What You Need to Know: This 3-day private trip runs from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park for one gorilla trek, with two nights near the park. It costs from US$2,946 per person for 2 travelers at mid-range lodges, including the US$1,500 gorilla permit.
Is the 3-Day Rwanda Gorilla Trek Right for You?
It is the easiest gorilla trip there is: short drives, good roads and a lodge close to the park headquarters.
| This trip suits you if… | Consider another trip if… |
|---|---|
| You have three days and want gorillas | You want a lower permit cost: see the 3-day Uganda trip |
| You are adding gorillas to a Kenya or Tanzania safari | You want chimps too: see the 6-day Rwanda safari |
| You want short, easy transfers | You want golden monkeys too: add a day |
The 3-Day Rwanda Gorilla Trek Route at a Glance
Two nights near Volcanoes National Park.
| Day | Route | Travel | Overnight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kigali to Volcanoes National Park | Drive 2.5–3 hours | Volcanoes National Park (Musanze/Kinigi) |
| 2 | Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes | Gorilla trek 2–6 hours | Volcanoes National Park (Musanze/Kinigi) |
| 3 | Volcanoes to Kigali and departure | Drive 2.5–3 hours | — |
3-Day Rwanda Gorilla Trek Itinerary, Day by Day
Pickup is from Kigali airport or your hotel; the drive is short enough to arrive on the same day.
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Day 1: Kigali to Volcanoes National Park
Drive north-west from Kigali to Musanze, about 2.5 hours, with the Virunga volcanoes rising ahead, and spend the afternoon at your lodge near Kinigi or on a short village walk.
Drive 2.5–3 hoursVolcanoes National Park (Musanze/Kinigi)Breakfast, lunch, dinner -
Day 2: Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes
Meet the rangers at Kinigi at 7:00 for the briefing, then climb through farmland into the bamboo zone to find your gorilla family. You spend one hour with them, then walk back down for a late lunch.
Gorilla trek 2–6 hoursVolcanoes National Park (Musanze/Kinigi)Breakfast, lunch, dinner -
Day 3: Volcanoes to Kigali and departure
A slow breakfast with views of the volcanoes, then the drive back to Kigali, with time for the Kigali Genocide Memorial before your flight.
Drive 2.5–3 hoursDepartureBreakfast
What You Can See on the 3-Day Rwanda Gorilla Trek
Volcanoes National Park protects the Rwandan side of the Virunga mountains, home to about a dozen habituated gorilla families, golden monkeys and the forest where Dian Fossey worked. Trekking starts at about 8,200 ft (2,500 m), through farmland and into bamboo and hagenia forest.
How Much Does the 3-Day Rwanda Gorilla Trek Cost?
From US$2,946 per person, for 2 travelers sharing at mid-range lodges, with the private vehicle and driver-guide, accommodation and meals as listed, park fees and permits included. This is a starting price: your final price is the one in your written quotation, worked out for your dates, group size and lodge level.
| Permit | Price per person (2026) |
|---|---|
| Rwanda gorilla permit | US$1,500 |
What changes the price
- Group size: the vehicle and guide are shared, so the price per person falls as your group grows
- Lodge level: budget lodges lower it, and luxury lodges and tented camps raise it
- Season: lodges charge more from June to October and at Christmas
- Flights: there are no flights on this trip
Park fees and permits on this route
| Park, permit or fee | 2026 rate |
|---|---|
| Volcanoes gorilla permit (Rwanda Development Board) | US$1,500 per person, including park entry |
What the 3-Day Rwanda Gorilla Trek Price Includes
- Private 4x4 safari vehicle and English-speaking driver-guide
- 2 nights' accommodation at the level you choose, with meals as listed in the itinerary
- All park entry and conservation fees, and government taxes
- Rwanda gorilla permit (one each per person)
- Airport pickup and drop-off
- Drinking water in the vehicle
Not included
- International flights
- Optional flights, such as a fly-in instead of a long drive
- Visas
- Travel insurance with medical evacuation
- Tips for your guides, rangers and porters
- Drinks, laundry and personal items
- Porters on the trek (hired at the trailhead)
How the 3-Day Rwanda Gorilla Trek Compares with Our Other Trips
Our Rwanda trips compared:
| Trip | Days | From (per person) | Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Volcanoes gorillas | 3 | US$2,946 | Gorilla trek only |
| Akagera, Nyungwe, Kivu | 5 | US$2,410 | No gorillas: savannah, forest, lake |
| Nyungwe and Volcanoes | 6 | US$4,542 | Chimps and gorillas |
| Rwanda in full | 9 | US$5,988 | Akagera, chimps, gorillas |
| Rwanda and Uganda | 10 | US$7,270 | Two gorilla treks and chimps |
| Rwanda and Tanzania | 14 | US$8,348 | Gorillas, then the Serengeti |
Add golden monkeys or Dian Fossey's grave with one more day.
How to Book the 3-Day Rwanda Gorilla Trek
| When you cancel | Refund |
|---|---|
| 60 days or more before arrival | 100% |
| 30–59 days | 90% |
| 15–29 days | 60% |
| 10–14 days | 25% |
| Less than 10 days, or a no-show | No refund |
What Else to Read Before You Book
In Rwanda this trip is run on the ground by trusted local partner operators. We plan and book it, send one written quotation, and stay your contact from arrival to departure.
This page covers what is particular to the 3-Day Rwanda Safari. The parts that work the same way on our other trips are explained once, in these guides:
- Rwanda safaris: permits, the trekking day, fitness and the rules.
- East Africa safaris: borders, flights and the East Africa Tourist Visa.
- Tipping on safari: how much to give your driver-guide and lodge staff.
- Booking and cancellation terms: deposit, payment and refunds.
Common Questions About the 3-Day Rwanda Gorilla Trek
How fit do I need to be for gorilla trekking?
Reasonably fit. Treks last from under an hour to six hours on steep, often muddy slopes at altitude. Porters and walking sticks make a big difference, and rangers try to match groups to fitness. The minimum age is 15.
Can we do the trip in two days?
Yes, if you land early and fly out late, but the trek can run long. Three days keeps it relaxed.
How much does the 3-Day Rwanda Gorilla Trek cost?
From US$2,946 per person for 2 travelers at mid-range lodges, with park fees and permits included. Your written quotation gives the final price for your dates, group and lodge level.
The Bottom Line
Three days, one unforgettable hour with a gorilla family. Reserve the permit as soon as your date is set.
Send us your dates, the number of travelers and your lodge level through the booking form, on WhatsApp +255 678 992 599 or by email to jaynevytours@gmail.com, and we will reply with a written quotation.