Private • Rwanda
2 Days Fly In Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari
Helicopter from Kigali to the Virungas, an hour with the gorillas, and home the next evening
Overview
About this journey
- Region
- Northern Province
- Duration
- 2 days
- Departures
- All year round
- Party size
- Up to 6
Two days is enough to see Rwanda's mountain gorillas if you fly. A helicopter takes you from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park over the hills, lakes and tea country, with the Virunga volcanoes ahead, and you spend the night at Virunga Lodge above the twin lakes of Burera and Ruhondo.
The trek is the next morning, after the Rwanda Development Board briefing. It can take two to six hours to reach the family, and then you have one hour with them. Lunch back at the lodge, then the helicopter to Kigali, timed to meet your international flight.
This is for travellers with very little time who still want the forest to feel unhurried.
Highlights
What you'll experience
One hour with a gorilla family
A Rwanda Development Board permit gives you an hour with a habituated group inside Volcanoes National Park, with your guide reading the family's mood so you move with them.
The Virungas from the air
The helicopter from Kigali crosses terraced hills, lakes and tea country and puts you at the park in a fraction of the road time.
Virunga Lodge above the twin lakes
The lodge looks over Lakes Burera and Ruhondo to the volcanoes, and the evening there is the trip's second reward.
Why choose us
Why choose a Private Journey?
Rwanda's gorilla permits are finite and the gorillas do not slow down for a tired traveller. This trip is built around being sharp and unhurried when you step into the forest.
No wasted road hours
Kigali to the park is four to five hours by road. By helicopter it is a short flight, and the difference is your sleep, your briefing and your second coffee on the terrace.
Permits secured before you book
Rwanda's permits are released on a quota and sell out months ahead. We hold confirmed permits before you commit.
Timed to your flight home
The return helicopter is scheduled against your international departure, so the trek, lunch and the transfer fit into the day without a rush.
Itinerary
Your day-by-day journey
Day 1
Kigali to the Virungas by helicopter
We meet you at Kigali International Airport, run through the plan, and take you to the helicopter terminal. The flight north crosses the hills, villages, lakes and tea plantations, with the Virunga volcanoes growing ahead, and cuts the journey from most of a day to well under an hour.
Virunga Lodge sits on a ridge over the twin lakes of Burera and Ruhondo, facing the volcanoes. The rest of the day is yours to settle in and rest before the trek.
Meals · Dinner
Day 2
Gorilla trekking, then fly back for your flight
An early breakfast, then the park headquarters for the Rwanda Development Board briefing on the rules, safety and the conservation work behind the permits. With guides and trackers you walk into the forest and up the volcanic slopes to one of the habituated families. Depending on where they are, the trek takes between two and six hours.
You then have one hour with the gorillas as they feed, groom and look after their young. Back at Virunga Lodge for lunch and a shower, then the helicopter returns you to Kigali and we take you straight to the airport. The flight is scheduled around your international departure.
Meals · Breakfast, Lunch
Inclusions
What is and isn't included
Included
- Return helicopter transfers between Kigali and Volcanoes National Park
- Airport transfers in Kigali
- One gorilla trekking permit per person
- One night's luxury accommodation
- Meals as listed in the itinerary
- Park entrance fees
- Professional English-speaking safari guide
- Park rangers during the gorilla trek
- Bottled drinking water during the safari
Not included
- International flights to and from the region
- Entry visas and any transit visas
- Travel and medical insurance, which is mandatory
- Alcoholic drinks and premium beverages
- Laundry, telephone and other items of a personal nature
- Tips and gratuities for your guide, drivers and lodge staff
- Optional activities not listed in the day-by-day itinerary
Pricing
Available all year round
A private itinerary with no fixed departure dates. Rates are per person in USD.
Journey Details
Essential information
Minimum Age
15 years, the Rwanda Development Board rule for gorilla trekking
Safari Duffel
A soft day pack for the trek; porters carry the bulk, and main luggage stays at the lodge
First Group Event
Meet and greet at Kigali International Airport on Day 1
Last Group Event
Drop-off at Kigali International Airport on the evening of Day 2, timed to your flight
Guaranteed Departures
Departures are guaranteed with a minimum of two guests, subject to permit availability
Alternate Sightseeing
If a gorilla family cannot be safely reached on the day, the park may reassign you to another habituated group. Permits are non-refundable once issued