How difficult is the 2-day gorilla trek?

The difficulty varies greatly. It depends on which gorilla family you are assigned to. Some groups are found after a 30-minute walk on flat ground, while others require a 3-4 hour hike up steep, muddy slopes. At the briefing, you can request an "easier" or "medium" trek, and rangers try to accommodate based on fitness.

Can I do this tour if I land in Kigali in the afternoon?

It is tight. We recommend landing by 1:00 PM on Day 1 to allow enough time to drive to Musanze and visit the Cultural Village. If you land late evening, we may need to skip the cultural village or adjust the itinerary.

Is visiting the Iby'iwacu cultural village ethical and community-friendly?

Yes. The Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village is run by local community members — many former poachers now serving as guardians of forest and culture. The tourism revenue supports local livelihoods, reduces dependence on bush-meat, and promotes sustainable coexistence.

How fit do I need to be for the gorilla trek?

Trekking in Volcanoes National Park is moderately challenging. Trails wind through misty forest, often muddy, with slopes and uneven terrain. Walking 3–5 hours is possible even for moderately fit travellers — but we strongly recommend good walking shoes, waterproof gear, and consider hiring a porter if you expect difficulty.

2-Day Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Tour

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

Overview: 2 Day Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Tour

Short on time, but longing for a life-changing encounter?

This 2-Day Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Tour is designed for travelers who want to experience the magic of the Virunga Mountains without a lengthy itinerary. In just 48 hours, we transport you from the bustle of Kigali to the misty, bamboo-covered slopes of Volcanoes National Park, the realm of the endangered Mountain Gorillas.

This isn’t just a transfer and a trek. With Hope Tours Africa, you journey through the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” winding past terraced tea plantations and mist-capped peaks. You will connect with the guardians of the forest at the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village where former poachers are now champions of conservation, before standing just meters away from a massive Silverback the next morning.

Perfect for business travelers, weekend adventurers, or those adding Rwanda to an East African circuit.

Accommodation: Davinci Gorilla Lodge

2 Day Rwanda Gorilla Tour Cost per Person

Accommodation Options	1 Pax	2 Pax	3 Pax	4 Pax	5 Pax	6 Pax
Midrange	$3,080	$2,502	$2,450	$2,350	$2,300	$2,300

Why Book With Hope Tours Africa?

With years of experience specialising in Rwanda safaris, Hope Tours Africa offers more than a standard checklist — we deliver a deeply human, emotionally resonant experience.

We tailor each tour: selecting the best lodge for your comfort, arranging porter support if needed, providing insider cultural context, and supporting local communities. Our guides are not just drivers — they are passionate storytellers and guardians of Rwanda’s wild heritage.

When you book with us, you don’t just see gorillas — you connect with their forest home, the people protecting them, and Rwanda’s living culture.

Highlights

Gorilla Trekking
Iby'iwacu Cultural Village

Day 01 :

Transfer to Volcanoes National Park & The Iby'Iwacu cultural Village

Your journey begins with a warm welcome from your Hope Tours Africa guide at your Kigali hotel or the airport (morning arrival recommended). We embark on a scenic 2.5-hour drive north to Musanze. As we leave the city, the landscape transforms into lush, terraced hillsides keep your camera ready, as the views of the Virunga Volcanoes looming on the horizon are spectacular.

After checking into your lodge and enjoying a local lunch, we head to the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village (Gorilla Guardians Village). This is more than a museum; it is a story of redemption. Many of the performers here are former poachers who have turned their backs on illegal hunting to protect the forest. You will witness the rhythmic beat of the Royal Intore dancers, try your hand at shooting a traditional bow, and visit a replica of a King’s palace. It’s a vibrant, emotional introduction to the people who call these mountains home.

Day 02 :

The Gorilla Trek & Return to Kigali

Today is the day. We rise early (approx. 6:00 AM) for breakfast before a short drive to the Kinigi Park Headquarters at 6:30 AM. Here, while sipping a hot Rwandan coffee, you’ll be briefed by park rangers and assigned to a specific gorilla family based on your fitness level. The atmosphere is electric with anticipation.

At 8:00 AM, the trek begins. Led by rangers and trackers, you’ll hike into the bamboo forest. The trek can take anywhere from 2 hours to 8 hours depending on the gorillas’ movement. The moment you find them is indescribable, the sheer size of the Silverback and the playfulness of the infants will leave you breathless. You have one strictly monitored hour to observe them in their natural habitat.

After the trek, you’ll descend back to the trailhead where your driver awaits. We’ll stop for a celebratory lunch in Musanze before the scenic drive back to Kigali, dropping you off at your hotel or the airport in time for evening flights (after 6:00 PM recommended).

Breakfast