Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda
Overview
A once-in-a-lifetime gorilla trek through Rwanda’s misty mountains.
This 5-day Mountain Gorilla Trekking LuxVenture® takes you deep into the lush rainforests of Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. Over three days, you’ll trek through the misty jungle to encounter endangered Silverback Mountain Gorillas and a playful troop of golden monkeys — an experience that will stay with you forever. Beyond the forest, you’ll explore Kigali on a guided city tour, visit the powerful Genocide Memorial, take in views of the Virunga Mountains, discover the Iby’iwacu cultural village, and admire the scenic twin lakes of Ruhondo and Bulera. Throughout, you’ll stay at some of Rwanda’s finest lodges with exceptional service and warm hospitality.
Highlights
- Gorilla Trekking
- Hiking
- Golden Monkey Trek
- Cultural experiences
Destinations
Rwanda
Duration
5 days
Price
From $10 507 per person
When to go
Jan, Feb, Jun – Sept
Itinerary Overview
Experiences off the beaten track.
Crafted for the bold + discerning.
Day 2-5
Volcanoes National Park
A lush, mountainous haven in northern Rwanda, Volcanoes National Park is famed for its rare mountain gorillas and golden monkeys. Trek through misty rainforest for unforgettable wildlife encounters.
Day 1
Kigali
Clean, green, and culturally rich, Kigali is Rwanda’s vibrant capital city. Known for its warm hospitality and striking hillside setting, it offers a compelling mix of modern art, bustling markets, and poignant history.
Day 2-5
Volcanoes National Park
A lush, mountainous haven in northern Rwanda, Volcanoes National Park is famed for its rare mountain gorillas and golden monkeys. Trek through misty rainforest for unforgettable wildlife encounters.
Day 1
Kigali
Clean, green, and culturally rich, Kigali is Rwanda’s vibrant capital city. Known for its warm hospitality and striking hillside setting, it offers a compelling mix of modern art, bustling markets, and poignant history.
Itinerary Breakdown
Day 1
Experiences
A tropically-landscaped pool and garden awaits, Mayan-inspired hot stone massages and two restaurants showcasing the authentic delicacies of Rwanda. Enjoy dinner at the hotel and get a good nights rest before your real adventure starts.
Day 1
Arrive
Kigali, Rwanda
Check-in
Kigali Serena Hotel
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.
Accommodation
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. Both restaurants, Sokoni and Milima, are known throughout the city for their innovative menus with bold flavors and locally-sourced ingredients.
Experiences
A tropically-landscaped pool and garden awaits, Mayan-inspired hot stone massages and two restaurants showcasing the authentic delicacies of Rwanda. Enjoy dinner at the hotel and get a good nights rest before your real adventure starts.
Day 1
Arrive
Kigali, Rwanda
Check-in
Kigali Serena Hotel
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.
Itinerary Breakdown
Day 2
Experiences
Join your tour guide for a city tour of Kigali and a visit to the genocide museum or visit Lakes Ruhondo and Bulera – twin lakes seperated by just a one-kilometre wid strip of land found at the base of Muhabura Volcano – for an incredible photo opportunity.
Day 2
Transfer to
Volcanoes National Park
Check-in
Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge
After breakfast at the hotel, you’ll meet your guide for a city tour of Kigali, including a powerful visit to the Genocide Memorial with a private guide. After lunch, depart on a scenic drive through Rwanda’s rolling, terraced hills to Ruhengeri, the gateway to Volcanoes National Park and gorilla trekking adventures. This welcoming town offers stunning views of the surrounding volcanoes.
Check into Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, nestled in the foothills of the Virunga Mountains. Each stone cottage features a spacious sitting area, fireplace, elegant en-suite bathroom, and private veranda. The main lodge includes a cozy lounge, dining room, library, and patios with sweeping views of the volcanic peaks.
Accommodation
Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge
Situated in the foothills of the majestic Virunga Mountains, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge offers elegant stone cottages with Rwandese terracotta tile roofs, spacious sitting areas, cozy fireplaces, stylish en-suite bathrooms, and private sheltered verandas.
Experiences
Join your tour guide for a city tour of Kigali and a visit to the genocide museum or visit Lakes Ruhondo and Bulera – twin lakes seperated by just a one-kilometre wid strip of land found at the base of Muhabura Volcano – for an incredible photo opportunity.
Day 2
Transfer to
Volcanoes National Park
Check-in
Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge
After breakfast at the hotel, you’ll meet your guide for a city tour of Kigali, including a powerful visit to the Genocide Memorial with a private guide. After lunch, depart on a scenic drive through Rwanda’s rolling, terraced hills to Ruhengeri, the gateway to Volcanoes National Park and gorilla trekking adventures. This welcoming town offers stunning views of the surrounding volcanoes.
