4 Days Volcanoes National Park Tour

You want to see mountain gorillas in Rwanda. A 4-Day Volcanoes National Park Tour gives you enough time to trek gorillas and see golden monkeys without rushing. This trip takes you directly to the misty slopes of the Virunga mountains. Our team spends weeks on the ground in Musanze every season. We know how this trip works. You need clear facts on permits, lodges, and driving times. This page gives you the exact logistics to prepare.

Safari highlights

- Trek mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park.
- Track golden monkeys in the bamboo forest.
- Meet the local people at Iby Iwacu Cultural Village.
- Tour the Kigali Genocide Memorial.
- Stay in vetted luxury, mid-range, or budget lodges

Knowing Your Gorilla Permit and Logistics

Many travelers worry about the high cost of primate tracking in Rwanda. The Rwanda Development Board sets the gorilla permit price at $1,500 per person. This fee directly funds park protection and pays the local community. It secures your one hour with a habituated gorilla family. You must secure this permit at least 6-months before your arrival. The park only issues 96 permits per day. We handle this entire process for you. We check open dates, buy the permit from the Rwanda Development Board, and ensure your spot is safe. Volcanoes National Park sits at a high altitude. You will hike between 2,500 and 4,000 meters above sea level. The air is thin. The trails are steep and often muddy. You do not need to be an athlete to do this. However, a basic level of fitness helps immensely.

Day 1 Arrival in Kigali and Transfer to Musanze

Your driver will meet you at Kigali International Airport. We load your bags and start the two-hour drive to Musanze. The road is fully paved and winds through steep, green hills. The drive offers excellent views of the Rwandan countryside. We make a quick stop at the Nyirangarama rest area. You can stretch your legs and try local Rwandan tea. We then proceed to your chosen lodge near Volcanoes National Park. You will check in, eat dinner, and rest. You need to sleep early because the next day starts before dawn.

Day 2 Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

Wake up at 5.30 AM for a hot breakfast. We drive you to the Kinigi park headquarters by 7.00 AM. Here, park rangers assign you to a specific gorilla family based on your fitness level. They also brief you on safety protocols. The trek can take 30 minutes or up to four hours. You will walk through thick plants and muddy trails. Porters are available for hire at the start. We strongly suggest hiring a porter to carry your bag and assist you on slippery paths. Hiring a porter also supports the local economy.

Once you find the gorillas, you have exactly one hour to watch them. You must maintain a distance of 7 meters at all times. The gorillas often move around and eat bamboo shoots. The dominant silverback usually watches over the group. After the trek, we return you to your lodge for lunch. You spend the afternoon relaxing and recovering from the hike. You can request a boot washing service at most lodges.

Day 3 Golden Monkey Tracking and Cultural Visit

You return to Kinigi headquarters early in the morning. Today, you track the endangered golden monkeys. These primates live in the lower bamboo zones of the volcanoes. The hike is usually shorter and easier than the gorilla trek. Golden monkeys move fast and jump between bamboo branches. They are very playful and accustomed to human presence. You get one hour to take photos and watch them feed. After lunch, we visit the Iby Iwacu Cultural Village. This community project employs former poachers. You will watch traditional Intore dance performances. You will learn how locals make banana beer and shoot bows. This visit provides direct income to the families living near the park. It shows you the connection between conservation and community survival.

Day 4 Kigali City Tour and Departure

You eat breakfast at your lodge and pack your bags. We drive back to Kigali. The return trip takes about two hours. In the city, we visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial. This site holds the remains of over 250,000 victims of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi. It is a sobering but necessary place to understand the history of Rwanda. The audio tour takes about two hours to complete. Depending on your flight schedule, we can visit the Kimironko Market to buy local crafts. You can find woven baskets, fresh coffee, and printed fabrics here. Finally, your driver drops you off at Kigali International Airport for your flight home.

Accommodation

Luxury Lodges: Bisate Lodge, One and Only Gorillas Nest, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge.
Mid-Range Lodges: Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge, Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge, Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel.
Budget Lodges: Kinigi Guesthouse, Hotel Muhabura, La Palme Hotel