Our 2 days Rwanda gorilla trekking tour lets you meet mountain gorillas in the wild, even on a tight schedule. Volcanoes National Park is one of only four parks in the world where mountain gorillas live, and it sits just 2–2.5 hours from Kigali. This trip suits you perfectly if you are in Kigali for a conference, business or a short stopover. Book now to secure your dates.
What to Expect on a 2 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Tour
Mountain gorillas live in family groups led by a dominant silverback. Some families have more than one silverback. In that case, the younger males have accepted the leader’s authority, or they will one day break away to start their own group.
The road to the Virunga volcanoes is a highlight in itself. You pass terraced hills, banana farms and busy trading centres in “the land of a thousand hills”. Once in the park, you hike into thick forest to find the gorillas. Because they build new nests every night, each trek is different.
Meeting the gorillas
Trackers head out at dawn to find the gorilla families. They stay in radio contact with your ranger guide, who then leads you to the group. When you arrive, you spend up to one hour with the gorillas.
Park rules ask you to keep a safe distance, usually around seven metres. Even so, curious youngsters sometimes wander closer or even touch visitors. If that happens, stay calm and do not respond. The silverback may react strongly to protect the young one.
Safari highlights
- Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park
- Iby’Iwacu cultural village, now often called the Gorilla Guardians Village
- Forest walk or canoe ride near Musanze
2 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Itinerary
Day 1: Kigali to Volcanoes National Park
Our representative meets you at Kigali International Airport. Alternatively, if you are already in the city, we pick you up from your hotel. You then drive to Musanze, formerly Ruhengeri, the town closest to the park.
The drive takes about 2 to 2.5 hours. Along the way, you pass villages, valleys and winding paths leading to farms and homes. After lunch, you can take a canoe trip on the Mukungwa River or visit the Gorilla Guardians Village. There, former poachers share their culture through dance, music and stories.
Try to get a good night’s sleep. The next day’s hike could be short or long, depending on where the gorillas nested.
- Journey time: about 2–2.5 hours
- Meal plan: lunch and dinner
Where to stay
- Upmarket: Five Volcanoes Lodge
- Mid-range: Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge
- Budget: Garden Palace Hotel
Day 2: Gorilla trekking and return to Kigali
You rise early, and your driver-guide takes you to the park headquarters at Kinigi by about 7 am. While you wait, you can enjoy local coffee and a traditional dance show. Then rangers assign you to a gorilla family and introduce your guide.
Next comes a short briefing on the likely distance and the rules in the forest. For some families, you drive a little further to the trailhead before starting the hike into Volcanoes National Park. We recommend hiring a porter to carry your daypack. Porters know the slopes well, and the fee supports local families.
The trek can last from 1 to 8 hours in total, depending on where the gorillas are. After your hour with the family, you hike back, collect your certificate and drive back to Kigali in the afternoon.
Self-Drive Option: Pairing Your Trek With an Affordable Car Rental
Prefer to drive yourself? You can easily plan the same trip with one of our affordable rental cars. Here is how a typical self-drive version works.
Day 1: arrival and car pickup
- Arrive at Kigali International Airport. Use our Kigali airport car rental service so your vehicle is ready when you land.
- Pick up your car. Choose an economy car rental Kigali option or a larger 4×4. A Toyota RAV4 is great value for this route.
- Drive to Musanze. The trip takes about 2–2.5 hours on a good tarmac road. Our self-drive Rwanda service includes a briefing and route tips.
- Check in. Settle into your lodge and confirm the drive time to Kinigi for the morning.
Day 2: trekking day
- Early briefing. Drive to park headquarters for the morning briefing. For a longer version of this trip, see our Rwanda gorilla safari 4-day adventure.
- Trek the volcanoes. Wear long sleeves, gloves and good boots. Some trailheads have rough access roads, so a 4×4 car hire Rwanda option handles them better.
- Return to Kigali. Drive back in the afternoon, ideally before dark. If you need help in the city later, use our Kigali car rental and taxi services.
Practical Tips for Your Gorilla Trek
1. Book your gorilla permit early
Permits are limited and sell out months ahead in the dry season. The Rwanda Development Board (RDB) sets the price, which is widely published at US$1,500 per person. However, rates can change, so check the current fee when you book. We can help you secure a permit as part of your package.
