, insect repellent, a sun hat, and toiletries, among others.

Choosing the right tour operator can make all the difference in your gorilla trekking experience. Dav Safaris offers expertly guided tours, ensuring a safe and memorable adventure.

Note that the Rwanda Tourism Board prints only 86 permits per day, so it is important to book early for your trip. After purchasing your permit, expect to track gorilla families in Volcanoes National Park, including the Hirwa gorilla family with 13 members, the Sabinyo gorilla family with eight members, Umubano with 11 gorillas, and Amahoro with 17 gorillas.

Whether you opt for a 3 days gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda or a longer itinerary, you need to book for the gorilla safari in advance because of the high demand for gorilla permits and easy planning.

Contact Us to help you book the gorilla permit and organize your entire safari to Rwanda, depending on your budget. Check out our reviews on TripAdvisor to make the right decision.