2 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari

Exciting 2 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari – Short Rwanda Gorilla Safaris in Volcanoes National Park

2 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari: This short Rwanda gorilla safari takes you to Volcanoes National Park in Musanze Province, northwestern Rwanda, home to a share of the roughly 1,004 mountain gorillas remaining on Earth today.

For primate lovers short on time, this is the ultimate compact Rwanda gorilla trekking safari — bringing you within meters of a wild gorilla family in a single, expertly organized weekend.

Along the way, you’ll also enjoy a Kigali city tour, with visits to Rwanda’s genocide memorial sites, local museums, and a cultural exploration at the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village.

Volcanoes National Park sits roughly 2 to 3 hours’ drive from Kigali, and the journey there is a reward in itself, winding through the rolling hills and dramatic Virunga volcanoes that give Rwanda its nickname, the “Land of a Thousand Hills.”

The park spans 160 square kilometers and protects 10 habituated gorilla families, with each visitor assigned to a single family for a trekking group capped at 8 people. Your 2 days Rwanda gorilla trekking safari begins and ends in Kigali.

Why Choose a 2 Day Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari?

Not every traveler has a week to spare for a full Rwanda gorilla safari, and that’s exactly the gap this itinerary fills. A short Rwanda gorilla safari like this one is ideal if you:

  • Have a stopover, business trip, or long weekend in Kigali and want to make the most of it
  • Are combining Rwanda with a longer trip elsewhere in East or Central Africa
  • Want a taste of mountain gorilla trekking without committing to a longer expedition
  • Prefer a fast, focused itinerary over an extended multi-country tour like our 17 day gorilla trekking and Nyiragongo hike safari

Because Volcanoes National Park is so close to Kigali, this remains one of the fastest ways in Africa to go from an international airport to a face-to-face encounter with a wild mountain gorilla family — all within 48 hours.

What to Expect on the 2 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari

  • A guided Kigali city tour
  • A magical, once-in-a-lifetime encounter with mountain gorillas
  • Breathtaking views of Rwanda’s rolling hills and volcanic landscapes
  • One night’s accommodation and meals
  • Pick-up from and drop-off to your hotel or Kigali International Airport

Safari Highlights: 2 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari

Day 1: Kigali city tour and drive to Volcanoes National Park

Day 2: Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park and return drive to Kigali

Budget Rwanda Gorilla Trekking

Detailed Itinerary for the 2 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari

Day 1: Kigali City Tour and Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

This 2 Days Rwanda gorilla tour starts with a warm breakfast at your hotel in Kigali, or meet your Maranatha Tours & Travel representative upon arrival at Kigali International Airport.

After a short briefing on what your 2 days Rwanda gorilla trekking tour involves, set off on a guided Kigali city tour.

Kigali isn’t just Rwanda’s vibrant commercial hub — it’s also rated among the cleanest and safest cities in Africa, and a fascinating introduction to the country before you head into the forest.

Your Kigali city tour includes a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial site, offering insight into the events of the 1994 Rwandan genocide, along with stops at local art and craft markets — a highlight covered in more depth in our Kigali city tour and cultural experiences guide.

After lunch in Kigali, begin the scenic 2 to 3 hour drive to Volcanoes National Park in Musanze Province for a memorable Rwanda gorilla trekking safari. On arrival, check in to your lodge, then head out in the evening to the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village for an authentic Rwandan cultural experience — traditional dance, live music, and the chance to interact directly with local residents.

Accommodation options:

  • Luxury: Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge / Mountain Gorilla View Lodge / Virunga Lodge
  • Mid-range: Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge / Le Bambou Lodge
  • Budget: Kinigi Guesthouse / Muhabura Hotel / Garden Palace Hotel

Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park and Return to Kigali

Rise early to enjoy a cup of Rwandan tea or coffee at your lodge before setting off for Kinigi, the headquarters of Volcanoes National Park, arriving by around 7:30 AM for your official gorilla trekking briefing. Because this is a physically demanding adventure, come prepared with energy-boosting snacks, plenty of bottled water, and a walking stick.

Volcanoes National Park is home to 10 habituated Rwanda gorilla families — Kwitonda, Sabyinyo, Susa A, Karisimbi, 13 Group, Ugenda, Amahoro, Hirwa, Bwenge, and Umubano — but only one family will be allocated to your group of up to 8 visitors. An experienced, armed park ranger guide leads the trek, joined by trackers and porters if you’d like help carrying your gear.

By 8:00 AM, you’ll enter the forest in search of your assigned gorilla family. This Rwanda gorilla safari typically lasts 2 to 6 hours depending on hiking pace, terrain, and the gorillas’ location that day — and along the way, you’ll likely spot other primates and a rich variety of forest birdlife.

Once you find your gorilla family, the reward is immediate: a full hour spent observing these remarkable creatures up close, learning their behavior and body language, and capturing photographs of a genuinely rare wildlife encounter.

Afterward, return to your lodge to relax before the drive back to Kigali, marking the end of your 2 days Rwanda gorilla trekking safari.

End of 2 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari.

