Two days is the sweet spot for travellers who want gorillas without a rushed, back-in-the-dark day trip. You trek, then sleep near the volcanoes with dinner by the fire, and on day two see Kigali — the clean, hilly capital most visitors only glimpse from the airport road.
Price: $4,000 per person
All-inclusive of the $1,500 RDB permit, a private 4x4 and driver-guide for both days, one night at a mid-range lodge near the park, all meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner on both days), the Kigali city tour with entrance to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, and drop-off at your hotel or the airport.
Itinerary
Day 1 · from 4:30 AM
Kigali → Volcanoes National Park, gorilla trek
Pickup from your Kigali hotel and drive north for the 7:00 AM briefing at Kinigi. After your family assignment, drive to the trailhead and trek into the forest for your hour with the gorillas. Return for lunch, then check into your lodge near the park. Afternoon at leisure: rest, or take a gentle walk in the villages around Kinigi with your guide. Dinner at the lodge.
Day 2
Volcanoes → Kigali city tour → drop-off
A slow breakfast with views of the volcanoes, then the drive south. In Kigali, a guided city tour: the Kigali Genocide Memorial, essential to understanding modern Rwanda; the colourful stalls of Kimironko Market; a contemporary art centre such as Inema; and viewpoints over the city's hills. Lunch in town, then drop-off at your hotel or Kigali International Airport by early evening.
Included and not included
Included
- $1,500 RDB gorilla permit
- 1 night mid-range lodge near the park
- All meals, both days
- Private 4x4 with driver-guide
- Kigali city tour and Genocide Memorial
- Drinking water, walking sticks
- Hotel or airport drop-off
Not included
- Porter fee and tips
- Drinks at the lodge
- International flights and visa
- Travel insurance
- Personal shopping
Why two days beats one
- Less pressure. If your trek runs long, there's no long drive back waiting for you.
- Rest. Gorilla trekking at altitude is tiring; a hot shower and early night near the park feel wonderful.
- Context. The Genocide Memorial and a day in Kigali help you understand the country you've just trekked in.
- Flexibility. We can reverse the order and trek on day two if you arrive early on day one.
2-day safari questions
What does the 2-day gorilla safari include?
The $1,500 gorilla permit, a private 4x4 with driver-guide for both days, one night at a mid-range lodge near Volcanoes National Park, all meals on both days, a guided Kigali city tour including the Kigali Genocide Memorial, and hotel or airport drop-off.
Can I do the gorilla trek on day 2 instead?
Yes. If you arrive in Kigali early on day one, we can drive north that afternoon, overnight near the park and trek on day two — which means a relaxed morning rather than a 4:30 AM start.
Can I upgrade the lodge?
Yes. Prices are based on a mid-range lodge; we can quote any lodge near the park, from guesthouses to One&Only Gorilla's Nest.
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