4 Days double gorilla trekking in Rwanda is designed for visitors who are interested in tracking mountain gorillas twice on two different days and with two different gorilla families. Double gorilla trekking in Rwanda provides a unique opportunity to observe differences in behavior and group dynamics between two different gorilla families. The length of tracking may be different with unique challenges that can make the experience even more memorable.
This package comes with two different activities after each of the two gorilla tracking episodes. One is going for a cultural tour to the Iby’iwacu cultural village to learn about the culture of the people of Rwanda. After the second gorilla tracking experience, visitors will have an opportunity to visit the twin lakes of Burera and Ruhondo. The Volcanoes National Park is located in the town of Musanze in the northwestern corner of Rwanda. The park is situated on higher altitude than usual because of its 5 volcanoes.
The Volcanoes National Park is home to 30% of the overall population of mountain gorillas and also large troops of golden monkeys. Apart from primates, the park is home to hyenas, forest elephants, buffaloes, bush pigs and birds. Other key attractions in the park hiking one of the Virunga volcanoes like Karisimbi and Bisoke. Although the Volcanoes National Park doesn’t have most of the gorillas, it is a popular gorilla safari destination because it is the easiest park to access. The road to the park is smooth from Kigali and takes only 3 hours of driving. Gorilla Trekking in the Volcanoes National Park is also relatively well organized.
The Iby’iwacu Cultural Village is arguably the best place to go and experience the beautiful culture of the Banyarwanda. Now known as the Gorilla Guardians village, it was set up to offer employment to former poachers with the hope that it would make them leave park animals alone. Now it has grown into a large facility with all tribes from Rwanda gathering in one place to showcase all that is good about Rwanda. A visit to Lake Ruhondo and Burera is also included in the program. These lakes offer a tranquil and romantic atmosphere especially for couples. The lakes are excellent for relaxation after gorilla trekking. You can take a boat and go for canoeing or island hopping to meet the local people.
We are sure that this 4 days double gorilla trekking safari will be amazing and you will leave you deeply moved by the gorillas. Gorilla permits alone cost $1500 in Rwanda. If that is too much, then you can consider our 4 days double gorilla trekking tour in Uganda and Rwanda instead. It costs far less because each gorilla permit is $700.
Main Activities
- Touring Kigali city, the former presidential palace, city markets and the Genocide memorial site
- Double mountain Gorilla trekking
- Visiting the Iby’iwacu cultural village
- Visiting the twin Lakes of Ruhondo and Burera
Full Itinerary
Day 1: Tour Kigali City – Head to the Volcanoes National Park – Evening relaxation
Mission Africa Safaris will provide you with a guide/driver to pick you from the airport or hotel and brief you on the tour. You will start with a tour of the city of Kigali. Rwanda has changed a lot since the 
genocide in 1994 and it would be a great opportunity to see this transformation first hand. The city is neat and well organized compared to some African capitals. Afterwards you will visit one of the Kigali genocide memorial Centre to learn about what really happened during the 1994 Rwanda genocide. You will be told about how the people are coping and what steps they have put in place to ensure that it never happens again. After the genocide site visit, you will go visit the former presidential palace and some local markets where you can buy some local crafts. Lunch will be in Kigali before embarking on the 2-3 hours’ journey to the volcanoes national park.
Rwanda is a mountainous country with a great tropical climate that is not too cold or too hot. The rains occur twice a year resulting in green vegetation throughout the year. You will see for yourself why Rwanda is often referred to as “The land of a thousand hills”.
Dinner and overnight will be at The 5 Volcanoes Lodge (Luxury), Davinci Gorilla Lodge (Mid-range) and The Garden Place Hotel (Budget).
Day 2: Trek to see the Gorillas – Iby’iwacu cultural village tour.
Wake up early and after breakfast go for briefing on gorilla trekking at the park offices in Kinigi. All gorilla trackers must attend the briefing in order to know what to expect during gorilla tracking. There are 10 habituated Rwanda Gorilla Families that are available for tracking. You will be assigned one group based on your overall fitness among other factors. Mountain gorilla trekking is a challenging but a worthwhile experience. There are only 1000 mountain gorillas remaining in the wild and these can only be seen in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. By having the opportunity to watch mountain gorillas, you are among only a few that will have that experience in their life time. It is a truly unique and amazing experience.
You could spend the whole day observing the youngsters rolling and playing close to the adults. Some of the primates may try to come close to you out of curiosity. Stay calm and do not make sudden movements. Always follow the instructions of the head guide. After the one hour watching and taking photos of the gorilla family, you will head back to the starting point where our guide will take you back to the lodge for lunch and rest. In the evening you will be taken to enjoy local dances and tales of the people of Rwanda at the Iby’iwacu cultural village near the volcanoes national park.
