Day 1: Arrival in Kigali – Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be met by your professional guide and begin the scenic 2.5-hour drive to Volcanoes National Park, located in Rwanda’s Northern Province. Along the way, enjoy views of terraced hillsides, rural homesteads, and the towering Virunga Mountains on the horizon.

Depending on arrival time, you may visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial or take a short city tour before departure. Upon reaching Volcanoes National Park, check into your luxury lodge near the park and relax for the evening, preparing for the incredible adventure ahead.

Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

After an early breakfast, transfer to the Kinigi Park Headquarters for a pre-trek briefing. You’ll be assigned to one of the 12 habituated mountain gorilla families and, with the help of expert trackers and rangers, begin your gorilla trek through bamboo forest and volcanic terrain.

The trek may take anywhere from 2 to 6 hours, depending on the gorillas’ location. Once you find them, you’ll spend a full hour observing their behavior—mothers nurturing their young, silverbacks keeping watch, and juveniles tumbling playfully through the undergrowth. Return to the lodge in time for lunch and a well-earned rest.

Day 3: Cross into DR Congo – Transfer to Virunga National Park

Today, drive to the Goma border post and cross into the Democratic Republic of Congo, where you will meet your Congolese guide. After immigration formalities, you will be transferred to Virunga National Park, Africa’s oldest and most ecologically diverse park.

Enjoy scenic views of Lake Kivu and the volcanic landscapes surrounding Mount Nyiragongo. Upon arrival, check into your lodge within or near the park and receive a briefing about the next day’s trek. Spend the evening at leisure in the serenity of the Congolese wilderness.

Day 4: Gorilla Trekking in Virunga National Park

This morning, head to the Bukima Ranger Post for your second gorilla tracking experience—this time in the dense forests of Virunga. Virunga offers an intimate and less-crowded alternative to Rwanda and Uganda, making the experience feel even more exclusive.

The mountain gorilla families in Virunga are among the most studied and well-protected. As in Rwanda, you’ll spend one hour with the gorillas once they are located. After the trek, return to your lodge for relaxation, sharing stories of your back-to-back gorilla adventures.

Day 5: Return to Kigali & Departure

After breakfast, transfer back across the Goma-Gisenyi border into Rwanda and journey back to Kigali, arriving in the afternoon. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time for last-minute shopping or sightseeing before being dropped off at the airport for your departure.