This 3 days Rwanda Mountain Gorillas and Dian Fossey tour has been carefully designed for visitors interested in gorilla trekking in Rwanda, along with hiking to Dian Fossey’s tomb and Karisoke research center in Volcanoes National Park. Dive into Rwanda’s historical, conservational, and cultural heritage as you explore the park on this three-day gorilla trekking tour and Dian Fossey Hike tour.
Highlights for 3 Days Rwanda Mountain Gorillas and Dian Fossey Tour
Day 1: Pickup from Kigali City Tour and Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking and visit Iby’iwacu Village (a.k.a Gorilla Guardians Village)
Day 3: Hike to Dian Fossey Tomb, Visit Karisoke Centre, and Transfer Back to Kigali
Detailed Itinerary for 3 Days Rwanda Mountain Gorillas and Dian Fossey Tour
Day 1: Pickup from Kigali City Tour and Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Pick up from your hotel in Kigali and head out for a tour of Kigali City. Your city tour will include a visit to the Genocide Memorial Center, the former presidential palace, the Inema Arts Centre, or Azizi Life and Nyamirambo Women’s Center. After you have had your lunch, you will proceed with your 3-hour drive to Volcanoes National Park, home to some of the world’s remaining mountain gorilla species. Upon your arrival, check in and rest. Later dinner will be served.
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking and visit Iby’iwacu Village (a.k.a Gorilla Guardians Village)
Begin your day with breakfast before heading to the park headquarters for your briefing. Today, you will be following mountain gorillas, which can take anywhere from 1 to 6 hours, depending on the location of the gorilla family. Gorilla trekking in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is less strenuous than in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda, given the difference in landscape and terrain. After lunch, take a cultural visit to Ibyi’wacu village, which is located just outside the park. Enjoy mingling with the people and learning about the town and Rwandan culture.
Return to the lodge for supper and an overnight stay.
Day 3: Hike to Dian Fossey Tomb, Visit Karisoke Centre, and Transfer Back to Kigali
Wake up early in the morning and drive to the park’s headquarters for a briefing. Today you will be hiking to the late Dian Fossey’s tomb site. The Dian Fossey hike in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is a powerful journey through misty forests and rich conservation history. This guided trek leads visitors to the former research site and tomb of Dian Fossey, the renowned primatologist who dedicated her life to protecting endangered mountain gorillas.
The hike winds along forested slopes between Mount Karisimbi and Mount Bisoke, offering stunning views and chances to spot wildlife and unique plant species. Though moderately challenging, the experience is deeply rewarding, providing insight into Fossey’s legacy and Rwanda’s ongoing conservation efforts to safeguard one of the world’s most threatened primates.
You will also visit Karisoke research center, which is her former work station and where she, along with her team of researchers, carried out several studies on the mountain gorilla species in the park. After lunch, head back to Kigali, where your driver guide will drop you off at your hotel or Kigali international airport.
