Day 1: Arrival in Kigali and Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

Your driver guide picks you up from Kigali International Airport or your hotel in the morning. Enjoy a scenic drive of about two and a half hours through Rwanda’s rolling hills to Musanze, gateway town to Volcanoes National Park. Check in at your chosen lodge, relax, and prepare for the trekking days ahead.

• Meal Plan: Half-Board
• Accommodation: Kinigi Guest House(Budget) | Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge (Mid-Range)

Day 2: Mountain Gorilla Trekking with Optional Iby’iwacu Cultural Village Visit

Wake early for breakfast before heading to park headquarters for briefing and ranger assignment. Trek through bamboo forest and dense vegetation in search of a habituated gorilla family, spending a magical hour observing them in their natural habitat. Trekking duration varies from thirty minutes to several hours depending on the gorillas’ location.

In the afternoon, those wanting deeper cultural insight can visit Iby’iwacu Cultural Village, where former poachers now share traditional dance, storytelling, and daily Rwandan life through interactive demonstrations. This optional add on supports community tourism initiatives around the park.

• Meal Plan: Full-Board
• Accommodation: Same as Day 1

Day 3: Golden Monkey Trekking and Dian Fossey Trail to Karisoke Research Center

After breakfast, join a shorter and less strenuous trek to observe playful golden monkeys leaping through bamboo forest, an endangered and endemic species found only in this region. This experience typically takes two to three hours round trip.

In the afternoon, embark on the Dian Fossey Trail, a moderately challenging hike through forest terrain leading to Karisoke Research Center, former home of renowned primatologist Dian Fossey. Visit her grave site and the site where she conducted decades of gorilla conservation research, gaining insight into her legacy and ongoing conservation efforts in the park.

• Meal Plan: Full-Board
• Same as Day 2

Day 4: Departure from Volcanoes National Park

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at your lodge before checking out. Depending on your flight schedule, your driver guide transfers you back to Kigali, with an option to stop at local markets, Rwanda Art Museum, or the Kigali Genocide Memorial along the way for those with extra time before departure.

• Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch
• Accommodation: None unless requested