3 Days Gorilla Trekking Itinerary in Rwanda

A 3 Days Gorilla Trekking Itinerary in Rwanda is one of the most popular and rewarding safari experiences in Africa. It gives travelers enough time to explore Kigali, visit Volcanoes National Park, trek mountain gorillas, enjoy cultural encounters, admire Rwanda’s breathtaking landscapes, and relax in luxury lodges. Whether you are coming from abroad, from Uganda, from the region, or simply want a short adventure, a 3 Days Gorilla Trekking Itinerary in Rwanda guarantees unforgettable memories. This tour is perfect for nature lovers, photographers, primate enthusiasts, and anyone dreaming of seeing endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.

Unlike a 1-day trek, a 3 Days Gorilla Trekking Itinerary in Rwanda offers more comfort, more time to acclimatize, and the opportunity to combine multiple attractions around Volcanoes National Park. It blends wildlife, culture, adventure, and relaxation into a perfectly paced journey.

Why Choose a 3 Days Gorilla Trekking Itinerary in Rwanda?

The biggest reason travelers select a 3 Days Gorilla Trekking Itinerary in Rwanda is comfort. You don’t rush. You enjoy a scenic drive from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park, spend two nights at a beautiful lodge, and trek gorillas without stress or hurry. It’s also ideal for couples, honeymooners, solo travelers, photography clients, and families.

Main Benefits:

•  Time to explore Kigali city

•  Two peaceful nights near Volcanoes National Park

•  Less early-morning travel

•  Better acclimatization to altitude

•  Cultural tours and village experiences

•  Perfect for photography and relaxation

With more time available, you can add golden monkey trekking, a visit to the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, the Twin Lakes Burera & Ruhondo, Musanze Caves, or the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village.

Day-by-Day: 3 Days Gorilla Trekking Itinerary in Rwanda

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali – City Tour – Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

Your 3 Days Gorilla Trekking Itinerary in Rwanda begins in Kigali, one of Africa’s cleanest and safest capital cities. After pickup from Kigali International Airport or your hotel, your guide will take you on a guided city tour. Possible stops include:

• Kigali Genocide Memorial

• Kimironko Local Market

• Kigali Convention Centre

• Nyamirambo cultural district

• Art galleries and craft shops

• Remarkable viewpoints for photography

After lunch in Kigali, your journey continues north toward Musanze, the gateway town to Volcanoes National Park. The drive takes roughly 2.5 hours, passing terraced hillsides, farms, volcano peaks, lakes, and small villages. It’s scenic, peaceful, and incredibly photogenic.

Upon arrival, check in to your lodge, relax, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the next day’s gorilla adventure.

Overnight: Midrange or Luxury Lodge near Volcanoes National Park
Meals: Dinner included

 Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

This is the highlight of your 3 Days Gorilla Trekking Itinerary in Rwanda. After an early breakfast, your driver transfers you to the Kinigi Park Headquarters by 6:30 AM for the briefing. Here, you enjoy hot coffee or tea, meet other travelers, watch cultural dances, and receive instructions from park rangers.

Gorilla families are assigned based on fitness level and trekking preference. Some groups are closer and easier to reach, while others may require more hiking through bamboo forests, rainforest, and open clearings.

During the trek, you might spot:

• Golden monkeys

• Forest elephants

• Buffalo

• Duikers

• Bird species

• Unique plants and volcanic scenery

Once the gorillas are located, visitors spend 1 full hour observing them. Many travelers say this hour feels magical—silverbacks resting, babies playing, mothers nursing, juveniles tumbling and showing curiosity toward humans. You are only meters away, in complete respect of their natural habitat.

After the trek, return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation. In the afternoon, you can choose an optional activity:

Possible Add-Ons on Day 2:

• Visit the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village

• Tour the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund

• Canoe experience on Mukungwa River

• Visit Twin Lakes Burera & Ruhondo

• Nature walk around Musanze countryside

Travelers love that a 3 Days Gorilla Trekking Itinerary in Rwanda includes free time to enjoy the lodge, spa, fireplace, local food, and evening views of the volcanoes.

Overnight: Same Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included

 Day 3: Optional Golden Monkey Trek – Transfer Back to Kigali

On the final day of your 3 Days Gorilla Trekking Itinerary in Rwanda, you can relax at the lodge or choose another activity before returning to Kigali. One of the most popular options is Golden Monkey Trekking, a funny, fast, playful experience with vibrant primates that live in the bamboo zone of Volcanoes National Park.

Other optional activities include:

• Musanze Caves tour

• Canoeing

• Cultural visit of Iby’Iwacu

• Photography around the community

• Souvenir shopping

After the activity, drive back to Kigali, arriving in the afternoon or evening. Your guide can drop you at your hotel or at the airport for your departure flight.

Meals: Breakfast + lunch

What Makes a 3 Days Gorilla Trekking Itinerary in Rwanda Special?

• You travel slowly and comfortably

• You have time for city and culture

• Perfect for relaxation at high-quality lodges

• Great for children above 15 years old

• Beautiful landscapes and volcano views

• Same stunning gorilla trekking experience as longer safaris

Many travelers say a 3 Days Gorilla Trekking Itinerary in Rwanda is the perfect balance—not too short, not too long.

Best Time to Book a 3 Days Gorilla Trekking Itinerary in Rwanda

Gorilla trekking happens all year. However, the best months include:

• June – October (dry season)

• December – February (short dry season)

In rainy months, trails can be muddy but the forests are greener, photography is spectacular, and gorillas are easier to locate close to the park edge.

Is a 3 Days Gorilla Trekking Itinerary in Rwanda Difficult?

Difficulty depends on the gorilla family you’re assigned. Treks can last 1–3 hours, sometimes 4. Rangers choose routes based on fitness. Porters are available to carry bags or support steep areas. Anyone with moderate fitness can complete the trek.

What to Pack for a 3-Day Trip

• Hiking boots

• Long pants

• Long-sleeve shirt

• Rain jacket

• Hat & sunscreen

• Camera (no flash)

• Refillable water bottle

• Insect repellent

• Warm sweater for cold nights

Luxury lodges often provide hiking sticks, gaiters, and packed lunches.

How Much Does a 3 Days Gorilla Trekking Itinerary in Rwanda Cost?

Costs depend on accommodation level, transport, and services. The largest cost is the gorilla permit: $1,500 per person in Rwanda. However, this price directly supports conservation, communities, and the long-term protection of mountain gorillas.

Budget, midrange, and luxury packages are available.

So… Is 3 Days Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda Worth It?

Absolutely. A 3 Days Gorilla Trekking Itinerary in Rwanda gives you time to enjoy nature, culture, food, photography, and world-class hospitality—without rushing. You meet the endangered mountain gorillas, relax in a beautiful lodge, and explore one of Africa’s most extraordinary national parks. Most travelers say this is the best three-day adventure of their lives.