A once in a lifetime opportunity to get up close and personal to the few remaining mountain gorillas in the Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. If this is not on your bucket-list it should be. One of the most wonderful animal encounter experiences you will ever have, carefully controlled and managed so that the gorillas health and welfare is always the primary concern this really is a trip not to be missed.
The plight of the Rwandan gorillas was brought to the world's attention by Dian Fossy famously played by Sigourney Weaver in Gorillas in the Mist. Forced out of their natural habitat by farmers or hunted by poachers, numbers of these magnificent primates left in the World has now sadly declined to only 700, with the majority of these inhabiting the Virguna mountains that overlap Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. They are now heavily protected by a team of park wardens. A few of the gorilla families have been habituated and are tracked by the park scouts and can be visited by a small number of visitors.
The trekking to reach the gorillas is strenuous and can take anything from between 1 - 5 hours. Below is our most popular 3 day gorilla trekking itinerary which visits the gorillas once (one permit). Each visit to the gorillas requires a special individual permit so for those eager to make the most of their time and visit the gorillas twice, we also offer a 4 day gorilla treks (two permits). Please contact one of our destination experts to find out more.
Prices start from £2549 / $3315 per person depending on the size of your group.
Suggested itinerary
DAY 1 : KIGALI TO VIRUNGA VOLCANOES, RWANDA
On arrival at Kigali International airport you will be met by your driver/guide. Depending on your time of arrival you will visit the 1994 Gisozi Genocide Memorial site and enjoy a tour around Kigali, the capital city of Rwanda, before making your way to the Volcanoes National Park. You will travel north through the beautiful terraced hillsides that characterize much of Rwanda¹s landscape, gradually climbing to the base of the volcanoes and your lodge for the night. Overnight at your lodge (Full Board).
DAY 2: VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK - GORILLA TREK
An early start, you will drive to the headquarters of Volcanoes National Park where you will be briefed by your trackers/guides before heading off up the slopes of the Virunga Volcanoes. This can be a tough trek through dense undergrowth, particularly when it is wet and muddy, so be prepared to walk for up to 1 – 5 hours to find your group of gorillas. Overnight at your lodge (Full Board).
DAY 3: KIGALI AND FLIGHT HOME
Breakfast and pack your bags, then transfer to Kigali for your flight headed home. If you did not have time on arrival day, you should get time to visit Kigali Genocide Memorial Center before your departure flight.
Hotel options for Gorilla Trekking
Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
Located on the edge of the Volcanoes National Park with fantastic views of the Virunga mountains.
La Palme Hotel
Located just 23km outside the Virunga National Park in the city of Musanze.