3-Day Rwanda Gorilla And Dian Fossey Hike

• Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park.

• Dian Fossey hiked to the Karisoke Research Center ruins.

• Scenic drives through Rwanda’s countryside.

• Cultural encounters with local communities.

• Photography opportunities in breathtaking mountain landscapes.

• Leisure time at comfortable lodges and eco-friendly accommodations.

• Encounter endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.

• Explore Dian Fossey’s research site and pay tribute to her conservation legacy.

• Stay in luxury or mid-range lodges near Volcanoes National Park.

• Experience Rwanda’s lush scenery and cultural heritage.

• Professional guides and trackers ensure a safe and memorable journey.

Your adventure begins with a warm welcome at Kigali International Airport. After a brief introduction, your driver-guide will take you on a scenic two-and-a-half-hour drive to Musanze, the gateway to Volcanoes National Park. Along the way, enjoy the rolling hills and rural landscapes that make Rwanda famous as the “Land of a Thousand Hills.”

Depending on your arrival time, you may tour the Kigali Genocide Memorial or visit local craft markets before the transfer. Upon arrival in Musanze, check into your lodge, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the next day’s trek.

Accommodation Options:

• Luxury: Bisate Lodge ($1,500 per person per night)

• Mid-range: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel ($350 per person per night)

• Budget: Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge ($150 per person per night)

Meals: Dinner included.

After an early breakfast, you’ll head to the park headquarters in Kinigi for a briefing by park rangers. From there, you will be assigned to a gorilla family group and set out on a guided trek into the forest. The trek can take anywhere from one to five hours, depending on the location of the gorillas, but the reward is unparalleled: standing face-to-face with one of the world’s most endangered primates.

You will spend a magical hour observing the gorillas, capturing photos, and witnessing their playful interactions. This close encounter is often described as one of the most moving wildlife experiences on earth.

After the trek, return to the lodge for relaxation. You may also opt for a cultural visit to Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village to experience Rwanda’s traditions.

Accommodation Options:

• Luxury: Bisate Lodge

• Mid-range: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel

• Budget: Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.

Permit Cost: Gorilla trekking permits are $1,500 per person (mandatory, issued by the Rwanda Development Board).

The final day of your journey begins with an early morning hike to the Dian Fossey research site at Karisoke. This moderate trek takes around 3–4 hours round trip, leading through dense bamboo and hagenia forests. At the site, you’ll find the remains of Fossey’s research station and her grave, alongside the gorillas she dedicated her life to protecting. It is a moving experience that provides a deeper appreciation for Rwanda’s conservation efforts.

After the hike, return to the lodge for an early lunch before departing for Kigali. Depending on your schedule, you may enjoy a city tour or shopping before catching your international flight.

Accommodation: Not included (can be arranged in Kigali if you have a late departure).

Meals: Breakfast and lunch included.

Permit Cost: Dian Fossey hike permits cost around $75 per person.

A 3-Day Rwanda Gorilla And Dian Fossey Hike varies in price depending on your choice of accommodation and group size. On average:

• Luxury package: $5,500 – $6,000 per person (including permits, meals, transport, and accommodation).

• Mid-range package: $2,800 – $3,200 per person.

• Budget package: $1,800 – $2,200 per person.

All packages include gorilla trekking and Dian Fossey permits, professional guide services, and private transport. Flights to and from Rwanda are excluded.

This journey combines Rwanda’s most iconic wildlife encounter with an inspiring conservation story. The gorilla trek is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, while the Dian Fossey hike allows you to connect with the roots of gorilla protection efforts. Together, they offer a balance of adventure, education, and cultural immersion. With a variety of accommodation options, the trip is tailored for different budgets without compromising the quality of the experience.

The 3-Day Rwanda Gorilla And Dian Fossey Hike is designed for travelers who want to experience Rwanda’s best within a short timeframe. It provides a rare chance to stand among gorillas, explore Rwanda’s misty volcanic forests, and learn about Dian Fossey’s groundbreaking conservation legacy. Whether you choose luxury or budget, this trip promises unforgettable encounters and stories to carry for a lifetime. With experienced guides, comfortable lodges, and well-planned activities, it is the perfect safari package for adventurers seeking both wildlife and inspiration in Rwanda.