2 Day Gorilla Trek Rwanda From Kigali (The Perfect Ultimate Itinerary)
Perfect 2 Days Rwanda Gorilla Safari from Kigali. Rwanda is one of the few countries that offer a real gorilla safari experience in Africa. Encounter the mountain gorillas at Volcanoes National Park during this two days short gorilla safari in Rwanda. This two-day Rwanda gorilla safari starts and ends in Kigali and is one of the most exceptional. Still, a flexible Rwanda safari since one is able to have a whole range of activities to do at Volcanoes in less than 48 hours compared to other long safari holidays.
The latter could take more time and consume more of one’s finances, as they can be expensive, though they deliver the quality one would want to experience. Also, this 2 day Rwanda gorilla trek is a cheap gorilla safari to Volcanoes NP for those who want to see mountain gorillas in Rwanda on a short term and budget.
What you should know about the 2 days Rwanda gorilla trekking safari from Kigali
- For one not to have any issues, they should book this 2 days gorilla tracking Rwanda itinerary from Kigali earlier. So, this is because Rwanda gorilla trekking permits ($1500) are hard to get most especially during the peak season for this unique activity to do from June to September.
- This Rwanda gorilla trek experience requires a bit of physical demand. Hence, people should prepare in advance by training, such as taking walks to keep their bodies in shape and ready for hiking. However, we provide gorilla trekking for seniors and minors services as well for all trips in Rwanda.
- Lastly, one should follow the instructions laid down by our Serengeti Masai Mara Experts guide during the briefing of the two-day gorilla tracking Rwanda Safari.
Day 1: Departure from Kigali and Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda
- Drive 2.5 hours from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park, viewing scenic landscapes and local towns.
- Hike to see mountain gorillas in Rwanda at Volcanoes National Park for 1 hour after a briefing.
- Stay at budget-friendly Kinigi Cottage, enjoying various cuisines and resting.
Day 2: Mount Bisoke Hike and Departure
- Breakfast at Kinigi Cottage, then hike Mount Bisoke, seeing Lakes Burera and Ruhondo.
- Optional boat cruising and birdwatching at the lakes.
- Return to Kigali International Airport for departure.
What is included?
- Rwanda gorilla trekking permit ($1500)
- Gorilla tracking fees
- Volcanoes National Park entrance fee
- Accommodation at Kinigi Cottage
- All meals
- Vehicle transportation in the best 4x4s in Rwanda
- Guide fees
- Ranger fees
What is excluded?
- Visa fees
- International flight
- Travel insurance
- Tips and personal expenses
Activities to do
- Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park (1-hour observation).
- Scenic drive from Kigali (2.5 hours, 95 km).
- Dining at the hotel and packed meals. (Kinigi Cottage)
- Hiking Mount Bisoke with views of twin lakes.
- Boat cruising on Lakes Burera and Ruhondo (optional).
- Birdwatching at the Twin Lakes (optional).
Note: You can customise this 2 days gorilla tracking rwanda safari and choose where to stay, activities to do at Volcanoes National Park and more
Itinerary for your 2 day gorilla trek Rwanda from Kigali
Day 1 – Departure from Kigali and Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Your pick up location for our 2 days gorilla trek Rwanda will be in Kigali, that is Kigali International Airport. Our professional safari guide will get you from there, then through Kigali City, and lastly drive you to the Volcanoes National Park. The journey will take approximately two and a half hours, covering over 95 km. While on this Rwanda gorilla trip, you will have magnificent views of the different geographical landscapes the country has to offer.
Also, observe the daily lifestyles of the local people in the small towns of Rwanda that you are passing through. On reaching Volcanoes National Park, get briefed by your guide and trekking experts before proceeding with your gorilla tracking in Rwanda. Hike through the tall trees to where the group of mountain Gorillas in Rwanda is. Socializing with these gorilla families normally takes about an hour. During this time, remember not to take flashy photos of these creatures.
Later, after this 1-hour experience with the gorillas at Volcanoes National Park, head back to your 4×4 safari vehicles and be taken to Kinigi cottage. This is one of the best budget-friendly hotels in Volcanoes National Park. So, this is where you are to spend the night, after this 1 day gorilla trek in Rwanda. You’ll be given enough time to rest for the next day. Throughout the night, enjoy different kinds of cuisines, prepared by the chefs at the hotel. Also, other meals can be packed for you at your instruction.
Day 2 – Mount Bisoke Hike, Lakes Exploration and Departure to Kigali
Your second day of your 2 days gorilla tracking Rwanda offers another opportunity to see mountain gorillas in Rwanda, alongside things to do at Volcanoes. In the morning, you will have a warm breakfast prepared with a fruit salad to keep your body healthy. Next, proceed to the parking lot where the Safari vehicle and guide will be waiting for you. You will be driven from Kinigi Cottage to the point where you’re going to start your hiking journey to Mount Bisoke.
From Kinigi Cottage to the Mount Bisoke trailhead, it’s about a 40–45 minute drive on 4×4 roads. The last few km’s can be muddy after rain if you travel in the months (worst time) from March to May and October to November. The hike from the trailhead of Mount Bisoke to the summit and back is 9.5 km round trip. Also, it takes about 6 hours, 3.5–4 hours to ascend and 2–2.5 hours to descend. So, hike through farmland, bamboo, and rainforest zones, with some slippery sections where a walking stick is helpful. Lastly, you might see gorillas and golden monkeys along the way.
This is an adventurous journey as you will be able to see numerous breathtaking sceneries, including the twin lakes Burera and Rubondo. So, do other activities on this day during this 2 days gorilla trek Rwanda, such as boat cruising and bird watching expedition on these lakes. After this activity, you will be driven to the Kigali International Airport for your departure. Hence, it marks the end of your 2 day gorilla trek in Rwanda from Kigali.
Why choose this itinerary for the 2 days gorilla tracking Rwanda from Kigali?
The Volcanoes National Park is near Kigali, which is an added advantage for this 48-hour gorilla trekking Safari in Rwanda. During these two days of the gorilla tracking Safari, tourists focus more on their priority, which is the mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park. So, it is flexible that during the 48 hours in Rwanda, they could adjust and add more activities like visiting the Iby’iwacu community as a form of culture exploration.
When is the best and worst time for this two-day gorilla trek Rwanda?
For one to experience the best of Rwanda safaris in two days for gorilla trekking, it’s best they come in the months from July to mid-September. You won’t have difficulty accessing the hiking trails that are used when going to track the gorilla groups. This period is also good for combining other adventurous activities, for example, hiking to the twin lakes.
Also, climbing the Volcanoes mountains on top of the gorilla trekking. Additionally, during this time, the weather is ideal compared to the months from March to May, which are the worst time to go to Rwanda for this 2-day gorilla trek from Kigali. So, this is when the forests are thick due to the heavy rains. Also, it is hard for tourists to get the best view as most of the scenery could be obstructed by the thick vegetation.
