An Exciting 2 Days Silverback Gorilla Tour, Rwanda

Prepare for an extraordinary journey into the heart of Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park with our exclusive 2 Days Silverback Gorilla Tour. This immersive experience offers you the rare opportunity to come face-to-face with majestic mountain gorillas, led by the iconic silverback, in their natural habitat.

Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Virunga Massif, this compact yet profound safari combines gorilla trekking, cultural exploration, and Rwanda’s renowned hospitality.

Perfect for those with limited time but a deep desire for a bucket-list wildlife encounter, this itinerary ensures every moment is filled with wonder, connection, and unforgettable memories.

Trip Overview of the 2 Days Silverback Gorilla Tour

Duration: 2 days, 1 night
Start/End: Kigali (Kigali International Airport or your hotel)
Destination: Volcanoes National Park, Musanze (Ruhengeri)
Activities: Gorilla trekking, cultural visit to Iby’iwacu Cultural Village, scenic drives
Accommodation: Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge (luxury), Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel (mid-range), or Kinigi Guest House (budget)
Best Time: June–August or December–February (dry seasons) for easier trekking; March–May or October–November (wet seasons) for fewer crowds and lush scenery
Highlights: One-hour gorilla encounter with a silverback-led family, cultural immersion, stunning Virunga volcano views, seamless logistics

This tour is designed for wildlife enthusiasts and adventure seekers eager to witness one of the world’s most endangered species, mountain gorillas, in a pristine rainforest. With only 1,063 mountain gorillas left globally, this is a rare privilege, made effortless by our expert guides, comfortable 4×4 transport, and carefully selected accommodations.

You may also like 4 Days Rwanda Gorillas & Chimp Tour

Detailed Itinerary of the 2 Days Silverback Gorilla Tour

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali and Transfer to Volcanoes National Park – Cultural Immersion

Distance: 110 km (2.5–3 hours’ drive from Kigali to Musanze)
Activities: Scenic drive, visit to Iby’iwacu Cultural Village
Accommodation: Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge (luxury), Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel (mid-range), or Kinigi Guest House (budget)
Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Your adventure begins in Kigali, Rwanda’s vibrant and welcoming capital, known for its orderly streets and warm hospitality.

Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport or pickup from your hotel at 8:00 AM, our professional driver-guide will greet you with a warm smile and provide a detailed safari briefing.

After loading your luggage into a comfortable 4×4 safari vehicle, embark on a scenic 2.5–3-hour drive to Volcanoes National Park in Musanze (Ruhengeri), located in Rwanda’s northwest.

The journey is a visual delight, winding through Rwanda’s “Land of a Thousand Hills,” where emerald terraces, banana plantations, and volcanic peaks create a postcard-perfect landscape.

En route, stop for a coffee break in a roadside café, tasting Rwanda’s world-famous coffee beans, or stretch your legs to photograph the rolling hills.

Arrive in Musanze by 11:00 AM, a bustling town at the gateway to Volcanoes National Park, and proceed to your accommodation for check-in.

Choose from the luxurious Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, with its stone cottages and volcano views, the cozy Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, offering modern comforts, or the budget-friendly Kinigi Guest House, providing clean, simple rooms.

After settling in, enjoy a hearty lunch at the lodge, featuring Rwandan specialties like isombe (cassava leaf stew) or grilled tilapia, prepared with fresh local ingredients.

In the afternoon, immerse yourself in Rwanda’s rich culture with a 2-hour visit to the Iby’iwacu Cultural Village, a short 15-minute drive from your lodge.

This community-led initiative, as highlighted by volcanoessafaris.com, offers an authentic glimpse into Rwandan traditions.

Engage with former poachers turned conservationists, who share stories of transformation and the importance of gorilla conservation.

Participate in traditional dance (Intore), basket weaving, or a mock “king’s coronation” ceremony, where you can dress as a Rwandan royal.

Learn about the Kinyarwanda language, taste local banana beer (urwagwa), and shop for handmade crafts to support the local community.

The experience is both educational and heartwarming, fostering a deeper appreciation for Rwanda’s conservation efforts.

Return to your lodge by 5:00 PM for relaxation. Take in the stunning views of the Virunga volcanoes—Karisimbi, Bisoke, and Muhabura—while sipping a drink on the terrace.

Dinner is served at 7:00 PM, featuring a fusion of African and international cuisine. Your guide will brief you on tomorrow’s gorilla trek, ensuring you’re prepared for the adventure.

Retire early, lulled to sleep by the tranquil sounds of the forest, as you anticipate meeting the silverbacks.

Travel Tip: Pack a lightweight rain jacket and comfortable walking shoes for the cultural visit, as Musanze’s weather can be cool and rainy. Bring cash (Rwandan Francs or USD) for souvenirs at the cultural village.

Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park and Return to Kigali

Activities: Morning gorilla trekking, transfer to Kigali, optional Kigali city tour
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Today is the pinnacle of your tour: gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, home to 10 habituated gorilla families and nearly half the world’s mountain gorilla population.

Wake at 5:30 AM for an early breakfast, as you’ll need to be at the Kinigi park headquarters by 7:00 AM for a gorilla trekking briefing.

