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Bangkok to Rwanda: Kigali and Volcanoes National Park

Bangkok → Kigali → Volcanoes National Park

Kigali
"High_Angle_View_Of_Kigali_City_Street_on_November_29,_2018._Emmanuel_Kwizera.jpg" by Emmanuelkwizera, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons· licence
High Angle View Of Kigali City Street on November 29, 2018. Emmanuel Kwizera (Kigali)
Foto: Emmanuelkwizera, CC BY-SA 4.0, vía Wikimedia Commons

Mountain gorillas Best season (general guide): Jun–Sep, Dec–Feb

Seeing mountain gorillas in the wild is one of the most sought-after wildlife experiences anywhere, and Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park is one of only a few places where it's possible. From Bangkok the journey usually connects in the Gulf or East Africa. Kigali is the starting point, and the park is a few hours away by road.

Two nights in Kigali are a calm introduction. The capital is clean and green, and the Kigali Genocide Memorial gives essential context about the country's history. Craft cooperatives and cafés serving Rwandan coffee fill the rest of the time. The road north-west climbs through terraced hills to Musanze at the foot of the Virunga volcanoes. Gorilla treks leave early in the morning in small groups, led by rangers. Depending on where your family group is that day, the walk can be short or a steep, muddy hike, followed by a limited time with the gorillas once you find them. Many travellers also track golden monkeys or hike to Dian Fossey's grave.

The two dry seasons, roughly June to September and December to February, are usually recommended, as trails are less muddy. Treks run all year, though, and the rainy months have more permit availability. Gorilla permits are limited and sell out for busy months, so book them before anything else.

Good boots, gardening gloves for gripping vegetation and a rain jacket are useful on the trek. Porters can be hired at the start, which supports local communities.

Most travellers trek on a single day, but booking a second permit improves your chances of good photographs and lets you meet a different family group. Lodges near the park range from simple guesthouses to high-end retreats, and staying close to the headquarters at Kinigi makes the early start easier.

Suggested outline

  1. Bangkok

    Start

  2. Kigali

    By air · 2 nights suggested

    Rwanda's hilly, orderly capital. The Kigali Genocide Memorial is the most important visit.

  3. Volcanoes National Park

    Overland · 3 nights suggested

    Reached by road to Musanze. Treks to see mountain gorillas leave with ranger guides from the park headquarters.

Day by day

  1. Day 1 · Kigali — Arrive; Kigali Genocide Memorial· Bangkok → Kigali (by air) — long-haul; may arrive the next calendar day
  2. Day 2 · Kigali — Markets and craft cooperatives
  3. Day 3 · Volcanoes National Park — Drive to Musanze· Kigali → Volcanoes National Park (overland)
  4. Day 4 · Volcanoes National Park — Gorilla trek
  5. Day 5 · Volcanoes National Park — Golden monkeys or a crater hike
  6. Day 6 · Volcanoes National Park — Travel home from Volcanoes National Park· Volcanoes National Park → Kigali (overland), then Kigali → Bangkok (by air)

A suggested pace only; expedition days are set by the operator.

Flights, leg by leg

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Kigali

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Plan the trip: Kigali

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Volcanoes National Park

Nearest airport: Kigali Search fares · Kigali ↗

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