5 Days Rwanda tour that includes gorilla trekking

Are you planning a trip to Rwanda and you want to do a 5 Days Rwanda tour that includes gorilla trekking, we have this safari itinerary available for you for any dates you choose. Rwanda is renowned for its natural beauty, wildlife, and cultural heritage, making it a fantastic destination for a short adventure. Here is a sample itinerary for 5 Days Rwanda tour that includes gorilla trekking:

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali

• Morning: Arrive at Kigali International Airport.
• Afternoon: Check into your hotel and freshen up.
• Evening: Enjoy a city tour of Kigali, visiting the Kigali Genocide Memorial and local markets.
• Accommodation: Stay overnight in Kigali.

Day 2: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

• Morning: After breakfast, depart for Volcanoes National Park in the Musanze district (approximately a 2.5-hour drive).
• Afternoon: Check into your lodge and have lunch.
• Evening: Visit the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village to experience Rwandan culture, dance, and music.
• Accommodation: Stay overnight at a lodge near Volcanoes National Park.

Day 3: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

• Morning: Early breakfast and head to the park headquarters for a briefing before the trek.
• Mid-Morning to Afternoon: Embark on a guided gorilla trek. Spend an hour with the gorillas once you find them.
• Afternoon: Return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation.
• Evening: Optional visit to the twin lakes of Burera and Ruhondo or relax at the lodge.
• Accommodation: Stay overnight at the lodge.

Day 4: Golden Monkey Trekking or Other Activities

• Morning: Option 1: Go for a golden monkey trek in Volcanoes National Park.
  • Option 2: Hike to the Dian Fossey Grave and Research Center.
  • Option 3: Explore the Musanze Caves.
• Afternoon: Return to the lodge for lunch and rest.
• Evening: Leisure time at the lodge or visit local markets.
• Accommodation: Stay overnight at the lodge.

Day 5: Return to Kigali and Departure

• Morning: After breakfast, drive back to Kigali.
• Afternoon: Enjoy last-minute shopping or a visit to the Inema Arts Center.
• Evening: Transfer to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight.

Included in the Tour:

• Transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof for game viewing.
• English-speaking driver/guide.
• Accommodation as specified in lodges/hotels.
• Meals as per the itinerary (usually full board in the lodges).
• Gorilla trekking permit.
• Park entrance fees.
• Bottled water in the vehicle.

Excluded:

• International flights.
• Visa fees.
• Travel insurance.
• Personal expenses (e.g., tips, drinks, souvenirs).
• Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary.

Recommended Packing List:

• Lightweight, waterproof hiking boots.
• Long-sleeved shirts and trousers.
• Rain jacket and waterproof pants.
• Garden gloves for the trek.
• Insect repellent.
• Sunscreen and hat.
• Binoculars and camera.

This itinerary provides a balanced mix of adventure, wildlife experience, and cultural immersion. Make sure to book your gorilla trekking permits well in advance, as they are limited and highly sought after.

What is the best time to visit Rwanda?

The best time to visit Rwanda depends on what you want to experience, but generally, the dry seasons are considered the most favorable for travel. Here’s a breakdown of the best times to visit Rwanda:

Dry Seasons

1. June to September:
   • Best For: Gorilla trekking, hiking, wildlife viewing.
   • Weather: Cool and dry.
   • Pros: Easier to trek through the rainforest, animals are easier to spot as they gather around water sources.
2. December to February:
   • Best For: Gorilla trekking, bird watching, general sightseeing.
   • Weather: Warm and dry.
   • Pros: Comfortable weather, less rain, ideal for outdoor activities and photography.

Wet Seasons

1. March to May:
   • Best For: Lush landscapes, fewer tourists.
   • Weather: Heavy rains, lush greenery.
   • Pros: Beautiful scenery with vibrant greenery, good for budget travelers as prices may be lower.
   • Cons: Muddy and challenging trekking conditions, some remote areas may be harder to access.
2. October to November:
   • Best For: Bird watching, fewer tourists.
   • Weather: Short rains, not as intense as in March to May.
   • Pros: Green landscapes, opportunities for bird watching.

Considerations

• Gorilla Trekking: The dry seasons (June to September and December to February) are the best times for gorilla trekking. Permits should be booked well in advance due to high demand.
• Bird Watching: While bird watching can be enjoyed year-round, the best time is during the rainy seasons (March to May and October to November) when migratory birds are present.
• Wildlife Viewing: The dry seasons are optimal for wildlife viewing in Akagera National Park as animals congregate around water sources.

Overall, June to September and December to February are generally considered the best times to visit Rwanda due to the favorable weather conditions for most activities, including the popular gorilla trekking.

How is Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park?

Volcanoes National Park is also known as Parc Des Vulcan’s in French and Pariki Yigihugu yibirungu in Kinyarwanda (Local language) which is found in North-Eastern in a small town called Musanze, Rwanda in East Africa. Volcanoes National park is one of the major national parks in Rwanda and East Africa and one of the oldest parks in Africa, it is a home to the endangered apes and primates that include the Mountain Gorillas and golden Monkeys, there also many species of birds, Monkeys, trees, forest hogs, bushbucks among others in the forest as well as the unique culture.  Volcanoes national park is part of the Virunga Conservation Area including five extinct volcanoes namely; Mountain Muhabura, Mountain Sabyinyo, Mountain Gahinga, Mountain Karisimbi and Mountain Bisoke. Gorilla tourism in Volcanoes National park has earned Rwanda economic development as it has attracted more visitors every year. Gorilla trekking is a life time experience of seeing the endangered gorillas in their natural environment and half of the population of the remaining gorillas is found in East Africa.

What is the cost of Rwanda Gorilla permit?

For one to be allowed to do a gorilla trek in Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, you must have a Rwanda gorilla permit for a particular date secured from the Rwanda Development Board. The gorilla permit costs USD1500 for all nationals and you are allowed one hour of viewing the gorillas and taking photographs. Booking Rwanda gorilla treks to Volcanoes National Park is a life time experience to complete your bucket list, Eco Adventure Safaris will help you book and tailor a gorilla trek tour that is affordable and memorable.

Why Book 5 Days Rwanda tour that includes gorilla trekking Through Eco Adventure Safaris?

Eco Adventure safaris is one of the best local tour operators to help you in booking Rwanda gorilla treks, we also offer amazing gorilla safari experiences to Uganda and Rwanda.  Contact us for our discounted packages and also tailor-made trips to Rwanda. Our magic in organizing authentic experience stems from the fact that we have over time assembled a team mixed with young and energetic staff guided by well-experienced mature managers and directors who are Ugandans and passionate about what they do. We are highly rated and reviewed on Trip Advisor to help you learn on the experiences of the other travelers who have traveled with us. Contact us here about booking the 5 Days Rwanda tour that includes gorilla trekking.