3 Days Virunga Gorilla trekking from Kigali
This 3 days Virunga gorilla trekking from Kigali is an amazing safari that starts and ends in Kigali. The safari will take you to Virunga national park which is one of the oldest protected areas in Africa and while in the park you will participate in a breathtaking gorilla trekking activity which gives you an opportunity to spend one hour with the mountain gorillas in their natural environment.
Highlights of the 3 days Virunga gorilla trekking from Kigali
Day 1: Pick up and transfer to Virunga national park
Day 2: Gorilla trekking
Day 3: Departure to Kigali
Detailed itinerary
Day 1 of the 3 days Virunga gorilla trekking from Kigali
Transfer to Virunga national park, on the first day of your 3 days Virunga gorilla trekking from Kigali your driver guide will pick you up very early and start the journey to Virunga national park passing via Goma Grande Barrier border which takes about 4 hours drive. On your way you will have en-route lunch and great views of the rolling hills in Rwanda, beautiful scenery, landscapes among others. From Goma you will join the Virunga security convoy and connect to Bukima where you will check into the lodge, have dinner and overnight.
Day 2: Gorilla trekking in Virunga national park
Gorilla trekking, after an early breakfast on the second day of the 3 days Virunga gorilla trekking from Kigali you will carry packed lunch and meet up with your driver guide to transfer to the park headquarters for a briefing about the rules and regulations of gorilla trekking. Gorilla trekking in Virunga national park is done in groups of 8 people where each group is allocated a gorilla family to trek and a park guide who is well conversant with trails in the forest.
Trekking of the mountain gorillas in the park takes about 30 minutes to 6 hours depending on where the gorillas are located and during trekking you will have great views of bird species, other primates, plant and tree species among others. Once the gorillas are found you will be allowed to spend one hour with them in their natural environment which helps you to learn about their lifestyle, behaviors, take photos and record the moments. After the one hour with the mountain gorillas you will trek to the park headquarters, meet up with your driver guide to transfer to the lodge for an evening relaxation, dinner and overnight.
Day 3: Departure to Kigali
On the last day of the 3 days Virunga gorilla trekking from Kigali you will check out of the lodge, meet up with your drive guide to transfer back to Kigali. You will join the Virunga security convoy to Congo Grande barrier border where you will check out and start the journey to Kigali which takes about 4 hours drive. Upon arrival in Kigali city you will visit some interesting attractions such as Kigali genocide memorial center, Kimironko market among others. After the city tour you will drive to Kigali international airport for your next flight.
End of 3 days Virunga gorilla trekking
Inclusions of the 3 days Virunga gorilla trekking
- Gorilla trekking permit
- Kigali city tour
- An English speaking driver guide
- Full board accommodation
- Pick up and drop off
- Vehicle and fuel
- Bottled water
Exclusions of the 3 days Virunga gorilla trekking
- Air flight tickets
- Visas
- Optional activities not included on the itinerary
- Personal expenses like buying souvenirs, crafts, drinks, laundry services, hiring a porter, tips among others.
Tips for gorilla trekking in Virunga national park
- Hiking shoes
- Garden gloves
- Long sleeved shirt and trouser
- Insect repellent
- Water proof rain jacket
- Warm sweaters
- Long cotton stockings
- Water proof back pack to carry your equipment’s
- Camera
- Drinking water and packed lunch from the lodge
- Walking stick
- Hiring a Porter who will help you carry your equipment’s and gives you a pull or a push in steep and slippery areas.
