3 Days Gorilla Trekking & Dian Fossey Hike
The 3 Days Gorilla Trekking & Dian Fossey Hike is a short Rwanda safari combining mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park with a hike to the historic Dian Fossey research site. Starting in Kigali, this adventure can also include a city tour exploring Rwanda’s history and culture before you travel to Rwanda’s volcanic highlands in the north.
The highlight is trekking through the forest of Volcanoes National Park to encounter endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. You will also hike towards the former Karisoke Research Center, established by primatologist Dian Fossey in 1967 between Mount Karisimbi and Mount Bisoke. The hike offers insight into her pioneering gorilla conservation work and the continuing efforts to protect these remarkable primates.
Depending on your interests and available time, the journey can include a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a stop at the Gorilla Guardian Village to learn about Rwandan traditions, and opportunities to understand local communities’ role in conservation. Gorilla trekking and the Dian Fossey hike are different activities, so allow enough time for each and be prepared for steep, muddy forest trails and changing mountain weather.
At Native Africa Tours, we organize personalized gorilla trekking and primate safaris in both Rwanda and Uganda. With offices in both countries, we can coordinate gorilla permits, accommodation, private transport, and guided activities to match your travel dates and preferences. As a Uganda Tourism Board-licensed tour operator and a Travelife Partner, we aim to make planning clearer while supporting responsible tourism.
Whether you are passionate about mountain gorillas, interested in Dian Fossey’s conservation legacy, or looking for a meaningful short safari from Kigali, this three-day itinerary offers a chance to experience Rwanda’s wildlife, history, and culture in one trip.
Safari Summary of 3 Days Gorilla Trekking & Dian Fossey Hike
- Day 1: Pick-up and transfer to Volcanoes National Park (City Tour)
- Day 2: Gorilla trekking and a visit to the Gorilla Guardian village
- Day 3: Dian Fossey Hike and transfer to Kigali
Detailed Itinerary of 3 Days Gorilla Trekking & Dian Fossey Hike
Day 1: Pick up and transfer to Volcanoes National Park (City Tour)
On your first day of the 3 days of gorilla trekking & Dian Fossey hike, you will be picked up from the airport and transferred to Kigali city for your city tour. During the Kigali city tour, you will visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial Center, the President’s Museum, the Belgian Monument, and more. Later, you will proceed with lunch in Kigali city. Then drive to Volcanoes National Park. The park is about 2 hours from Kigali. Upon arrival, check in to the lodge to relax, have dinner, and overnight.
Meal plan: Lunch and dinner
Day 2: Gorilla trekking and a visit to the Gorilla Guardian village
After breakfast, you will drive to the park headquarters for a briefing about gorilla trekking rules and regulations. On arrival, you will be divided into groups. Later, you will proceed with the activity, which will last 2 to 7 hours. When you meet these primates, you will have 1 hour to view the gorillas in their natural habitats. Then, after gorilla trekking, you will proceed to the Gorilla Guardian Village for an amazing cultural experience with the Rwandese Batwa community. During this visit, you will engage in activities such as cultural dances, weddings, banana beer brewing, and more.
Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 3: Dian Fossey Hike and transfer to Kigali
On the last day of your 3 days of gorilla trekking & Dian Fossey tomb hike, you will go to the park headquarters for the briefing about the Dian Fossey tomb hike. You will proceed with the park ranger to the hike, which will take 3 to 4 hours. During the hike, the ranger guide will share the history and information about Dian Fossey’s work. During the hike, you can spot other wildlife such as forest hogs, birds, duikers, gorillas, and more. The trail is about 2900 to 3000 meters above sea level.
Upon arrival, your ranger guide will share plenty of history about Dian Fossey’s work fighting against gorilla trekking, gorilla habituation, and other activities related to gorillas. You will be able to see his grave and the other 20 graves of people killed by poachers. During this visit, you will also see the house she used to live in. Later, you will return to the park headquarters and transfer to Kigali city. This will mark the end of your gorilla trekking and Dian Fossey tour.
Experience Rwanda’s Gorillas and the Legacy of Dian Fossey
Three days in Rwanda can offer much more than a mountain gorilla encounter. The 3 Days Gorilla Trekking & Dian Fossey Hike combines the excitement of meeting mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park with the chance to learn about Dian Fossey’s pioneering contribution to gorilla conservation. With time for a Kigali city tour and optional cultural experiences, this safari combines wildlife, history, and local heritage in a rewarding short getaway.
The key to enjoying this journey is planning each activity carefully. Secure gorilla permits in advance, and the Dian Fossey hike requires suitable footwear, reasonable fitness, and preparation for changing mountain conditions. Allowing enough time for transfers and activities will help you enjoy the experience without rushing.
At Native Africa Tours, we organize tailored gorilla trekking safaris in both Rwanda and Uganda, helping travelers coordinate permits, accommodation, private transport, and additional experiences. Our offices in both countries give us a regional base for planning journeys that match different interests, schedules, and budgets. We are licensed by the Uganda Tourism Board and recognized as a Travelife Partner for our commitment to sustainable tourism.
If you would like to explore Rwanda’s mountain gorillas while following the story of one of their most influential conservationists, let us help you plan your journey.
