Immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring natural beauty and vibrant cultural heritage of Rwanda on this 3 Days Gorilla Trekking and Rwanda Cultural Tour, exclusively curated by Fruits of Hope Adventure Tours. This luxurious journey combines the iconic experience of tracking endangered mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park with meaningful cultural encounters that offer a deeper understanding of Rwanda’s history, traditions and resilience. From refined accommodations to private transfers and expert-guided experiences, every element is designed to offer luxury, comfort and authenticity. Whether it’s the thrill of meeting gorillas face-to-face or the warmth of a traditional dance performance in a Rwandan village, this tour provides a rich and unforgettable window into the soul of Rwanda.
Detailed Itinerary.
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali – Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Your adventure begins with a personalized welcome at Kigali International Airport or from your hotel by a Fruits of Hope Adventure Tours representative. After a short orientation and refreshment, you’ll embark on a cultural tour of Kigali, Rwanda’s dynamic capital city. Your guide will take you to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a powerful and moving tribute to Rwanda’s past and its journey toward reconciliation and unity. From there, explore the Nyamirambo Women’s Center, where you’ll witness firsthand the creativity of local artisans and enjoy a guided walk through one of Kigali’s most vibrant neighborhoods.
Lunch will be served at a fine Rwandan-fusion restaurant such as Heaven Boutique Restaurant, where you can savor local cuisine in an upscale setting.
After lunch, enjoy a scenic 2.5-hour drive to Musanze, the base for gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. As you approach the Virunga Volcanoes, the landscape transforms into lush hills, terraced farms and mist-covered peaks. Upon arrival, check in to your luxury lodge where you’ll be welcomed with fresh juice and a hot towel. Spend the rest of the evening relaxing with a spa treatment, enjoying a gourmet dinner or sitting by the fireplace with views of the forested mountains.
Accommodation: Singita Kwitonda Lodge, One&Only Gorilla’s Nest, Bisate Lodge.
Meals: (Lunch, Dinner).
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking Adventure in Volcanoes National Park
Today is the pinnacle of your Rwanda safari. After an early breakfast, your guide will transfer you to the Volcanoes National Park headquarters for a short orientation. Here, you’ll be assigned to one of the habituated gorilla families based on your fitness level and trekking preferences. You’ll be accompanied by experienced park rangers and trackers as you venture into the rainforest in search of these magnificent primates.
The trek can take anywhere from one to four hours depending on the gorillas’ location. Once you find them, you will spend a powerful and unforgettable hour observing them as they forage, play and interact. The experience is intensely moving, often described as life-changing.
After the trek, you’ll return to the lodge for a well-earned lunch and some downtime. In the afternoon, for those who wish to explore further, a visit to the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund Research Center or a guided nature walk through the nearby bamboo forest can be arranged.
Later in the day, Fruits of Hope Adventure Tours will treat you to a private Rwandan cultural performance by a local dance troupe. This immersive experience includes traditional drumming, dancing and storytelling under the stars, followed by a farewell dinner celebrating Rwanda’s rich heritage.
Accommodation: Singita Kwitonda Lodge, One&Only Gorilla’s Nest, Bisate Lodge.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
Day 3: Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village – Return to Kigali and Departure
On your final day, after a relaxed breakfast, you’ll visit the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village, now known as the Gorilla Guardians Village. This living museum offers an intimate glimpse into traditional Rwandan life. You’ll have the chance to participate in age-old customs like banana beer brewing, traditional cooking, spear throwing and listening to oral histories shared by local elders and former poachers turned conservation ambassadors. You can even dress in traditional Rwandan attire and take part in a mock king’s coronation ceremony.
After the cultural visit, begin your drive back to Kigali, enjoying scenic vistas along the way. A gourmet lunch will be served en route or upon arrival in Kigali, depending on your departure schedule. If time permits, enjoy some last-minute shopping at local craft markets or art galleries before your guide drops you off at your hotel or the airport.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch).
End of the 3 Days Gorilla Trekking and Rwanda Cultural Tour.
The 3 Days Gorilla Trekking and Rwanda Cultural Tour cost includes;
- Private luxury transportation throughout the tour.
- Gorilla trekking permits and park entry fees.
- Two nights in high-end accommodation with full-board meals.
- Expert English-speaking guide.
- Guided Kigali city tour and cultural visits.
- Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village experience.
- Bottled water, snacks and concierge assistance.
However, the tour cost excludes; Visa fees, international air fare, personal shopping bills, souvenirs, tips to local guides, personal travel insurance, items not listed as included in the cost.