Dinner and overnight will be at The 5 Volcanoes Lodge (Luxury), Davinci Gorilla Lodge (Mid-range) and The Garden Place Hotel (Budget).
Day 3: Second gorilla trekking in the Volcanoes National Park – visit the Twin lakes of Burera and Ruhondo
You will wake up and follow the same program like that of day 2. However, this time you will be assigned a different gorilla family to enable you have a different experience. Try to hire a porter for gorilla trekking after the briefing to help you carry extra luggage or equipment. Porters are often students and former poachers. By supporting them you help them raise money for their families and school fees. After completing the activity and observing the second gorilla group, our guide will take you for a tour of the beautiful twin lakes of Burera and Ruhondo.
Dinner and overnight will be at The 5 Volcanoes Lodge (Luxury), Davinci Gorilla Lodge (Mid-range) and The Garden Place Hotel (Budget).
Day 4: Transfer back to Kigali and end of tour
After the two days of gorilla tracking, you need a long rest. Wake up and have breakfast at your own time but also prepare to check out and get ready for the journey back to Kigali. Our guide will take you up to the airport or to your hotel. If you missed the tour of Kigali and the genocide memorial sites on the first day because of flight schedules or time constraints, this is the day you will go for the tour.
End of Tour
Tour Inclusions and Exclusions
The tour quote will include: –
- A 4X4 safari vehicle
- A full-time Driver/Guide
- Fuel for the whole trip
- 2 Gorilla permits per person
- Full board accommodation for 3 nights
- Meals throughout the trip including lunch
- Drinking water
- Pickup and drop-off in Kigali
- Visiting the Gorilla Guardians village
- Visiting Lake Burera and Ruhondo
- Tour of Kigali city
The tour excludes: –
International flights, visas, personal expenses and personal insurance
Practical Guide
You should pack the following items for double gorilla trekking: –
- Hiking boots with good traction
- Cotton gloves to protect against sharp tree branches and insects
- A raincoat
- Packed snack to avoid getting hungry
- Water to drink to avoid getting thirsty
- Porters to help with heavy luggage or equipment like cameras
For the best double gorilla trekking experience: –
- Be fit
- Acquire footwear designed for difficult terrain and with good traction
- Expect rain because of the high altitude in the park
- Come with drinking water and energy snacks
- Give tip to the guides and rangers for encouragement! We recommend between $10 to $15.
Important Notes
- The Itinerary does not include arrival accommodation and dinner but it can be arranged
- You need to be 15 years and above to go for gorilla trekking
- Ensure that you have checked the Rwanda visa requirements
- You are required to come with a yellow fever immunization card while entering Rwanda
- The Rwanda visa can be got online or on arrival at the airport.
Accommodation
Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel: This is a luxury lodge offering 13 rooms including a presidential suite. It is situated 15 minutes away from the Volcanoes National Park. The lodge stands out because of 
the amazing scenery and beautiful views of the countryside. It is arguably the most affordable luxury lodge in the area. The VIP or presidential suite is special and designed as a cottage. Most of the other rooms are more hotel style but with very clean interiors and comfortable beds. Each room has comfortable sofas, a large bed, hot showers, bathrooms, a television, free internet, wash basins and air conditioning. The other amenities and services offered are a lounge area, bar, restaurant, massage area, a large swimming pool, a fireplace and beautiful gardens for relaxation.
Davinci Gorilla Lodge: Davinci may be rated as mid-range but the services are of a higher quality. They offer 8 rooms overlooking the beautiful Virunga volcanoes. Each room has a television, a balcony, warm showers, flush toilets, clean towels, a large bed, air-conditioning and a working desk. Other amenities include free parking space, free internet, a safety deposit box, newspapers, dry cleaning, shoe polishing, shuttle services, a children’s playground, a massage room, a shared lounge area and amazing breakfast consisting of tropical fruits.
The Garden Palace: This is one of the best budget lodges in Musanze. It is close to the park and the town center. The hotel offers self-contained rooms with free internet, a television, a shower, a bathroom, free toiletries, sofas and working tables. Other services offered by the hotel include a communal lounge area, a bar, a restaurant, free parking space, a large garden, swimming pool and conference facilities. The Garden Palace is excellent for budget travelers and those who have come for golden monkey tracking, gorilla trekking, visiting the tomb of Dian Fossey or hiking one of the volcanoes.
How much is the 4 days and 10 days tour?