Check into Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, nestled in the foothills of the Virunga Mountains. Each stone cottage features a spacious sitting area, fireplace, elegant en-suite bathroom, and private veranda. The main lodge includes a cozy lounge, dining room, library, and patios with sweeping views of the volcanic peaks.
Itinerary Breakdown
Day 3
Experiences
Trek through Volcanoes National Park in search of the playful golden monkey. You’ll spend an hour with habituated groups of endemic golden monkey. This will be followed by a visit the Iby’iwacu cultural village where ex-poachers show you around the village.
Day 3
Volcanoes National Park
Golden Monkey Trek
Your day begins with an early transfer to Volcanoes National Park for an unforgettable golden monkey trek. Watch as these playful, inquisitive primates leap through the bamboo or forage along the forest floor. You’ll spend an hour with one of two habituated groups, which can number up to 100 individuals. After the trek, return to your lodge for lunch before heading out to the Iby’iwacu Cultural Village. Here, former poachers share their heritage through immersive experiences – visit a traditional king’s hut, witness herbal medicine preparation, try your hand at archery, and enjoy local drumming and dance. Return to your lodge in time for a well-earned dinner.
Accommodation
Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge
Situated in the foothills of the majestic Virunga Mountains, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge offers elegant stone cottages with Rwandese terracotta tile roofs, spacious sitting areas, cozy fireplaces, stylish en-suite bathrooms, and private sheltered verandas.
Experiences
Trek through Volcanoes National Park in search of the playful golden monkey. You’ll spend an hour with habituated groups of endemic golden monkey. This will be followed by a visit the Iby’iwacu cultural village where ex-poachers show you around the village.
Day 3
Volcanoes National Park
Golden Monkey Trek
Your day begins with an early transfer to Volcanoes National Park for an unforgettable golden monkey trek. Watch as these playful, inquisitive primates leap through the bamboo or forage along the forest floor. You’ll spend an hour with one of two habituated groups, which can number up to 100 individuals. After the trek, return to your lodge for lunch before heading out to the Iby’iwacu Cultural Village. Here, former poachers share their heritage through immersive experiences – visit a traditional king’s hut, witness herbal medicine preparation, try your hand at archery, and enjoy local drumming and dance. Return to your lodge in time for a well-earned dinner.
Itinerary Breakdown
Day 4
Experiences
Expert local guides will escort you into the wild forests near the lodge, following the calls of the illusive mountain gorillas and tracks they have left behind. You’ll stay with the gorillas for a magical hour as they go about their daily life.
Day 4
Volcanoes National Park
Gorilla Trek
It’s an early start as you prepare to meet Rwanda’s mountain gorillas. After breakfast, you’ll transfer to Volcanoes National Park HQ for a 7:00am briefing, before continuing to the trailhead where your once-in-a-lifetime trek begins. Porters are available to carry your gear for a small fee – highly recommended to enhance your experience. The trail leads through the lush foothills of the Virungas and into the misty rainforest, alive with birdsong and golden monkeys. Guided by expert trackers, you’ll navigate the dense jungle until you come face-to-face with a habituated gorilla family. Spend a magical hour observing them – feeding, playing, and interacting in their natural habitat.
That afternoon, explore the scenic twin lakes of Ruhondo and Bulera before returning to the lodge for a well-deserved dinner.
Accommodation
Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge
Situated in the foothills of the majestic Virunga Mountains, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge offers elegant stone cottages with Rwandese terracotta tile roofs, spacious sitting areas, cozy fireplaces, stylish en-suite bathrooms, and private sheltered verandas.
Experiences
Expert local guides will escort you into the wild forests near the lodge, following the calls of the illusive mountain gorillas and tracks they have left behind. You’ll stay with the gorillas for a magical hour as they go about their daily life.
Day 4
Volcanoes National Park
Gorilla Trek
It’s an early start as you prepare to meet Rwanda’s mountain gorillas. After breakfast, you’ll transfer to Volcanoes National Park HQ for a 7:00am briefing, before continuing to the trailhead where your once-in-a-lifetime trek begins. Porters are available to carry your gear for a small fee – highly recommended to enhance your experience. The trail leads through the lush foothills of the Virungas and into the misty rainforest, alive with birdsong and golden monkeys. Guided by expert trackers, you’ll navigate the dense jungle until you come face-to-face with a habituated gorilla family. Spend a magical hour observing them – feeding, playing, and interacting in their natural habitat.
That afternoon, explore the scenic twin lakes of Ruhondo and Bulera before returning to the lodge for a well-deserved dinner.
Itinerary Breakdown
Day 5
Day 5
Departure
Scenic drive to Kigali
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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