4 Days gorilla and Dian Fossey: Our 4-Day Gorilla Trekking and Dian Fossey Hike offers an unforgettable journey through Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. This adventure gives you the rare opportunity to encounter the endangered mountain gorillas up close and pay tribute to the legendary primatologist Dian Fossey by visiting her tomb. Volcanoes National Park is Rwanda’s most popular and iconic wildlife destination, renowned for hosting the world’s second-largest population of mountain gorillas. It was here that Dian Fossey conducted groundbreaking research and dedicated her life to the protection of these incredible primates, tirelessly fighting against poaching and wildlife trafficking.
Safari Highlights
- Kigali City Tour
- Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
- Gorilla trekking
- Twin Lake Tour
- Dian Fossey hike
- Visiting Iby’iwacu Cultural Village
- Transfer back to Kigali
Day 1: Kigali city tour – Transfer to the Volcanoes National Park
Kigali City Tour: Your 4-day Gorilla and Dian Fossey Safari begins with an early morning pick-up from your hotel or the airport by our professional guide. After a comprehensive briefing about the itinerary and expectations for the days ahead, you will set off on your adventure, starting with a guided tour of Kigali, Rwanda’s vibrant capital.
The Rwanda city tour includes a poignant visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial at Gisozi, where you will gain a deeper understanding of the tragic events of 1994 and the resilience of the Rwandan people. Following this reflective experience, you will explore some of Kigali’s cultural highlights, including local markets, the King’s Palace, and other notable landmarks. A delicious lunch at a local restaurant will round off your city tour before heading toward Volcanoes National Park for the next leg of your journey.
Transfer to Volcanoes National Park: After lunch, you will embark on a scenic 2 to 3-hour drive to Volcanoes National Park, the renowned home of Rwanda’s mountain gorillas. As you journey through the lush, mountainous countryside, you’ll be captivated by the rolling green hills that give Rwanda its well-deserved nickname, The Land of a Thousand Hills. Upon arrival at the park, you’ll proceed to your reserved lodge, where you will check in and enjoy a relaxing evening with dinner and an overnight stay, preparing for the exciting adventures that await.
Dinner and overnight: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge/Gorilla Solution Lodge
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking – Twin Lake Nature Walk
Gorilla trekking: Start your day early with a quick breakfast before being transferred to the Kinigi Park Headquarters for a 7:00 AM briefing on gorilla trekking rules and guidelines. You will have the chance to hire a porter and be assigned one of the 10 habituated gorilla families in Rwanda. Accompanied by experienced park Rwanda tour guides, you will begin your trek lasting anywhere from 1 to 5 hours, depending on the gorillas’ location. Once you find them, you will spend a magical hour observing and photographing these incredible primates. Afterwards, return to the starting point, where your guide will take you back to the lodge for lunch and some well-deserved rest.
Twin Lakes Nature walk: After resting, your driver will take you to the scenic Twin Lakes of Ruhondo and Burera, nestled at the base of Mounts Sabyinyo, Muhabura, Bisoke, and Gahinga. Enjoy a peaceful nature walk with stunning views of terraced hills, serene waters, and local fishermen at work. Activities here include island hopping, canoeing, birdwatching, and photography, perfect for relaxation and soaking in the beauty of the landscape. Later, you’ll return to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 3: Dian Fossey hike – Visit Iby’iwacu Cultural Village
Dian Fossey hike: Start your day early with breakfast as you await your guide, who will escort you to the park headquarters for a briefing on the Dian Fossey hike. You will then set off on a memorable trek up the volcanic slopes, retracing the very paths Dian Fossey walked decades ago during her groundbreaking work with mountain gorillas. Along the trail, park rangers will share fascinating insights into Fossey’s life, her conservation efforts, the Karisoke Research Centre she founded, and the lasting impact of her legacy. You may also have the unique opportunity to meet some of the local porters who worked alongside her and hear personal stories from that time. The hike culminates at Dian Fossey’s gravesite, located next to Digit, her beloved gorilla companion and near the ruins of her former research station. After exploring the site, you will descend the mountain to meet your driver and return to the lodge for lunch and some rest.
Visit Iby’iwacu Cultural Village: After lunch and a chance to rest and freshen up, your driver will take you to the Gorilla Guardians Village, formerly known as the Iby’iwacu Cultural Village. Originally established as a place for former poachers to earn a living by selling souvenirs to tourists, it has since evolved into one of Rwanda’s premier cultural centres. Here, you will enjoy vibrant performances by traditional dancers, learn about Rwandan customs, and even have the opportunity to participate in some of the Rwanda cultural tour activities yourself. After this enriching experience, you will return to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 4: Transfer back to Kigali
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before checking out and beginning your journey back to Kigali. Upon arrival in the city, you will have the opportunity to take a Rwanda guided city tour if you missed it on your first day, followed by lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch, your driver will transfer you to the airport for your departure flight. If you are extending your stay in Rwanda, you will be dropped off at your hotel.
End of the 4 Days gorilla and Dian Fossey Trip.
The tour includes:
- Gorilla permits.
- Dian Fossey permits.
- A full-time time experienced, and English-speaking Guide/ Driver.
- A cultural experience at the Iby’iwacu Cultural Village.
- Kigali City Tour.
The Tour Excludes:
- Insurance.
- Accommodation before and after the safari.
- Personal expenses nature like tips, laundry services, cigarettes, among others.
- Visas
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Air tickets.
