2 Days Rwanda Gorilla Safari: Best Rwanda Gorilla Tour
2 Days Rwanda Gorilla Safari combines a Kigali city tour — including the Gisozi Genocide Memorial — with mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda’s premier gorilla destination.
Starting and ending in Kigali, it’s one of the most compact Rwanda gorilla safari options available, fitting the gorilla trekking permit ($1,500), transport, accommodation, and city touring into a genuine weekend trip.
It’s ideal for solo travelers, couples, and small groups short on time but not wanting to compromise on seeing mountain gorillas in the wild.
This Rwanda gorilla tour takes you on a thrilling wildlife adventure through the dense forests of Volcanoes National Park to encounter incredible mountain gorillas.
It also takes you to one of the most significant 1994 Rwanda genocide memorial sites, the Gisozi Genocide Memorial, found in the heart of Kigali.
This short Rwanda tour starts in Kigali and ends in Kigali — a budget-friendly package designed for adventurers and nature lovers who want to encounter mountain gorillas in their natural habitat without committing to a longer trip. It’s an ideal option for solo travelers, friends, and family alike.
Trip Overview & Highlights
Quick facts:
- Duration: 2 days, 1 night
- Starting/ending point: Kigali
- Location: Kigali city + Volcanoes National Park, northwestern Rwanda
- Core activities: Kigali city tour, Gisozi Genocide Memorial, mountain gorilla trekking
- Trek options: Easy, medium, or hard gorilla treks — easy recommended given the same-day return to Kigali
- Best for: Solo travelers, couples, and short-break travelers wanting a compact but complete Rwanda gorilla experience
- Price range: From roughly $1,600 per person (budget, 5+ travelers) up to $3,500+ (solo luxury) — see the cost table below
2 Days Rwanda Gorilla Safari Brief Itinerary
Day 1: Kigali City Tour and Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
- Kigali city tour
- Visit the Gisozi Genocide Memorial Center
- Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking and Departure
- Early morning breakfast, then head to the park for trekking
- Spend time observing the mountain gorillas in their natural habitat
- Return to your lodge for lunch, then transfer back to Kigali for departure
This itinerary ensures an unforgettable experience while providing essential inclusions for a seamless journey.
You may also like our 1 Day Gorilla Trek Uganda if you’re weighing Rwanda against a Uganda-based gorilla trekking option.
2 Days Rwanda Gorilla safari Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: City Tour – Kinigi
Your Rwanda gorilla safari adventure begins with a Kigali city tour, exploring Rwanda’s vibrant capital — one of the cleanest and safest cities in Africa. You’ll visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial for deep insight into Rwanda’s history, the 1994 Rwanda Genocide, before exploring local markets, discovering Kigali’s neighborhoods, and enjoying Rwandan cuisine at a local restaurant for lunch.
In the afternoon, enjoy a picturesque drive to Volcanoes National Park, located approximately 116 kilometers from the city — a journey of about 2 to 3 hours. On arrival, check into your pre-booked accommodation to relax and have dinner ahead of tomorrow’s gorilla trekking.
Accommodation options include Mountain Gorilla View Lodge or Volcanoes Lodge (luxury), Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge or La Palme (mid-range), and Muhabura Hotel (basic).
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking and Departure
Day 2 is the highlight — trekking the fascinating mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Start with tea and breakfast, then transfer to Volcanoes National Park headquarters in Kinigi for a pre-gorilla briefing covering safety protocols to protect both the gorillas and yourself.
After the briefing, you can choose your gorilla group — easy, medium, or hard trek — depending on your preference. Since you’ll return to Kigali the same day for departure, we recommend an easy trek to save time for your onward flight.
Once you find the gorillas, you spend a full hour with them — photographing them, watching their interactions, undisturbed by your presence. It’s a genuinely wonderful experience. After descending from the forest, enjoy lunch and drive back to Kigali for departure.
End of Tour: 2 Days Rwanda Gorilla Safari
2 Days Rwanda Gorilla Safari Cost
| Number of Travelers | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 (Solo) | $1,900 – $2,100 | $2,100 – $2,400 | $2,800 – $3,500+ |
| 2 (per person) | $1,700 – $1,900 | $1,900 – $2,200 | $2,600 – $3,200+ |
| 3–4 (per person) | $1,650 – $1,850 | $1,850 – $2,100 | $2,500 – $3,000+ |
| 5+ (per person) | $1,600 – $1,800 | $1,800 – $2,050 | $2,400 – $2,900+ |
These figures are indicative — contact us for an exact quote based on your dates and group size. The Rwanda gorilla trekking permit ($1,500 per person) is the largest fixed cost and is included in every package above, which is why per-person pricing stays relatively close across group sizes — this permit cost doesn’t reduce with volume.
