Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be met by your guide and driven to the Gisozi Genocide Memorial for a sobering and important visit commemorating the 1994 genocide . After lunch, depart Kigali for the roughly 2.5 to 3-hour scenic drive northwest to Musanze, the gateway town to Volcanoes National Park . The road winds through Rwanda's famous rolling hills, offering glimpses of rural life and terraced farmland.

Arrive at your lodge in the late afternoon, settle in, and enjoy dinner. Your guide will brief you on the following day's trek, including what to expect and what to pack.

• Accommodation: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge (or similar mid-range option)
• Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation Note: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge is a comfortable ecolodge situated at the base of Sabyinyo Volcano, approximately 10 minutes from the park headquarters. The stone-and-thatch cottages feature en-suite bathrooms and fireplaces, with views of the Virunga Mountains .

After an early breakfast, transfer to the park headquarters for the mandatory briefing by Rwanda Development Board officials. You will be assigned to a gorilla family group (maximum 8 visitors per group) based on your fitness level and preferences . Expert trackers then lead you into the forest to locate the family that was monitored the previous day.

The trek can take anywhere from 1 to 6 hours depending on where the gorillas have moved. The terrain is steep and often muddy, traversing through dense vegetation and bamboo forest. Upon finding the gorillas, you will spend one unforgettable hour observing them as they feed, play, and rest in their natural habitat . Witnessing the silverback and his family in such close proximity is a profound wildlife experience.

Return to the lodge for a late lunch and relax. Optional afternoon activities include a visit to the Ibyiwacu Cultural Village to learn about traditional Rwandan life, or simply rest at the lodge.

• Accommodation: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge (or similar)
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trekking Tips:

• Wear sturdy hiking boots and long trousers (stinging nettles are common)
• Bring gardening gloves for grabbing vegetation on steep sections
• Pack rain gear regardless of season
• Carry water and snacks
• Porters are available for hire at the trailhead (approximately $10-20) and are highly recommended

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the lodge before checking out. Drive back to Kigali (approximately 3 hours), arriving in time for lunch. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time for a brief city tour or last-minute souvenir shopping at a local craft market. Transfer to Kigali International Airport for your onward flight.

• Meals: Breakfast