2-Day Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Tour from Kigali

Two days: genocide memorial, cultural village, and mountain gorillas in the forest

A 2-day gorilla trekking tour from Kigali that combines a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, an overnight stay near Volcanoes National Park, and a guided trek into the forest to track mountain gorillas. The itinerary includes time at Iby'Iwacu Cultural Village, a stop in Musanze, and a professional driver-guide throughout. Gorilla trekking takes 2 to 6 hours depending on group fitness and gorilla family location. The gorilla permit fee varies by nationality and is selected at checkout.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Kigali tour and transfer to Musanze

• Pick up in Kigali
• Visit Kigali Genocide Memorial
• Drive to Musanze city
• Stop at SŌOKO Xperiences for lunch and break
• Arrive and check in hotel in Musanze
• Visit Iby'iwacu Cultural Village
• Dinner and overnight stay

Day 2: Gorilla trekking and return to Kigali

• Early breakfast and drive to Kinigi for briefing
• Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park
• Return to starting point and meet guide
• Lunch at Migano Cafe in Musanze
• Transfer back to Kigali

The experience

Day one starts with pickup anywhere in Kigali, a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial (a UNESCO World Heritage site built at the burial ground of 250,000 victims), and then a 2- to 2.5-hour drive northwest to Musanze in a 4x4 safari vehicle with Wi-Fi. A 45-minute stop at SŌOKO Xperiences breaks the journey for lunch and rest. After arrival in Musanze, you freshen up at your hotel, then visit Iby'Iwacu Cultural Village, a community of former poachers who now lead visitors through traditional Rwandan life: you can try weaving, learn ancient hunting skills, watch traditional dances, and browse local crafts before dinner and overnight stay.

Day two begins early with breakfast and a pickup for the 7am briefing at RDB headquarters in Kinigi. Rangers explain gorilla behavior and safety, assign you to a gorilla family based on your fitness level, and lead you into the forest. Trekking lasts 2 to 6 hours. Porters help with extra bags. After one hour observing the gorillas, you return to the starting point and are driven back toward Kigali, stopping for lunch at Migano Cafe in Musanze before final drop-off at your hotel or the airport.

Your professional driver-guide speaks English or French and handles all logistics. The vehicle stays connected with Wi-Fi and charging ports. You receive a gorilla trekking certificate, and the operator assists with permit paperwork. Accommodation is at Ingagi Park View Lodge or similar. Meals, water, and coffee are included throughout.

What’s included

• Professional driver-guide speaking English or French.
• 4x4 safari vehicle with Wi-Fi and device charging.
• one night's accommodation at Ingagi Park View Lodge or similar.
• meals, water, and coffee throughout the tour.
• pickup and drop-off anywhere in Kigali City or airport.
• visit to Kigali Genocide Memorial.
• overnight stay in Musanze with time to explore the town and Iby'Iwacu Cultural Village.
• gorilla trekking certificate.
• assistance with gorilla permit paperwork.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:30, 09:00, 09:30 and 10:00

Book up toStart time

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and French

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 32 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.

Prices and times updated 4 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical level

Operated by Afri Safaris

Is this one for you?Choose this 2-day option if you have limited time but want to see mountain gorillas without rushing the experience. The overnight stay in Musanze lets you acclimatize, explore the cultural village, and start the trek fresh on day two, rather than driving from Kigali on the same morning as a full-day trek.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and French.

What is the Kigali Genocide Memorial and why is it part of this tour?

The Kigali Genocide Memorial is a UNESCO World Heritage site built at the burial ground of 250,000 victims of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi. The museum documents the genocide and other genocides worldwide, offering essential context for understanding Rwanda's recent history and the country's recovery. It is included on day one before the drive to Musanze.

How long does the actual gorilla trekking take, and what determines the duration?

Gorilla trekking lasts between 2 and 6 hours depending on which gorilla family you are assigned to and your overall fitness level. Some families live deeper in the forest, requiring longer treks. Rangers assign you to a group that matches your age and fitness during the morning briefing.

What happens at Iby'Iwacu Cultural Village?

Iby'Iwacu Cultural Village is a community founded by former poachers who now share traditional Rwandan culture with visitors. You can learn ancient hunting skills, try weaving baskets and mats, watch traditional dances, see how villages were organized, and purchase local crafts and souvenirs.

What is included in the price, and what costs extra?

Included are the professional driver-guide, 4x4 transport with Wi-Fi, one night's accommodation, meals, water, coffee, pickup and drop-off in Kigali, gorilla trekking certificate, and permit assistance. The gorilla permit fee is separate and varies by nationality: $1,500 for international visitors, $500 for Africans, and $200 for Rwandans and East African Community members. Tips, porter fees, and personal expenses are not included.

Do I need to be very fit to do this tour?

You should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness for the gorilla trek, which can last up to 6 hours on forest terrain. Porters are available to help carry extra luggage, and rangers assign you to a gorilla family suited to your fitness level during the briefing.