This 2 days Rwanda gorilla safari is tailored for those keen on tracking mountain gorillas in  Volcanoes National Park, located in the northern region of Rwanda. Situated within the broader Virunga conservation area, which encompasses Congo’s Virunga National Park and Uganda’s Mgahinga National Park, it spans 160 square kilometers. The park shares its borders with Mgahinga National Park in Uganda and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The Volcanoes National Park was once part of a more extensive park that extended into the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo). Following DR Congo’s independence, some of its territories were ceded to Virunga National Park in Congo. The park gained global recognition when Dian Fossey established her base there in 1967. The renowned primatologist had relocated from Congo due to security concerns and founded her gorilla research center between Mount Karisimbi and Bisoke.

Dian Fossey dedicated herself to the protection of mountain gorillas. The park faced significant poaching threats, but through Fossey’s advocacy and fundraising initiatives, she tirelessly fought against the criminals. Tragically, Fossey was killed in 1985 in her room, believed to be targeted by individuals benefiting from poaching. She was laid to rest in a tomb at her former research center, alongside some of her beloved gorillas.

Dian Fossey’s groundbreaking research on mountain gorillas played a crucial role in their preservation. Her work established methods to acclimate gorillas to human presence, laying the foundation for modern gorilla tourism. Following Fossey’s passing, while small-scale poaching persisted, global awareness and the recognition of the need for mountain gorilla protection increased. The 1994 civil war posed a threat to the gorillas, but by then, the world understood the importance of safeguarding these remarkable creatures. 

Detailed 2 Days Rwanda gorilla safari

Day 1: Kigali City and Genocide Memorial Site Tour – Head to the Volcanoes National Park

Your 2 Days Rwanda Gorilla Tour with Dagiz Travel begins with a guide picking you up early in the morning from your hotel or the airport. The first activity is a tour of Kigali city, where you’ll visit the renowned Kigali Gisozi genocide war memorial site to gain insights into the tragic events of 1994.

Explore local markets in Kigali, visit the Kings palace, and discover other interesting places. Afterward, enjoy lunch before embarking on a 2-3 hour journey to the Volcanoes National Park. Along the way, marvel at Rwanda’s picturesque, mountainous, and green countryside, affirming its status as “The Land of a Thousand Hills.”

Day 2: Gorilla Tracking at the Volcanoes National Park – Departure

Rise early and have a quick breakfast while awaiting your guide. You’ll be transported to the Kinigi park headquarters for a briefing on gorilla trekking, starting at 7:00 am. The briefing will provide you with essential rules and requirements for gorilla trekking in Rwanda. You’ll have the opportunity to hire a porter and select a gorilla family from the 10 habituated groups. Once preparations are complete, embark on the gorilla tracking adventure with your porter and park guides.

The duration of the activity depends on the location of your chosen gorilla group, ranging from 1 to 5 hours. Upon sighting the gorilla group, capture memorable photos, follow your guide’s instructions, and remain calm in the presence of these incredible creatures. After the one-hour encounter, return to the starting point, where your guide awaits to drive you back to the lodge for lunch and relaxation. Later in the day, the guide will take you back to Kigali, concluding the tour with a drop-off at the airport or your hotel.

End of 2 Days Rwanda gorilla safari