3-Day Rwanda Gorillas & Dian Fossey Hike – This 3-day safari combines a trek to see Rwanda’s mountain gorillas with a hike to Dian Fossey’s grave at Karisoke Research Center.
This affordable tour can be adjusted to suit your preferred style, whether budget, mid-range, or luxury.
The first day includes a short Kigali City tour and transfer to Volcanoes National Park. The second day focuses on an amazing gorilla adventure, while the final day involves trekking to Dian Fossey’s grave.
This 3-Day Rwanda Gorillas & Dian Fossey Hike takes you to Volcanoes National Park, the only park in Rwanda with mountain gorillas. You will experience gorilla trekking and visit Dian Fossey’s grave.
Accommodation options range from budget to luxury, depending on your preference.
3-Day Rwanda Gorillas & Dian Fossey Hike Highlights
- Day 1: Arrival and Transfer to Musanze
- Day 2: Mountain Gorilla Trekking and Iby’Iwacu Cultural Visit
- Day 3: Dian Fossey Trekking and Transfer to Kigali
Detailed 3-Day Rwanda Gorilla Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and Transfer to Musanze
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be welcomed by a representative from our travel company and your safari guide.
You will begin with a Kigali City tour, including lunch at Hotel Mille Collines (featured in the “Hotel Rwanda” movie), a visit to the Gisozi Genocide Memorial, and shopping for crafts at Caplaki Crafts Village.
After the city tour, transfer to Musanze, the town near Volcanoes National Park. The drive offers amazing views of Rwanda’s hills, mountains, and plains.
Arrive in the evening for dinner and overnight at your lodge, as you prepare for the gorilla trekking adventure the next day.
Day 2: Mountain Gorilla Trekking and Iby’Iwacu Cultural Visit
Begin the day at 6:00 am with an early breakfast, then transfer to the park headquarters in Kinigi for a 30-minute briefing. After the briefing, start your trek into the forest to search for mountain gorillas.
The trek can take up to 8 hours, depending on how long it takes to locate the gorillas. Be prepared for a physically challenging experience and ensure you carry packed lunch, as there are no shops in the forest.
Once you locate the gorillas, spend a full hour observing and photographing them.
After the trek, return to the park headquarters to receive your gorilla trekking certificate, then head back to your lodge to relax.
In the late afternoon, visit the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village to explore community projects, watch traditional Rwandan dances, and learn about local culture. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 3: Dian Fossey Trekking and Transfer to Kigali
On the final day, start with an early breakfast before trekking to Karisoke Research Center, the former base of Dian Fossey.
Fossey was an American zoologist who dedicated over a decade to conserving and habituating mountain gorillas. Her grave lies near the research center.
After the trek, transfer back to Kigali for your departure.
End of 3-Day Rwanda Gorillas & Dian Fossey Hike.