After packing your daypack with water, snacks, and rain gear, drive 15 minutes to the headquarters, where Rwanda Development Board (RDB) rangers welcome you with coffee, tea, and a traditional dance performance.

During the briefing, rangers assign you to a gorilla family suited to your fitness level, ensuring a manageable trek. Volcanoes National Park, covering 160 km², is part of the Virunga Massif, with dense bamboo forests and volcanic slopes at 2,400–4,500 meters altitude.

The park hosts 320–400 gorillas, and the silverback, the dominant male, leads each family, protecting and guiding them.

As noted by silverbackgorillatours.com, the trekking success rate is nearly 100%, thanks to expert trackers and habituated groups like Susa, Amahoro, or Hirwa.

At 8:00 AM, set off with your group (maximum eight trekkers) and armed rangers, who ensure safety and track the gorillas’ movements.

The trek, lasting 2–6 hours, varies in difficulty depending on the gorillas’ location—some families are closer to trailheads, while others require steeper climbs.

Navigate muddy trails, bamboo thickets, and stinging nettles, guided by trackers who communicate with the gorillas’ last known position.

Along the way, spot golden monkeys, forest birds like the Rwenzori turaco, or signs of elephants and buffalo.

Upon locating the gorilla family, spend one magical hour in their presence, maintaining a 7-meter distance for safety.

The silverback, weighing up to 200 kg, commands awe with his imposing size and calm authority, while females, juveniles, and playful infants create a dynamic family scene.

Observe their behaviors—feeding on bamboo shoots, grooming, or wrestling—as they interact with surprisingly human-like gestures. Photography is allowed (no flash), so bring a camera with a zoom lens to capture these intimate moments.

The experience, described by Expert Africa as “life-changing,” leaves a lasting impression of connection and conservation.

Return to the park headquarters by midday, where porters and your driver await. Receive a certificate for completing the trek, a cherished memento.

Drive back to your lodge for a quick shower and lunch, celebrating your encounter with stories and photos. By 2:00 PM, begin the 2.5–3-hour drive back to Kigali, arriving around 5:00 PM.

If time permits and your flight schedule allows, enjoy a brief Kigali city tour. Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial to understand Rwanda’s resilience post-1994, or browse the Kimironko Market for colorful fabrics and coffee.

Your guide will drop you off at Kigali International Airport or your hotel, concluding the tour. For those extending their stay, we can arrange add-ons like chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest or a safari in Akagera National Park.

End of the 2 Days Silverback Gorilla Tour

Travel Tip: Wear long-sleeved clothing, sturdy hiking boots, and garden gloves for trekking to protect against nettles and mud. Hire a porter ($10–$15) to carry your bag and support local communities.

Practical Information for Your Tour

Booking and Costs

• Tour Operator:At Maranatha Tours & Travel, we ensures seamless logistics, from permits to transport. Contact today to book or customize this tour.
• Cost: Costs vary depending on accommodation (budget, mid-range, luxury) and group size. Includes transport, guide, meals, park fees, and gorilla permit ($1,500 for foreign non-residents).
• Exclusions: International flights, visas, personal expenses (drinks, tips), and optional city tour.
• Permits: Gorilla permits are limited (96 daily); book 6–12 months in advance through the RDB or our team. Minimum age is 15.

Accommodation Options

• Luxury: Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge offers elegant cottages, fireplaces, and volcano views, perfect for a pampered retreat.
• Mid-range: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel provides modern rooms and proximity to the park, balancing comfort and value.
• Budget: Kinigi Guest House offers basic, clean accommodations, ideal for cost-conscious travelers.

Packing List

• Clothing: Long-sleeved shirts, long pants, waterproof hiking boots, rain jacket, hat, and warm layers for cool mornings.
• Gear: Camera (no flash), binoculars, reusable water bottle, daypack, and insect repellent.
• Essentials: Sunscreen, garden gloves, snacks, and a first-aid kit. Carry at least 2 liters of water for trekking.
• Health: Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory. Malaria prophylaxis is recommended, though Musanze is low-risk.

Travel Tips

• Best Time: Dry seasons (June–August, December–February) offer better trails; wet seasons (March–May, October–November) provide lush scenery but muddier paths.
• Safety: Rwanda is safe, with no wildlife threats during treks (rangers carry rifles for rare buffalo encounters). Follow ranger instructions and avoid trekking if unwell.
• Cultural Sensitivity: Respect local customs during the cultural visit; ask permission before photographing people.
• Physical Preparation: Trekking is strenuous, with steep, slippery trails. Moderate fitness is required; walking sticks are provided.

Why Choose This Tour?

Volcanoes National Park is a global conservation success, with gorilla numbers rising due to Rwanda’s efforts. Trekking with a silverback-led family is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, offering profound insights into these gentle giants’ lives.

The Iby’iwacu Cultural Village adds cultural depth, while Rwanda’s compact size makes this tour ideal for short trips.

As Intrepid Travel notes, “Seeing mountain gorillas is worth every second of effort.” With our expertise, you’ll enjoy a seamless, transformative adventure.