SELF-DRIVE

3 DAYS VOLCANoES SELF-DRIVE TOUR

Tour Overview

The 3 Days Volcanoes self-drive tour takes you to the lush Volcanoes National Park to enjoy a thrilling mountain gorilla trekking adventure. This special self-drive gorilla tour to Volcanoes National Park Rwanda is perfect for visitors with limited time yet desire to experience the best of mountain gorilla encounters. Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park Rwanda takes you on a guided trek and the main interest is to interact with mountain gorillas. Besides tracking mountain gorillas, you will also engage in a cultural tour in Iby’Iwacu Village. 



Volcanoes National Park is one of the top destinations in Rwanda and is located in the Northwestern part of the country. Volcanoes National Park is the oldest park in Rwanda officially established in 1925 but is a compact protected area. This protected area occupies a land area of 160 sq. km and features up to 13 habituated gorilla families. Overall, your self-drive gorilla tour will begin and end in Kigali Capital. 

What to expect on 3 days Volcanoes self-drive tour


  • Gorilla trekking.
  • A memorable cultural experience.
  • A safe road trip in a 4x4 self-drive vehicle.
  • A comfortable stay in a safari lodge/hotel.
  • Delicious meals at affordable rates. 

Brief itinerary


Day 1: Travel to Volcanoes National Park Ruhengeri by a 4x4 self-drive car

Day 2: Enjoy a gorilla trekking & cultural tour

Day 3: Transfer back to Kigali


Detailed itinerary 

  • Day 1: Transfer from Entebbe/Kampala to Bwindi using a 4x4 Self-drive vehicle

    After a hefty breakfast early in the morning, you will depart from your safari lodge. Drive to Volcanoes National Park Rwanda in one of our best 4x4 self-drive cars. Expect to take about 2-3 hours and en route, you will enjoy the breathtaking views of the rolling hills in the countryside. Arrive early and check in at your lodge to relax, dine, and retire for the night. 


    Accommodation options

    • Budget: Kinigi Guesthouse/Muhabura Hotel 
    • Midrange: Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge/Le Bambou Lodge/La Palm Hotel
    • Luxury: Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge/Mountain Gorilla View Lodge/Virunga Lodge

  • Day 2: A game drive & boat cruise

    Expect to get up early in the comfort of your lodge for you to enjoy a hefty breakfast. You will be expected to report to the Kinigi area where you will get briefed about gorilla trekking rules and regulations. During the briefing, expect to be assigned a habituated gorilla family to explore and each family will be visited by a maximum of 8 (eight) guests per day. 


    The park ranger guides will also be allocated during the briefing session and by 8:00 am, you will be led through the forest in search of the gorilla group family. Expect to take between 2 and 6 hours on your gorilla trekking adventure but luckily, you will have 1 hour to enjoy a face-to-face encounter with a family of mountain gorillas. 


    After taking pictures of gorillas and observing how they behave, you will be led back to where you began your trek. Proceed up to the lodge for relaxation, and enjoy lunch and some refreshments. You will again depart from the lodge late in the afternoon where you will head to the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village. 


    At the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village, expect to interact with the local people and learn more about their unique cultures and traditions. Return from Iby’Iwacu Village to the gorilla safari lodge to chill for the rest of the evening. 


    Accommodation options

    • Budget: Kinigi Guesthouse/Muhabura Hotel 
    • Midrange: Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge/Le Bambou Lodge/La Palm Hotel
    • Luxury: Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge/Mountain Gorilla View Lodge/Virunga Lodge

  • Day 3: Drive back to Kampala or Entebbe in a 4x4 Self-drive vehicle

    Enjoy a delicious breakfast at leisure and later, you will be expected to check out of your lodge. Start your road trip back to Kigali Capital in your 4x4 self-drive car and today brings to an end the 3-day Volcanoes self-drive tour. 

    End of tour 


inclusions 


  • Gorilla trekking experience
  • Transport
  • Photography
  • All trip activities as per the itinerary
  • Valid gorilla permits from Rwanda
  • Bottled drinking water
  • Accommodation services
  • English-speaking park ranger guide

exclusions 


  • Visas
  • Tipping
  • All premium drinks
  • Laundry services
  • International Airfares (flight expenses)
  • Travel Insurance costs
  • Telephone bills
  • Shopping
  • All optional activities and their costs
  • Passport cost 

What to pack for 3 Days Volcanoes self-drive tour


Items to consider on your 3-day Volcanoes self-drive tour packing list include waterproof walking or hiking boots, a daypack, a camera that is free from the flashlight, long-sleeved shirts, a sweater, and insect repellents. You can also have a safari hat, long trousers, a valid gorilla permit, visas, a valid passport, a first aid kit, toiletries, a rain jacket, and more.


Additional safari activities to do in and around Volcanoes National Park


Our safari packages are flexible in the sense that they can incorporate other amazing experiences to make your stay memorable. Visitors on Rwanda safaris have a lot more to add to their trip itinerary including golden monkey tracking, birding or bird watching, Musanze cave tour, Dian Fossey tomb trek, Virunga Volcano hikes, Twin Lake tour, and Lake Kivu excursions.