The activity of trekking the endangered mountain gorillas in Africa’s oldest Park, Volcanoes National Park – in the Virunga volcanoes, is an unforgettable experience. This 2 Days safari in Volcanoes National Park is designed for guests interested in trekking the endangered mountain gorilla. The Park located in the northern part of the country is part of the wider Virunga conservation area that covers Congo’s Virunga National Park and Mgahinga National Park in Uganda.

This awesome Park is about 2 hours drive from Kigali by road. Driving to the home of mountain gorillas in the Virunga volcanoes, you will enjoy the scenery of ‘the thousand hills’ – Rwanda. The gorilla trekking experience will take you into the deep jungles as you search for these impressive creatures. Take a look at the 2 day itinerary of gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park:

Day 1: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

On your day one of the 2-day gorilla trekking safari in Volcanoes Park, a representative from your tour operator will come to meet you together with a driver-guide, if you ordered one, either at the airport or hotel in Kigali. You will then clear the fees to the tour operator representative and then drive from Kigali to Musanze, where the Park resides. The journey takes like 2 hours, if there are not many stopovers but since there is great scenery along the way, you may end up delaying as you take photos of the fascinating attractions you meet on the way.

The drive to the Park takes you through different villages and towns along the road. Therefore enjoy the scenery of the thousand hills with great views of valleys and pathways to different homes and trading centers without rushing because the Park is so close. When you reach the Park, you will order lunch and relax at the lodge enjoying stunning views of the surroundings. Or to utilize your time in the Park thoroughly you can take a canoe ride on River Mukugwa or choose to visit the Gorilla Guardian’s Village – Ibyiwacu Cultural Village.

Day 2: Gorilla Trekking and Return to Airport

You will wake up with a morning breakfast and then drive to the briefing area at the park headquarters. You will enjoy the traditional dances and coffee while waiting for your briefing from the ranger guide. In the briefing, you will be given information on the gorilla family to trek and many other things.

You will be briefed on the likely distance to trek/hike in the Park and also be taught how to behave while with the gorillas. For some gorilla families, you are expected to drive out a bit before starting the trek. If you are not physically well, you are advised to hire a porter to help with your day pack and some of your gadgets. You are advised to go with enough water and some snacks.

The trekking may take like 1 to 5 hours and when trekked and found, you will spend strictly one priceless hour with these precious great apes observing the gorillas’ day-to-day activities and behaviours, which is absofreakinlutely wonderful and memorable!!

After the gorilla trek in the Virunga volcanoes, you will head back to your lodge to have lunch and then after you will drive back to the airport for a flight back home, carrying unfading memories