Skip to main content
Purple Gorilla logoPurple Gorilla

Rwanda wildlife · Volcanoes National Park

1 Day Rwanda Gorilla Trekking

An early start from Kigali, a guided gorilla trek in Volcanoes National Park and back the same evening. Made for travellers short on time.

Duration1 day
DestinationRwanda
Main activityGorilla trekking
Tour typePrivate day trip

Tour overview

Gorillas in a single day.

This one-day trip leaves Kigali before sunrise and drives north to Volcanoes National Park in time for the morning ranger briefing. After your guided trek and an hour with a habituated gorilla family, you return to Kigali the same evening.

It is a long but rewarding day and a good fit for travellers with a tight schedule or a Kigali-based trip. If you would like a slower pace, the 3-day gorilla trekking package adds lodge nights near the park.

Safari highlights

What you will experience.

Gorilla trekking

Join a ranger-guided trek and spend a precious hour observing a gorilla family.

Scenic drive north

Watch Rwanda's hills and volcanoes come into view on the road to Musanze.

No overnight needed

Start and finish in Kigali, ideal around business trips or short stays.

Private pace

Travel with your own guide and vehicle from hotel pickup to drop-off.

Detailed itinerary

Your day, step by step.

EARLY

Kigali to Volcanoes National Park

Your guide collects you from your Kigali hotel before dawn for the drive north to the park headquarters at Kinigi, arriving for the morning briefing.

Hotel pickupTransfer: private vehicle
MORNING

Gorilla trekking experience

Meet your ranger team and set off into the forest. Trek time varies with the gorilla family's location. Once you find them, you spend up to one hour with the group.

Activity: guided trekMeals: packed lunch
EVENING

Return to Kigali

After the trek, collect your certificate and drive back to Kigali, with an optional short stop along the way depending on time.

End: Kigali hotel or airport

Gorilla permit planning

Permits are limited and availability and pricing can change. We check your preferred date and show the permit clearly in your quotation before the itinerary is confirmed.

Tour information

What's included?

Included

  • Gorilla trekking permit
  • Professional local guide
  • Private transportation
  • Packed lunch
  • Drinking water during transfers
  • Park entry fees

Not included

  • International flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Visa fees
  • Personal expenses
  • Alcoholic drinks
  • Tips and optional activities
  • Accommodation in Kigali

How booking works

Simple, and no surprises.

  1. Send an enquiry. We reply within one working day with availability and your tailored quote.
  2. Confirm with a 50% deposit, or pay in full if you prefer. We use it straight away to secure your permits and lodges.
  3. Pay the balance on arrival in Rwanda.

Cancel 30+ days before your trip for a full refund. Closer to travel, everything is refunded except permits, and we always try to reschedule your permits first. Read our cancellation policy.