Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park (1 trek)
Scenic drive from Kigali to Musanze
Optional leisure or short cultural visit in Musanze
Our 2 days and 1 night is a remarkable tour that is fitting for someone with limited time in Rwanda; the land of a thousand hills and a million smiles in the sense that it gives our clients an opportunity to track the amazing Gorillas in Volcanoes National Park in a short time.
Upon arrival at Kigali airport and disembark from the aircraft; you’ll be met by our representative and transfer direct to Volcanoes National Park to Ingagi Lodge for a peaceful night after a long flight.
Ingagi Lodge is more than just a place to stay; it’s a peaceful retreat nestled in Rwanda’s Gorilla highlands. Every detail of this awesome Lodge is designed to make you feel at home-from cozy fireplaces to traditional and continental kitchen that uses locally sourced food ingredients to make tasty traditional and continental dishes to traditional welcome rituals and personalized service. It’s less than 10mins drive from the Pak Headquarters.
Overnight: Ingagi Lodge
Meal Plan: Bed and Breakfast
Start your day with an early breakfast before departing around 6:30 AM for the Kinigi Park Headquarters, the starting point for your once-in-a-lifetime gorilla trekking experience, undoubtedly this is the highlight of your tour.
On arrival at the Kiniigi Ranger Station at 7:00 AM you’ll be assigned a gorilla group and receive a detailed briefing by experienced park rangers. You’ll then set off into the forest with your guide to track one of the 14 habituated mountain gorilla families in Rwanda.
Trekking is done in small groups of up to eight people per gorilla family, accompanied by professional ranger guides. The duration of the trek can vary significantly from 2 to 6 hours, depending on the movement of the gorillas in the 40km home range.
Once your assigned gorilla group is located, you’ll spend a magical one hour observing these incredible primates in their natural habitat. Watching them feed, groom, rest, and play. Witnessing the gentle interactions of a gorilla family- led by a dominant silverback who can weigh over 200 kg is an awe-inspiring and humbling experience.
Gorilla habituation is a long and sensitive process, taking at least two years of daily contact before the group is accustomed enough to tolerate human presence. Only once this process is complete are visitors allowed to spend a strictly limited hour with them, making the encounter all the more exclusive and respectful.
You may hear gorillas chuckling, purring, or chest-beating; each behavior part of a fascinating system of communication involving over 25 distinct vocalizations and complex social interactions. With luck, you might witness juveniles playing or the silverback demonstrating his authority.
Meals Plan: Breakfast and Lunch
To ensure your comfort and safety during the trek, please bring:
· Waterproof hiking boots or sturdy trainers
· Long trousers and long-sleeved shirt (to protect against stinging nettles)
· Thick socks (tuck pants into socks to guard against insects)
· A light fleece and waterproof jacket (weather in the rainforest is unpredictable capable of
changing quickly and any time)
· Garden gloves (optional, but helpful when grabbing vegetation for support)
Volcanoes National Park sits at high altitude and weather conditions can vary rapidly-come
prepared for rain, sun, and cooler temperatures.
