Unveil the beauty of Rwanda on this exciting 3-Day Gorilla Trekking Budget Tour that begins in the vibrant city of Kigali and takes you to the breathtaking Volcanoes National Park, home to the endangered mountain gorillas. Your journey starts with a warm welcome in Kigali followed by a short city tour where you will learn about Rwanda’s history and culture before heading to the scenic Virunga region.

The highlight of this adventure is the unforgettable gorilla trekking experience, where you will hike through lush montane forests to encounter the magnificent mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Spending an hour observing these gentle giants is one of Africa’s most extraordinary wildlife encounters.

You will also have the opportunity to experience Rwanda’s rich culture with a visit to the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village, where you will interact with local communities, learn about traditional lifestyles, and discover the important role conservation plays in protecting wildlife.

This short but remarkable Rwanda safari offers a perfect blend of wildlife, culture, and stunning landscapes, leaving you with unforgettable memories of the “Land of a Thousand Hills.”

This 3-day Rwanda gorilla trekking itinerary is an example and can be customized depending on your travel preferences. Contact us for a personalized Rwanda safari or other East African tour packages.

All of our tours can be personalised. For most safari itineraries, we can offer luxury, mid-range or budget versions upon request. To find out more, contact us directly(opens in a new tab).

Prices indicated are per person (p/p).

Day 1: Arrive at Kigali International Airport

On arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be met by your driver/guide and your day starts with a complementary tour of the city.  Named in 1907 by Dr. Richard Kandt, the first colonial resident governor of Rwanda; Kigali city is surrounded by lush hills of green and is referred to as the land of a thousand hills. Get to visit interesting spots which may include; the craft market, Gisozi genocide memorial site & Kigali museum. 

Depart for a 2 hours’ drive to Ruhengeri area the second largest town in Rwanda, with its stunning backdrop of five volcanic mountains – The Virungas. Arrive at Red rocks Intercultural Exchange centre for lunch then join the local brew makers to understand the chemistry about the process of brewing a local beer from bananas fruits. If you find the activity interesting enough you can join the women in squeezing the juice out of the bananas and drink a glass of juice (Optional). Understand how long juice takes to turn into alcohol after adding in sorghum floor. Enjoy the big glass of our local brew. Among other activities they also do basket weaving and with your visit this local community will be proud of this activity and families supported financially. Later drive to your hotel for dinner and overnight.

If you arrive early, additional options include a visit to Musanze Caves, a village walk or even a visit to the grave of famous primatologist Dian Fossey of “Gorillas in the Mist” fame who studied the gorillas of this area.

Overnight at La Palme (FB)

Day 2: Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park 

After an early breakfast, you will proceed to the National Park headquarters – Kinigi to meet your guides for the day. After completing our park formalities, we embark on a once in a lifetime experience of tracking mountain gorillas. Once you spot them you are allowed to spend an hour watching your closest long-lost cousin. This is perhaps one of the most breath-taking wildlife experiences on earth!!! You get so close to these awesome giant primates. You stare at each other blankly not knowing who to break the long silence first. Tracking the gorillas through the light mountain forest on the slopes of the Virunga is a magical experience. These massive primates are extremely rare, with less than 700 living today. You will get within meters of the family and be privileged to spend an hour amongst them. The trekking may be fairly strenuous; up to six hours or longer at a relatively high altitude. We encourage for your own enjoyment to make sure that you are perfectly fit and healthy. 

 It is important to bring good hiking boots, long trousers, gloves for protection against stinging nettles, some snacks & sweets (for you, not the gorillas) as well as sufficient water as the rain forest gets hot and humid during the day. You will spend one hour with the gorillas, but it is an hour you will never forget. Return to hotel for lunch, or Afternoon Optional Cultural Activities and later overnight.

Overnight at La Palme (FB)

DAY 3: City Tour + Goodbye

After breakfast you will bid your host goodbye and depart for Kigali. Take a complementary city tour to visit interesting spots which may include; the craft market, Gisozi genocide memorial site & Kigali museum. Also engage in last minute shopping in one of the friendliest African capitals, before returning to the airport for your onward international flight back home.

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1. Prices are valid for 2026 and 2027.
2. The itinerary mentioned for this tour is an example which can be tailored to your wishes.
3. The lodges and hotels are subject to availability at the time of booking. In the event that a property is unavailable, we will be pleased to offer a suitable alternative of a similar range, quality, and service standard to ensure your comfort and satisfaction.
4. The Gorilla Tracking included in this safari depends on the availability of gorilla trekking permits at the time of booking. These permits are strictly limited and sold out in advance, especially during peak seasons of Christmas and school holidays. We therefore strongly recommend booking early.
5. The safari indicated here is essentially an offer. Changes in the course of the journey, the duration of your tour, the number of travellers, as well as the choice of accommodation are subject to availability, although we always endeavour to stick as closely as possible to this programme. For most itineraries, we can offer luxury, mid-range or budget versions of this safari upon request.
6. Sometimes it is not possible to adhere to the travel plan as described in this itinerary, due to weather and road conditions, authority regulations, organisational requirements, etc. Occasionally, the planned route of the tour has to change according to the situation on the ground. We must therefore explicitly refuse liability for adherence to the journey plan.
7. By booking this safari, the client accepts Manya Africa Tours Terms and Conditions(opens in a new tab) of business.