Embark on an unforgettable luxury journey into Rwanda’s lush volcanic highlands with the 3 Days Rwanda Gorillas and Gorilla Guardians Village Tour, a perfect blend of wildlife adventure and cultural immersion. This exclusive tour offers you the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to trek endangered mountain gorillas in the misty forests of Volcanoes National Park, followed by a deeply enriching visit to the Gorilla Guardians Village, where Rwanda’s conservation success story comes to life through traditional music, storytelling, and hands-on experiences with the local community. Thoughtfully designed for discerning travelers, this itinerary combines five-star accommodations, personalized service, and meaningful encounters with nature and people.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali – Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Your journey begins upon arrival in Kigali, where a professional driver-guide welcomes you with a luxury vehicle stocked with refreshments, Wi-Fi, and comfort amenities. Before departing the capital, enjoy a brief city orientation tour including a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a powerful and respectful place to understand Rwanda’s resilience and transformation.
Following a gourmet lunch at one of Kigali’s top restaurants such as Heaven, Fusion at The Retreat, or Poivre Noir, begin your scenic drive to Musanze, the gateway to Volcanoes National Park (approximately 2.5–3 hours). The road winds through Rwanda’s iconic rolling hills, tea plantations, and rural villages, offering a stunning backdrop as you ascend toward the Virunga Volcanoes.
Arrive at your luxury lodge by late afternoon and check into your elegant suite or cottage. Enjoy a warm welcome with herbal tea or a tropical fruit cocktail, followed by an optional spa treatment or a walk around the grounds to soak in the mountain air.
Dine in style with a three or five-course meal, featuring organic Rwandan ingredients, locally sourced meats, and world-class wine pairings. Your guide will brief you on the next day’s gorilla trekking experience and help you prepare for the adventure ahead.
Accommodation: One&Only Gorilla’s Nest, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Virunga Lodge.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Begin your day with a wake-up tea service and a hearty breakfast. Then transfer to the Volcanoes National Park Headquarters for a briefing with park rangers, where you’ll be assigned to one of the twelve habituated gorilla families based on fitness level and interest.
Embark on your mountain gorilla trek through dense bamboo forests and rugged volcanic terrain with expert guides and trackers. The trek can range from one to five hours, depending on the group’s location. Once you encounter the gorillas, you’ll have a full hour to observe them in silence and awe watching silverbacks command their groups, mothers gently caring for their infants, and playful juveniles tumbling through the undergrowth.
Return to your lodge for a celebratory lunch and receive your Gorilla Trekking Certificate. This is an ideal time to unwind whether in the lodge’s spa, on a terrace with a drink, or in your room with a view. Enjoy a gentle guided nature walk, or opt for a private yoga session or meditation on your veranda with the volcanoes as your backdrop. As the sun sets behind the misty peaks, indulge in a luxury dinner with wine pairings. Reflect on your encounter with these majestic creatures, considered among the rarest and most moving wildlife experiences on earth.
Accommodation: One&Only Gorilla’s Nest, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Virunga Lodge.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
Day 3: Gorilla Guardians Cultural Experience – Return to Kigali
After breakfast, visit the Gorilla Guardians Village (formerly Iby’iwacu Cultural Village) a unique, community-led conservation initiative created by former poachers who now serve as cultural ambassadors and wildlife guardians. During this immersive, respectful cultural experience, you’ll engage with traditional Rwandan practices. This encounter offers a deeper understanding of how community-based tourism supports wildlife protection, and it’s often cited as a highlight by guests who seek both connection and authenticity.
Enjoy a delicious local lunch at the village or back at your lodge, then begin the scenic drive back to Kigali. Along the way, you may stop at local craft markets or photography points if time permits. Arrive in Kigali by late afternoon or early evening.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch).
End of the 3 Days Rwanda Gorillas and Gorilla Guardians Village Tour.
The 3 Days Rwanda Gorillas and Gorilla Guardians Village Tour cost includes;
- 1 Gorilla Permit per person.
- Airport Transfers.
- Transportation in a 4×4 Safari Vehicle.
- Accommodation and Meals as per the itinerary.
- Gorilla Guardians Village.
- Services of an English-speaking tour guide.
- Tour Guide Allowances.
- Bottled Water in the Car.
- Relevant Government Taxes.
However, the tour cost excludes; International Air Fare, Visa Fees, Personal Medical and Travel Insurance, Personal Shopping Bills, Tips to Local Guides, Souvenirs and items not listed as included in the cost.