5 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari

This 5 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari covers the full range of what the Musanze region offers beyond the trek itself: mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, the Twin Lakes of Burera and Ruhondo, Musanze Caves, a hike to Dian Fossey's grave, and a stretch of relaxation on Lake Kivu before returning to Kigali.

It's built for travelers who want real depth in Rwanda's north rather than a single trek sandwiched between transfers.

Day 1: Arrive at Kigali International Airport and Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

On arrival, your driver-guide meets you and transfers you to Volcanoes National Park, roughly 2 to 3 hours away. Check in at your lodge and settle in ahead of tomorrow's trek.

Overnight: lodge near Volcanoes National Park (full board).

Day 2: Gorilla Trekking, Tour the Twin Lakes

After an early breakfast, transfer to the park headquarters in Kinigi for registration and briefing, typically starting around 7:00 AM, where trekking groups are assigned their gorilla family. The trek can run from 2 to 6 hours, followed by a strictly timed hour with the gorillas.

In the afternoon, head to the nearby Twin Lakes of Burera and Ruhondo, separated by just a narrow strip of land at the foot of Mount Muhabura. A boat trip or canoe ride takes in the terraced hillsides, small islands, and local fishing communities along the shore.

Overnight: lodge near Volcanoes National Park (full board).

Day 3: Golden Monkey Tracking, Musanze Caves Exploration

After breakfast, head out for a golden monkey trek in the bamboo forest, a gentler outing than the gorilla trek with good chances of close sightings of these endemic Virunga primates.

In the afternoon, visit the Musanze Caves, a network of lava tube caves once used for shelter and storage during periods of conflict in Rwanda's history. The guided exploration takes around 2 hours through the cave system.

Overnight: lodge near Volcanoes National Park (full board).

Day 4: Dian Fossey Hike, Travel to Lake Kivu for Gisenyi Beach Relaxation

After breakfast, set out on the hike to Karisoke Research Center, climbing through bamboo forest on the lower slopes of the Virunga volcanoes to reach Dian Fossey's former research camp and burial site. The hike typically takes 2 to 3 hours each way.

Afterward, drive roughly 1 hour to Lake Kivu, arriving at Gisenyi Beach in time to relax by the water for the evening.

Overnight: lodge on Lake Kivu (full board).

Day 5: Return to Kigali, Explore the Kigali Genocide Memorial

After breakfast, begin the drive back to Kigali, roughly 3.5 to 4 hours. On arrival, visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial in Gisozi before transferring to Kigali International Airport for your onward flight.

Rwanda's gorilla permit currently costs USD 1,500 per person, the golden monkey permit USD 100 per person, and the Dian Fossey hike permit USD 75 per person, all issued by the Rwanda Development Board, the official body managing Volcanoes National Park. The minimum age for gorilla trekking and the Dian Fossey hike is 15.

Book This Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari

Ready for gorillas, golden monkeys, and the full Musanze region in one trip? Browse more itineraries, tell us what you have in mind through Build My Safari, or contact us directly to check permit availability for your dates.

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