2. Prepare for changing weather
The Virunga slopes are cool and often wet, even in the dry season. Pack a rain jacket, warm layer and waterproof boots. If you want more flexibility, our self-drive and camping safaris let you adjust plans as you go.
3. Consider cross-border travel
Want to add Uganda or Tanzania? Our cross-border car hire includes the paperwork you need to cross smoothly.
4. Choose the rental length that fits
You can book a long-distance car rental Kigali package or a short-term hire. Either way, you only pay for the days you need.
5. Explore Kigali too
If you have a spare morning, visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial or Kimironko Market. Our Kigali city guide lists the best places to go.
What to pack for the trek
- Waterproof hiking boots and long trousers
- Garden gloves for gripping nettles and vines
- Rain jacket and a warm fleece
- Two litres of water and packed snacks
- Your passport and permit, which rangers check at the briefing
- A camera without flash
Best Time for 2 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trekking
You can trek gorillas all year round. However, the long dry season from June to September and the short dry season from December to February are the most popular. Trails are firmer then, and the drive to the trailheads is easier.
The rainy months of March to May and October to November have their own benefits. The hills are green, lodges are quieter and some offer lower rates. On the other hand, trails get muddy and steep, so good boots and a walking stick matter more.
How fit do you need to be?
You do not need to be an athlete. Still, you should be able to walk for several hours on uneven, steep ground at altitude. The park lies between about 2,400 and 4,500 metres. If you are worried, tell the rangers at the briefing. They try to match you with a family that is usually closer to the park edge.
Gorilla Trekking Rules You Should Know
Rangers enforce clear rules to protect both you and the gorillas. Knowing them in advance helps your hour go smoothly.
- Visitors must be at least 15 years old.
- Do not trek if you have a cold, flu or other illness, because gorillas catch human diseases.
- Keep your voice low and stay with your group.
- Never eat, drink or smoke near the gorillas.
- Turn off your camera flash.
- If a gorilla charges, crouch down slowly and look away. Follow your guide’s instructions.
Guided tour or self-drive?
Both options work well on this short route. With a driver-guide, you can rest after the trek and learn about Rwanda on the way. Our car hire with driver service also removes the stress of finding the right trailhead at dawn.
Self-drive, by contrast, gives you more freedom and privacy. The road from Kigali to Musanze is paved and well signed. However, the final tracks to some gorilla groups are rough, so choose a 4×4 rather than a saloon car. Either way, you get the same permit, the same rangers and the same hour with the gorillas.
What affects the cost of your trip
Several factors shape your final price. First, the permit is the largest single cost. Second, your choice of lodge can change the total a lot. Third, the vehicle type and whether you add a driver also matter. Finally, travel season can affect lodge rates. Ask us for a quote with each option listed clearly, so you can compare.
Why Book Your Gorilla Trip With Us
- A wide fleet: From luxury car rental to budget-friendly options, you can pick the right vehicle.
- Reliable support: Our team stays reachable throughout your trip if anything goes wrong.
- Easy booking: Send your dates by WhatsApp or email and get a clear quote quickly.
- Tailored packages: Browse our car hire packages Kigali for ideas.
- Fair prices: We quote clearly, with no hidden extras.
Related Destinations to Add After Your Trek
- Akagera National Park: About 2.5 hours east of Kigali, with savannah wildlife. See our Akagera National Park car hire safari.
- Nyungwe National Park: Rainforest, chimps and a canopy walk, 5–6 hours from Kigali. Read about Nyungwe National Park.
- More of Volcanoes National Park: Stay longer for golden monkey tracking or a hike to Dian Fossey’s grave.
- Cross-border safaris: Combine Rwanda with Tanzania or Uganda.
- Lake Kivu: Relax by the water in Rubavu, around 1.5 hours from Musanze. See our Lake Kivu safari.
Book Your 2 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Trip
A short trip can still give you one of the best wildlife moments of your life. With a reliable vehicle and good planning, you can travel from Kigali to the gorillas and back in just two days. Tell us your dates, and we will handle the vehicle, driver and permit.
Message us on WhatsApp at +250 725 074659 or email info@4x4carrentalrwanda.com. You can also visit our contact page to request a quote.