Tour Inclusions and Exclusions
Tour Inclusions:
- One gorilla trekking permit per person for a guided trek to see the mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park
- One night’s stay in comfortable lodges or hotels
- Private 4×4 vehicle with a full-time English-speaking driver-guide
- Airport transfers if required
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included on the days of the tour (specific dietary requirements accommodated with prior notice)
- Professional English-speaking guide during the gorilla trek and other excursions
- All applicable entrance fees to Volcanoes National Park and other attractions
- Complimentary bottled water during the trek and transport
- Optional visit to local communities or cultural sites as part of the itinerary
Tour Exclusions:
- Airfare to and from Rwanda
- Personal travel and medical insurance (highly recommended)
- Optional activities such as golden monkey trekking, cultural performances, or nature walks
- Souvenirs, snacks, drinks outside of meals, and other personal items
- Tips for guides, drivers, and hotel staff, at the traveler’s discretion
- Visa costs (if applicable)
- Meals outside the specified itinerary or special dining experiences
- Any medical expenses or emergencies, which remain the traveler’s responsibility
About Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda is one of Africa’s most iconic wildlife destinations, famous for its role in gorilla conservation. Located in the northwestern part of the country, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to endangered mountain gorillas and offers thrilling gorilla trekking experiences central to every Rwanda gorilla tour. The park is part of the larger Virunga Massif, a volcanic region featuring lush montane forests and scenic landscapes.
Beyond gorillas, the park hosts golden monkeys, buffaloes, and over 200 bird species, making it a diverse haven for wildlife lovers. Nearby attractions add further depth to a safari here: the Karisoke Research Center, founded by Dian Fossey, offers insight into ongoing gorilla research and conservation.
Visitors can also hike the Virunga Volcanoes, including Mount Karisimbi, the park’s highest peak, for breathtaking views. Lake Kivu, to the west, offers relaxation, boat tours, and beaches — the combination of gorilla trekking, volcanic hikes, and lake excursions makes Volcanoes National Park a must-visit for nature and adventure enthusiasts.
Location and Getting There
Volcanoes National Park sits in Rwanda’s Musanze District, in the northwest of the country, bordering the Virunga Massif shared with Uganda and the DRC. It’s approximately 116 km from Kigali — roughly a 2–3 hour drive along a well-maintained road, making it one of the more accessible gorilla trekking destinations in the region compared to some of Uganda’s more remote sectors.
FAQs -2 Days Rwanda Gorilla safari
How much does the 2 Days Rwanda Gorilla Safari cost? Indicative pricing runs from around $1,600 per person (budget, group of 5+) up to $3,500+ for a solo luxury experience. The $1,500 gorilla permit is included and is the largest fixed cost — contact us for an exact quote.
Is 2 days enough time for a proper Rwanda gorilla safari? Yes — this itinerary is specifically designed for travelers with limited time, combining a Kigali cultural visit with a single gorilla trek. Choosing an easy trek on Day 2 keeps timing comfortable for a same-day return to Kigali.
How much is the Rwanda gorilla trekking permit? $1,500 per person, issued by the Rwanda Development Board, and included in this tour’s price.
Can I choose which gorilla family I trek? Group assignments are typically made at the park headquarters briefing based on trekking difficulty preference (easy, medium, or hard) rather than a specific named family, though rangers aim to match groups sensibly.
What’s included besides the gorilla permit? One night’s accommodation, all meals during the tour, a private 4×4 vehicle with driver-guide, airport transfers, park entrance fees, and bottled water — see the full inclusions list above.
Can I add golden monkey trekking or other activities? Yes, as an optional add-on with an additional charge — mention your interest when requesting a quote so we can build it into your itinerary.
How far is Volcanoes National Park from Kigali? Approximately 116 km, roughly a 2–3 hour drive.
Book Your Rwanda Gorilla Safari
This Incredible 2 Days Rwanda Gorilla Safari with Trek Rwanda Gorillas offers unforgettable encounters, expert guides, seamless planning, and a once-in-a-lifetime mountain gorilla experience in Volcanoes National Park. Contact us today to secure your spot.