Mountain gorilla trekking is the ultimate primate experience in the African jungle. Track Silverback Mountain Gorillas and encounter the rare Golden Monkey troop of the Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda.
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Ker & Downey® Africa > Trips > Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda
This five-day Mountain Gorilla Trekking LuxVenture® sees you spend three days in the rainforests of Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. The highlight of your trip will be tracking Silverback Mountain Gorillas on an epic trek through the dense forest and encountering the endemic golden monkey troop. A standout experience of the trip will be the incomparable morning spent with a gorilla family – nothing is quite like it! Although your time spent with a group of golden monkeys, sometimes numbering 100 playful individuals, is also an incredible experience. Yet your trip is not limited to just the rainforest. Other special experiences will be your city tour of Kigali, the visit to the haunting genocide museum, seeing the Virunga Mountains from afar, a fascinating visit to a local Iby’iwacu cultural village, and the scenic twin lakes of Ruhondo and Bulera. All this while staying at some of Rwanda’s best properties enjoying top-drawer service and hospitality.
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you’ll be met by your Ker & Downey Africa representative and transferred to the Kigali Serena Hotel. Set in the heart of the city, the 5-star Kigali Serena is an exclusive private retreat with a range of leisure activities to start your journey on a high note. A tropically-landscaped pool and garden awaits, Mayan-inspired hot stone massages and two restaurants showcasing the authentic delicacies of Rwanda alongside enticing specialties from around the world. Both restaurants, Sokoni and Milima, are known throughout the city for their innovative menus with bold flavours and locally-sourced ingredients. Enjoy dinner at the hotel and get a good nights rest before your real adventure starts.
Set in the heart of the city, the 5-star Kigali Serena is an exclusive private retreat with a range of leisure activities. Both restaurants, Sokoni and Milima, are known throughout the city for their innovative menus with bold flavors and locally-sourced ingredients.
After breakfast in the hotel, you’ll meet your tour guide for a city tour of Kigali and a visit to the genocide museum. The museum will have a professional private guide. You’ll then depart, after lunch, on a scenic drive through the beautiful terraced hillsides of northwest Rwanda. The drive will take you to Ruhengeri, the gateway to Volcanoes National Park and Rwanda’s famous gorilla tracking. This small city of 70,000 people known for its friendliness and has great views of the surrounding volcanoes. You’ll then check into Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, which is situated in the foothills of the mighty Virungas, a chain of 15,000 ft volcanoes stretching through Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. All guest cottages are stone buildings with Rwandese terracotta tile roofs and feature large sitting areas, fireplaces, stylish en-suite bathrooms and a sheltered veranda.
The main lodge has a sitting room with snug area, dining room, library, three large fireplaces provide and two patio areas with wonderful views of the Virunga Mountains.
Situated in the foothills of the mighty Virungas you will find Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge.All guest cottages are stone buildings with Rwandese terracotta tile roofs and feature large sitting areas, fireplaces, stylish en-suite bathrooms and a sheltered veranda.
An early start will see you transferred to Volcanoes National Park for the golden monkey trek. You can find the playful and inquisitive monkeys leaping from bamboo branches or frolicking on the forest floor. You’ll spend an hour with one of two habituated groups of endemic golden monkey, with one group comprising around 80 – 100 members. After the trek, rejoin your driver guide for a trip back to your lodge for lunch. In the afternoon you’ll visit the Iby’iwacu cultural village where ex-poachers show you around the village. You can visit the traditional house of a local king, watch an authentic medicine man prepare herbal mixtures, try your hand at bow and arrow shooting or enjoy cultural dances and drumming performed by people from the local area. You’ll return to the comfort of your lodge for dinner.
Situated in the foothills of the mighty Virungas you will find Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge.All guest cottages are stone buildings with Rwandese terracotta tile roofs and feature large sitting areas, fireplaces, stylish en-suite bathrooms and a sheltered veranda.
It’s an early start to meet the gorillas. After breakfast, your gorilla tracking expedition starts at 6:20am with a transfer to the Volcanoes National Park HQ, where the first gorilla trek sets off at 7:00am. After a briefing, you’ll drive to the trailhead for the start of your once-in-a-lifetime gorilla tracking adventure. Porters may be hired to carry your backpack and gear during the trek for 10 USD per person, which is recommended. The trek starts in the foothills of the Virungas before entering the mysterious tunnels of the rainforest, alive with bird calls and chattering golden monkeys. As you glimpse looming peaks through the foliage, the experienced trackers take you up close with one of the gorilla families. You’ll stay with the gorillas for a magical hour as they go about their daily life; feeding, playing, resting, and raising their young.
Coming face-to-face with a giant silverback is one of the greatest wildlife experiences on earth. That afternoon you’ll visit the twin lakes of Ruhondo and Bulera and finish the day with dinner at the lodge.
Situated in the foothills of the mighty Virungas you will find Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge.All guest cottages are stone buildings with Rwandese terracotta tile roofs and feature large sitting areas, fireplaces, stylish en-suite bathrooms and a sheltered veranda.
After a breakfast, you’ll take a scenic drive to Kigali. The two and a half hour trip will take you through Rwanda’s dazzling green hills, giving you one last taste of this beautiful country before you arrive at the airport for your departure flight. Snacks will be provided in the vehicle for your enjoyment.
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