How to Spend 7 Days in Volcanoes National Park: Taking seven days off to explore Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. This incredible park protects some of the world’s last remaining mountain gorillas, animals that nearly disappeared forever by the 1980s. At that time, poaching had pushed the mountain gorilla population down to just 240–250 individuals. Thanks to conservation efforts and community support, that number has now grown to around 600.
American conservationist Dian Fossey played a huge role in saving these animals. She dedicated her life to raising awareness about their survival. Then, in 1988, the film Gorillas in the Mist brought her story to global audiences and inspired even more people to care. Today, gorilla trekking sits at the top of many travelers’ bucket lists. Beyond gorillas, the park also shelters golden monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, blue monkeys, and potto monkeys, along with hundreds of bird species.
Your 7-Day Safari Itinerary at a Glance
- Day 1: Drive to Volcanoes National Park
- Day 2: First gorilla trekking experience
- Day 3: Second gorilla trekking experience
- Day 4: Golden monkey trekking
- Day 5: Visit the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International
- Day 6: Tour Gorilla Guardian Village
- Day 7: Kigali City Tour and departure
Day 1: Road Trip to Volcanoes National Park
Your adventure begins at Kigali Airport. From there, a scenic two-to-three-hour drive takes you to Volcanoes National Park. Along the way, lush green hills stretch across the landscape — this is why Rwanda is called the Land of a Thousand Hills. Once you arrive, check into your lodge and begin preparing your trekking gear for the following morning. Accommodation options suit every budget, including Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Virunga Volcanoes Lodge, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, and Kinigi Guest House.
Day 2: First Gorilla Trekking Adventure
This is the highlight of your entire trip. However, you must first secure a gorilla trekking permit from the Rwanda Development Board. Each permit currently costs $1,500 and covers conservation fees, ranger guides, park entrance, and local community support.
Wake up early and enjoy a warm cup of coffee before heading out. Bring your camera, binoculars, packed lunch, and a light waterproof bag. At 7:00 a.m., you join other trekkers at the ranger station for a briefing. Listen carefully, because breaking any trekking rule may result in losing your permit. Then, armed ranger guides lead your group — a maximum of eight trekkers — deep into the forest. Along the trails, you may spot olive baboons, colobus monkeys, and several rare bird species. Rangers call regular breaks to keep everyone energized, and they always walk at the pace of the slowest person in the group.
Day 3: Second Gorilla Trek
Going twice is absolutely worth it. First-time trekkers sometimes feel nervous when they come face-to-face with the gorillas’ sheer size and intense gaze. This second visit feels more relaxed. You follow the same briefing process, but this time you move through the forest with greater confidence and take in details you might have missed before.
Day 4: Golden Monkey Trekking
Golden monkeys are among the rarest primates on the planet. Scientists know them as Cercopithecus mitis kandti, and their bright golden coats make them instantly recognizable. These monkeys live in large troops of up to 100 members, led by a dominant alpha male. Their declining numbers place them close to the endangered species list, making this trek both exciting and meaningful. A golden monkey permit costs $100 per person.
Day 5: Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International Visit
Gorilla trekking would not exist without Dian Fossey’s tireless work. She lived among the gorillas for years, studying their behavior and fighting to protect them. Tragically, she was murdered in 1985, and she was buried right beside the gorillas she loved. Hiking to her grave and research site gives you a powerful sense of her legacy. Much of what scientists know about mountain gorillas today comes directly from her work.
Day 6: Gorilla Guardian Village Tour
Conservation is not just about protecting animals — it also involves transforming communities. Gorilla Guardian Village is a remarkable example of this. Former poachers now run this community village, channeling their knowledge of the forest into cultural experiences for visitors. During your visit, you try traditional craft-making and basket weaving. You also take part in imigongo, a striking traditional art form using cow dung that dates back to the 9th century. Book your visit in advance. You may also sample local Rwandan food and drinks before returning to your lodge for the night.
Day 7: Kigali City Tour and Departure
How to Spend 7 Days in Volcanoes National Park. Leaving Rwanda after seven incredible days is bittersweet, but your flight awaits. If you did not explore Kigali on arrival, today is your chance. Founded in 1907, Kigali is Rwanda’s vibrant capital and main commercial hub. Visit Kimironko Market, the largest market in the country. Afterward, pay your respects at the Kigali Genocide Memorial, where photographs, sculptures, and personal items preserve the memory of the 1994 tragedy. You can also admire the country’s largest and most beautiful mosque before heading to the airport.
Best Time to Visit
On the other hand, June through September offer the best conditions for safari activities. Rainfall is lighter during this period, and the forest trails are drier and easier to navigate.
Key Items to Pack
How to Spend 7 Days in Volcanoes National Park: Bring a camera, a waterproof backpack, a raincoat, warm clothing, insect repellent, a wide-brim hat, sunglasses, a water bottle, a first aid kit, a torch, extra batteries, a travel adapter, toiletries, and some local cash.
Rwanda is open year-round, and every season brings its own magic to Volcanoes National Park.
