Your 3 Day Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda begins with a pick-up from Kigali, Rwanda’s capital. Following a briefing, you’ll embark on a 2-3 hour scenic drive to Volcanoes National Park in the Musanze region (formerly Ruhengeri). The journey offers breathtaking views of Rwanda’s rolling hills, earning it the nickname “Land of a Thousand Hills.” As you leave the city behind, you’ll encounter lush green valleys, terraced farms, and picturesque rural villages. Along the way, you’ll also glimpse the majestic Virunga Mountains, a chain of dormant volcanoes that define the region’s rugged beauty. Upon arrival at your lodge near the park, you can relax and prepare for the next adventure.

The day begins with a hearty breakfast before heading to the park headquarters for a briefing by park rangers. The guides will assign you to a gorilla family and prepare you for the trek. The hike into the rainforest can take anywhere from 2 to 6 hours, depending on the location of the gorillas. Along the trek, you’ll traverse dense bamboo forests, with the sounds of birds and other forest creatures accompanying you. You will spend an intimate and unforgettable hour observing a gorilla family in their natural habitat, watching them feed, play, and interact.

After returning from the trek, you can visit the nearby Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village, where local communities showcase traditional Rwandan culture. This immersive experience allows you to meet the locals and learn about their way of life, including their agricultural practices, conventional medicine, and crafts. Afterward, you will return to your lodge for dinner and relaxation, feeling enriched by the cultural exchange.

On your final day of your 3 Day Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda, you can choose to add a golden monkey trekking experience before heading back to Kigali. Like the gorilla trek, this activity starts early with a briefing at the park headquarters. The trek is generally more straightforward and shorter (1-3 hours) than gorilla trekking. The golden monkeys are another endangered species found in Volcanoes National Park, and watching these lively and playful primates leap between the bamboo trees is an exhilarating experience. Their striking golden-orange fur and energetic behavior make them a delightful sight.

After completing the Golden Monkey trek, you’ll return to your lodge for lunch before starting the scenic drive back to Kigali. Upon arrival in Kigali, you may have the opportunity to explore the city further, visiting places like the Kigali Genocide Memorial or local craft markets, depending on your schedule. Finally, you’ll be transferred to Kigali International Airport for your departure or to your hotel for the night.