What’s Included in the 2 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari

  • Kigali city tour
  • Gorilla trekking permit ($1,500 per person)
  • All activities included in the itinerary
  • Bottled water
  • One night’s accommodation and meals
  • Transport in a 4-wheel-drive safari vehicle
  • Full-time English-speaking driver-guide
  • Relevant government taxes

What’s Excluded

  • Airfares
  • Personal or medical insurance
  • Personal expenses including phone calls, laundry, visa fees, tips, cigarettes, extra activities, and accommodation or meals outside the itinerary

Rwanda Gorilla Permit Costs Explained

A Rwanda gorilla trekking permit costs $1,500 per person, among the higher permit prices in the region, reflecting Volcanoes National Park’s outstanding infrastructure, high gorilla-sighting success rate, and short 2 to 3 hour transfer from Kigali.

For travelers comparing options, Uganda’s Bwindi permits and Congo’s Kahuzi-Biega lowland gorilla permits are typically more affordable — see our Congo lowland gorilla trekking guide for a direct comparison.

Because permits are limited to protect the gorilla population, early booking through Maranatha Tours & Travel is strongly recommended, especially during peak season.

The 10 Habituated Gorilla Families of Volcanoes National Park

Part of what makes Rwanda gorilla trekking so special is the individuality of each habituated family. Groups like Susa A (one of the largest and most famous, once studied by Dian Fossey), Sabyinyo, Amahoro, and Kwitonda each have their own size, temperament, and territory within the park.

Your Maranatha Tours & Travel guide and the park rangers determine your family allocation on the morning of your trek, generally based on your fitness level and hiking preference — so let your guide know in advance if you’d prefer an easier or more adventurous trek.

Best Time to Go Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

Volcanoes National Park is best visited for gorilla trekking during the dry season, spanning June, July, August, September, and again December through February.

The wet season — March, April, May, and October to November — is still possible for a Rwanda gorilla trekking safari, though visitors should expect muddier trails and slippery slopes on the volcanic terrain. For a broader regional view, see our best time to visit Rwanda and Congo guide.

Gorilla Trekking Guidelines for Volcanoes National Park

Every mountain gorilla trekking experience in Rwanda follows the same core rules, designed to protect both visitors and the gorillas:

  • Only persons above 15 years old are eligible to purchase gorilla permits
  • Visitors are given a maximum of one hour of face-to-face encounter time
  • Maintain a distance of at least 7 meters from the gorillas at all times
  • Smoking, eating, or drinking near or within the gorilla habitat is not allowed
  • Stay within your group and never surround the gorilla family
  • Flash photography is strictly prohibited

For more on regional safety protocols, see our Congo and Rwanda travel safety guide.

What to Pack for Your 2 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari

  • Lightweight, waterproof hiking boots
  • A long-sleeved shirt or t-shirt
  • Gardening-style gloves
  • A camera (without flash)
  • A rain jacket or poncho
  • A waterproof daypack
  • A basic first aid/medical kit
  • Insect repellent
  • Toiletries
  • Sunglasses
  • A sun hat

For a complete packing breakdown across Rwanda, Uganda, and Congo gorilla safaris, see our gorilla trekking packing list.

Extend Your Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari

Many travelers use this 2 days Rwanda gorilla trekking safari as the starting point for a longer Central and East Africa adventure. Popular extensions include chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe Forest, game drives in Akagera National Park, a relaxing stopover on Lake Kivu, or a full crossing into Uganda for Bwindi gorilla trekking and Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Travelers who want to see the DR Congo side of the Virunga Massif can also combine this trip with our 3 day Virunga gorilla trek or the more comprehensive 17 day gorilla trekking and Nyiragongo hike safari

. If you’d simply like a second opinion on the Rwandan side of the experience, our colleagues at Trek Rwanda Gorillas also run well-regarded guided treks into Volcanoes National Park.

FAQs About the 2 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari

Is 2 days enough time for gorilla trekking in Rwanda? Yes. Because Volcanoes National Park is only 2 to 3 hours from Kigali, this itinerary comfortably fits a full Kigali city tour, an overnight stay, and a complete gorilla trekking day into a single short trip. See our Congo gorilla trekking FAQ for related questions about the wider region.

How much does a Rwanda gorilla permit cost? A Rwanda gorilla trekking permit costs $1,500 per person, which includes access to one of the park’s ten habituated gorilla families.

Can I combine this trip with Uganda or Congo gorilla trekking? Yes — many travelers extend into Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or Congo’s Kahuzi-Biega National Park for a multi-country primate safari.

Book Your 2 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari with Maranatha Tours & Travel

Ready to experience one of Africa’s most unforgettable wildlife adventures? Let Maranatha Tours & Travel take you on a professionally guided 2 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari, designed to maximize your time while delivering an extraordinary encounter with the endangered mountain gorillas of Volcanoes National Park.

From the moment you land in Kigali, our experienced guides handle every detail — from comfortable 4×4 transportation and quality accommodation to securing your gorilla trekking permit and ensuring a seamless safari experience. Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, with family, or in a small group, we customize every trip to suit your interests and budget.

Don’t miss the opportunity to stand just a few meters from a wild mountain gorilla family in their natural habitat — an experience that will stay with you for a lifetime.

Contact Maranatha Tours & Travel today, a trusted Rwanda safari company to receive a personalized itinerary, the latest gorilla permit availability, and a competitive safari quotation. Let us help you create unforgettable memories in the heart of Rwanda’s breathtaking wilderness.

BOOK YOUR 2 DAY GORILLA TREKKING SAFARI →

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