4 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trekking and Cultural Safari

Arrival in Kigali ➝ Kigali City Tour

Your journey with Otter African Safaris begins the moment you arrive at Kigali International Airport, where a professional safari representative greets you warmly. After a brief orientation, you embark on a guided Kigali city tour, introducing you to Rwanda’s capital, often described as one of Africa’s most progressive and welcoming cities.

The city is an intriguing blend of modern development, cultural history, and deep resilience. Your guided tour takes you through tree-lined streets, bustling neighborhoods, and key landmarks that reveal Kigali’s character. Among the highlights is the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a powerful and moving site that documents Rwanda’s darkest chapter while celebrating its extraordinary recovery. Here, you gain insights into the nation’s resilience, reconciliation, and progress.

Beyond history, the city tour also includes visits to local craft markets and galleries, where talented artisans display vibrant fabrics, handmade jewelry, ceramics, and traditional Rwandan art. This provides an excellent opportunity to support local communities and purchase unique souvenirs. Depending on your arrival time, you may also visit the Presidential Palace Museum, which offers historical context about Rwanda’s leadership and transformation.

By evening, you check in at Chez Lando Hotel, a charming and comfortable property located close to the airport. The hotel’s warm hospitality, garden surroundings, and Rwandan culinary offerings create the perfect setting for your first night. After a relaxing dinner, you rest in preparation for the exciting journey ahead to Volcanoes National Park.

• Accommodation: Chez Lando Hotel
• Meal Plan: Half Board

Kigali ➝ Volcanoes National Park – Iby’Iwachu Cultural Village & Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund Visit

After breakfast, you depart Kigali and begin your scenic road journey to Volcanoes National Park, a drive of approximately two and a half hours through breathtaking countryside. Along the way, you pass Rwanda’s iconic rolling green hills, terraced farmlands, and traditional villages, which reflect the country’s title as the “Land of a Thousand Hills.”

On arrival, you proceed to the Iby’Iwachu Cultural Village, an award-winning initiative where local communities showcase Rwanda’s cultural heritage. Here, you immerse yourself in traditional dances, drumming performances, and storytelling. You may participate in hands-on activities such as grinding millet, shooting traditional bows and arrows, or joining a local healer who shares knowledge of herbal medicine. A highlight of this visit is meeting former poachers who now work as conservation ambassadors, demonstrating how community efforts directly contribute to protecting gorillas and their habitat.

Following lunch, you continue to the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, where you discover the legacy of the legendary primatologist whose work transformed gorilla conservation. Interactive exhibits and conservation experts share insights into her pioneering research, the challenges she faced, and the ongoing work to safeguard mountain gorillas. This experience builds anticipation for your gorilla trekking adventure, deepening your understanding of the conservation significance of Volcanoes National Park.

Later in the afternoon, you check in at Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge, your home for the next two nights. Nestled at the foothills of the Virunga Volcanoes, this eco-lodge offers stunning views, rustic charm, and personalized service. After dinner, you rest amid the tranquil mountain atmosphere.

• Accommodation: Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge
• Meal Plan: Full Board

Gorilla Trekking Adventure in Volcanoes National Park & Afternoon Relaxation

Day three marks the pinnacle of your safari—the extraordinary opportunity to trek into the forests of Volcanoes National Park in search of the endangered mountain gorilla. After an early breakfast, you head to the Kinigi Park Headquarters, where park rangers conduct a detailed briefing on gorilla trekking protocols, safety measures, and conservation importance. Each participant is assigned to a gorilla family group, ensuring small, intimate encounters.

The trek itself is an adventure through diverse ecosystems, from bamboo forests to dense rainforests and volcanic slopes. Guided by expert trackers, you may hike for two to six hours depending on the gorillas’ movements. Along the way, you encounter forest birds, rare plants, and signs of other wildlife. Finally, the moment arrives: face-to-face with a gorilla family. For a precious hour, you watch the silverback’s strength, mothers nurturing their young, and juveniles tumbling in playful antics. Their human-like expressions and behaviors create an emotional bond, often described as life-changing.

After the trek, you return to the lodge for a hearty lunch and well-deserved rest. The afternoon is free for relaxation. You may choose to sit on your private veranda with views of the volcanoes, enjoy the lodge’s garden atmosphere, or simply reflect on the extraordinary gorilla encounter. In the evening, a delicious dinner is served, and stories are shared with fellow travelers around the fire.

• Accommodation: Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge
• Meal Plan: Full Board

Golden Monkey Tracking ➝ Return to Kigali for Departure

Your final day begins with another exciting primate adventure: golden monkey tracking in Volcanoes National Park. After breakfast, you set out on a trek through bamboo forests where these rare and playful primates live. Unlike gorilla trekking, golden monkey tracking is less demanding, making it accessible yet highly rewarding.

Golden monkeys are endemic to the Virunga volcanic region, and their striking golden-orange coats set them apart. As you follow a troop, you observe their lively behaviors—leaping gracefully between bamboo stems, nibbling on bamboo shoots, and interacting in vibrant social groups. Their agility and playful nature make them particularly delightful to watch, and photography enthusiasts often capture stunning images against the lush green backdrop.

The trek typically lasts between two and four hours, after which you return to the lodge for an early lunch or refreshments. Soon after, you check out and begin your drive back to Kigali, enjoying one last glimpse of Rwanda’s scenic countryside. Depending on your departure schedule, you may explore additional city highlights such as local markets or art centers before being transferred to Kigali International Airport for your onward flight.

Though the safari lasts only four days, the encounters with mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, and Rwanda’s cultural heart leave an indelible mark. Guests depart with memories of adventure, conservation, and authentic cultural exchange—hallmarks of a Otter African Safaris safari.

• Accommodation: None
• Meal Plan: Half Board