3 Day Rwanda Gorilla Trekking and Dian Fossey Tomb Visit

Price

Duration

3 Days

Tour Type

Language

English

Tour Summary

This 3-day Rwanda Gorilla Trekking and Dian Fossey Tomb Visit offers an immersive experience combining close encounters with mountain gorillas and an insightful journey into the legacy of Dian Fossey, the renowned primatologist who dedicated her life to protecting these endangered animals.

The safari takes you to Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda’s only destination for mountain gorilla trekking, set within the dramatic Virunga Volcanoes. You will enjoy a guided gorilla trekking experience, followed by a meaningful hike to Dian Fossey’s tomb, where you will learn about her groundbreaking conservation work. The tour starts and ends in Kigali.

Arrival

You will be picked up from Kigali International Airport or your hotel.
Accommodation before the tour can be arranged at an extra cost.

Day 1: Kigali City Tour & Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

After breakfast, your professional driver-guide will pick you up from your hotel in Kigali and begin your safari with a Kigali city tour. You will visit important landmarks including the Kigali Genocide Memorial and Kimironko Market, offering insight into Rwanda’s history and culture.

After the city tour, proceed north through Rwanda’s scenic countryside to Volcanoes National Park, arriving in the evening. Check in at your lodge for relaxation, followed by dinner and an overnight stay.

Accommodation Options:

Luxury: Bisate Lodge / One&Only Gorilla’s Nest / Virunga Lodge
Mid-range: Five Volcanoes Boutique Lodge / Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge
Budget: Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

Enjoy an early breakfast before transferring to the park headquarters for a gorilla trekking briefing by Rwanda Development Board rangers. You will then begin your guided trek into the forest in search of one of the habituated gorilla families.

Once the gorillas are found, you will spend one unforgettable hour observing and photographing them in their natural habitat.

After the trek, return to your lodge for relaxation and leisure, followed by dinner and an overnight stay.

Accommodation: Same lodge as Day 1
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3: Dian Fossey Tomb Hike & Return to Kigali

After breakfast, depart for a guided hike to Dian Fossey’s tomb, a trek that takes approximately 3–4 hours and is suitable for travelers with basic fitness levels.

Accompanied by an experienced ranger guide, you will learn about Dian Fossey’s life, research, and conservation efforts. At the site, you will visit her grave, located beside that of her favorite gorilla, Digit, and near the graves of other gorillas killed by poachers. You will also see the remains of her former research cabin.

After the hike, bid farewell to the park and transfer back to Kigali or Kigali International Airport for your onward flight.

Accommodation: No overnight stay
Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch

Day 1: Pick-up in Kigali, city tour, transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Day 2: Gorilla trekking experience and relaxation
Day 3: Dian Fossey Tomb hike, return drive to Kigali

Cost Includes

Cost Excludes

Gorilla Permits

Gorilla permits should be booked well in advance, as they are limited and issued on a first-come, first-served basis by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB). We are happy to arrange permits on your behalf.

Permit Costs:

USD 1,500 – Non-Foreign Residents
USD 500 – East African Foreign Residents
USD 200 – East African Citizens

Physical Fitness

Gorilla trekking can be physically demanding and may involve hiking through steep or muddy terrain. A reasonable level of fitness and good health is recommended.

Packing List

Comfortable hiking or walking shoes
Rain jacket
Gloves
Camera
Binoculars

Age Limit

The minimum age for gorilla trekking is 15 years.

Transport

The drive from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park takes approximately 2–3 hours.

Budget option: Safari vans
Mid-range & luxury: 4×4 Safari Land Cruisers

All vehicles are comfortable, air-conditioned, and driven by professional driver-guides.

Best Time to Visit

Volcanoes National Park can be visited year-round for gorilla trekking. The most preferred months are June–September and December–February, which are generally drier.

Chances of Seeing Gorillas

The success rate of seeing gorillas is approximately 98%, thanks to daily tracking by park rangers.

Choosing a Gorilla Family

If you prefer a shorter or easier trek based on your fitness level, please communicate this to your guide during the briefing.

Optional Activities

Additional activities around Volcanoes National Park include:

Bird watching
Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village experience
Nature walks
Community visits

These can be added to enrich your safari experience.

About Volcanoes National Park

Located in northwestern Rwanda, Volcanoes National Park protects the steep slopes of the Virunga Massif and is home to endangered mountain gorillas. The park’s diverse ecosystems include bamboo forests, montane rainforest, grasslands, swamps, and heath.

The park is named after five dormant volcanoes: Karisimbi (4,507m), Bisoke, Sabinyo, Gahinga, and Muhabura.