Overview
Volcanoes National Park is otherwise known as Parc Nationals de Volcans (PNV). The stunning area protects five of the nine staggeringly beautiful Virunga Mountains, each characterized by steep slopes that are blanketed in a thick green, tropical rainforest. The park is home to approximately half the worlds remaining population of the, critically endangered, mountain gorilla. What makes this park more unique is that it hosts seven groups of habituated mountain gorillas.
In this tour, you will be able to get as close as possible to the wildlife without sacrificing your comfort. A nice accommodation with a little touch of luxury will provide you a safe haven during your trip, enhancing your overall experience when you return after a hard day in the wild.
Places you will visit
- Kigali
- Volcanoes National Park
Day by Day Itinerary
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be met by our tours representative, outside the airport arrivals section and transferred to your hotel.
Meals: Lunch & Dinner

Breakfast at the hotel.
Enjoy a City Tour of Kigali(Cost of city tour included)
The history of Rwanda dates back centuries, Kigali has been a part of it for 100 years. Founded in 1907 as a German settlement, Kigali did not become the capital until Rwanda’s independence in 1962 when it replaced the colonial seat of power in Butare.
Visit the old Kigali and the craft centres then visit the genocide memorial site. Learn about Rwanda’s history from pre-colonial times to the 1994 genocide; learn about other genocides in the world and how this country has dealt with that past. Tour more and see the new developments in Rwanda; the recovery has been incredible, a testament to humankind’s resilience.
Lunch in Kigali.
Later, depart Kigali and drive to Ruhengeri.
Ruhengeri is the base for Gorilla trekking at the Parc National des Volcans. The town is located only 25km from Uganda boarder and is relatively a small city of about 70,000 people. The constant flow of humanity is
quite remarkable. The Town has great views of the surrounding volcanoes. People are very friendly here and although a former Belgian colony (and thus French-speaking), many people speak English here. It is
Approximately 2.5hrs drive from Kigali to the Volcanoes National park.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Early breakfast at the lodge.
0620hrs. Depart from your lodge with your guide to the National Park headquarters.
Short briefing from your designated “Golden Monkey guide” from the Volcanoes National Park authority.
Return from the Golden Monkey trek and drive back to your lodge for lunch.
Afternoon at leisure or visit the Ib’iwacu cultural village (Cost offered separately).
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Early breakfast at the lodge.
0620 hrs: Transfer to the Volcanoes National Park HQs for your first day of trekking.
0700 hrs: Registration is a simple process where the park staff determines which group of gorillas you will visit. The park staff discusses your fitness level and advises you of the trekking times and conditions to the
various groups based upon their location in the park the previous evening. There are a total of 88 gorilla permits available each day with a maximum of eight trekkers visiting any one group.
Once the trekkers are put into groups, each group’s Lead Guide briefs the trekkers of the trekking procedures as well as the “do’s and don’ts” while in the presence of gorillas. After the briefing, trekkers return to their respective vehicles for the drive up the mountain to the starting point.
Trekking can take from two to six or more hours if the gorillas move before the park rangers locate them the next morning. The guides stop frequently to allow trekkers a chance to rest and take photos along the way.
Upon sighting the gorillas, you will stay with them for a magical hour as they go about their daily life, feeding, playing, resting; raising their young. Coming face to face with a giant silverback must truly be one of the
greatest wildlife experiences on earth!
After the trek, rejoin your driver Guide for a transfer to your lodge for lunch.
Afternoon, enjoy a visit of the spectacular and scenic Twin Lakes – Bulera and Ruhondo.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After breakfast, depart from foothills of the volcanoes and drive on a scenic drive to Kigali. Everything and everywhere, sheer green and hanging on the hills; Rwanda truly – land of a thousand fertile green hills.
(2.5hrs).
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight(Flight after 1300Hrs recommended; cost of flight not included).
Meals: Breakfast

Cost Inclusions & Exclusions
Inclusions
- Gorilla Permit
- All activities (unless labeled as optional)
- All accommodation as stated in the itinerary
- A professional driver/guide
- All transportation (unless labeled as optional)
- All Taxes/VAT
- Roundtrip airport transfer
- Drinking water on all days
Exclusions
- All Meals (as specified in the day-by-day section)
- International flights (from/to home)
- Tips (tipping guideline US$20.00 pp per day)
- Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
- Alcoholic drinks
- Services not mentioned in the program
- Items of a personal nature
Frequently Asked Questions
The inclusions and exclusions vary by tour. Each tour has its specific set of inclusions and exclusions. Please refer to the individual tour page to see what is specifically included in that tour.
Yes, if you have a special preference, let us know, and we will offer alternatives from our vast network of company-owned and partner accommodations. Booking with us allows you to enjoy discounted rates as we have special agreements with our partners.
Yes, though signal strength may vary in different areas.
Tipping is not required but is recommended. The amount varies by country, but you should tip according to what you feel is appropriate.
We cater to all diets, including vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options, among others. Please inform us in advance about your dietary preferences.
Most safari parks have bumpy but manageable roads, with some roads being paved. Generally, guests do not view this as a problem.