Day One ; Pick up from airport /hotel
5:30 AM – Depart from Kigali: Your adventure begins early in the morning as you depart from Kigali, the capital city of Rwanda, and make your way towards the Volcanoes National Park. The drive takes around 2.5 hours and is a scenic route through rolling hills and picturesque villages.
8:00 AM – Arrival and Briefing: Upon arriving at the park headquarters, you’ll receive a briefing about gorilla trekking rules and regulations, as well as the dos and don’ts while in the forest. After the briefing, you’ll be grouped with other trekkers and assigned a gorilla family to visit.
9:00 AM – Hike into the Forest: With your trekking gear in tow, you’ll begin your journey into the lush rainforest in search of the elusive mountain gorillas. The hike can take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours depending on the location of the gorilla family and the terrain.
11:00 AM – Encounter with Gorillas: After a rigorous hike, you’ll finally come face to face with the mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. You’ll spend an hour observing and photographing the gorillas as they go about their daily activities such as feeding, playing, and caring for their young. It’s a magical experience to see these gentle giants up close.
12:00 PM – Picnic Lunch: After the gorilla encounter, you’ll enjoy a picnic lunch in the forest surrounded by the sounds of nature. You can relish the tranquility and the awe-inspiring views of the surrounding volcanoes.
1:00 PM – Village Visit: After lunch, you’ll have the opportunity to visit one of the nearby villages to learn more about the local culture and way of life in ibwewachu . You’ll meet local people, witness traditional dance performances, and perhaps even participate in some activities such as basket weaving or banana beer making.
4:00 PM – Return to Kigali: After a full day of adventure and cultural immersion, you’ll begin your journey back to Kigali, reflecting on the incredible experiences of the day and the unforgettable memories you’ve made.
This one-day gorilla trekking itinerary is sure to leave you with a deep appreciation for Rwanda’s natural beauty and cultural richness.