Travel deep into the rainforests of East Africa on this compact but comprehensive gorilla trekking safari for a privileged look into the lives of mountain gorillas. After spending a night in Rwanda’s vibrant capital city of Kigali, you will travel to Volcanoes National Park, known for having some of Africa’s easiest and most accessible gorilla-trekking expeditions. The park is home to around 300 highly endangered mountain gorillas and is the location where Dian Fossey spent 20 years studying and protecting these gentle creatures – a lifetime of work that would inspire the well-known feature film, Gorillas in the Mist. This itinerary is ideal for adventurers who have limited travel time and who want to experience a pinnacle bucket-list experience in less than a week.
Kigali, Rwanda
After landing at the international airport in Kigali, you will transfer by car into the city centre for check in at the award-winning Kigali Serena Hotel. The hotel is a popular attraction in Kigali and boasts some of the city’s best restaurants as well as a lavish spa – two much-needed luxuries after a long-haul flight. Spend the remainder of your day relaxing, dining or strolling through the hotel’s manicured grounds.
Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
After a leisurely breakfast you will begin the 3-hour road transfer through picturesque farming villages and terraced hills to the Volcanoes Virunga Lodge set at the foot of the majestic Virunga Volcanos. The afternoon is your own to explore the property, visit the grave of famous gorilla conservationist Dian Fossey, or simply marvel at the spectacular volcano, lake and forest vistas from the tranquil gardens.
In the early morning you will transfer to the Kinigi district for a full-day trek in the Volcanoes National Park in search of rare mountain gorillas. The park protects roughly 300 of these endangered primates, and the family groups that you will be tracking are habituated (or accustomed) to human presence. In the wet, muddy and humid conditions it can be challenging work as you journey north through the dense vegetation and climb to the base of the Virunga Volcanos where the groups are found. On successfully tracking them down, however, you are generously rewarded with a once-in-a-lifetime sighting of these gentle creatures interacting, playing, eating, grooming and going about their daily lives in their natural habitat.
Spend the day searching for golden monkeys and other colourful rainforest inhabitants on guided walks through the park or on a hike to the top of the volcano. Specialised birding safaris can be arranged as well as historical tours and cultural visits to local villages. For those taking it easy, there are plenty of comfortable spaces to relax and appreciate the impressive scenery, and in the evenings there is live music and entertainment around the campfire.
Bid farewell to the Virunga Volcanos and depart from the lodge to Kigali on a road transfer or on an optional private helicopter charter. If there is time to spare, a tour of the city can be arranged before your flight departs.
Kigali, Rwanda
Activities as per the itinerary
Expert driver/guide and vehicle for the duration of the itinerary
One chimpanzee and one gorilla permit
One complimentary massage
Park fees, nature and community walk fees
Exclusions
International flights
Airport taxes
All meals and drinks not specified
Tips and gratuities
Items of a personal nature
