Luxury Gorilla Trekking Safari in Rwanda
Overview
Into the misty jungles where mountain gorillas roam.
Your 7-day luxury gorilla trekking adventure begins in Kigali, the ideal gateway to Rwanda’s wild landscapes and rich cultural heritage. A highlight of your journey is a trek through the rainforests of Nyungwe National Park – Rwanda’s largest and most biodiverse region. This ancient forest, a rare survivor of the last Ice Age, is home to rare primates, vibrant birdlife, exotic butterflies, and unique flora. From here, continue to the mist-covered slopes of Volcanoes National Park, one of the world’s top gorilla trekking destinations. Set within the Virunga Massif, this iconic park was once home to pioneering primatologist Dian Fossey and the backdrop for Gorillas in the Mist. Today, it protects more than half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas – offering a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to encounter these gentle giants in their natural habitat.
Highlights
- Gorilla trekking
- Golden Monkey trekking
- Walking safaris
- Culture
Destinations
Rwanda
Duration
7 days
Price
From $12 200 per person
When to go
All Year Round
Itinerary Overview
Experiences off the beaten track.
Crafted for the bold + discerning.
Day 5-7
Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park is a mist-shrouded rainforest where volcanoes rise and mountain gorillas roam. Trek through emerald hills and forests for a once-in-a-lifetime encounter with these gentle giants in one of Africa’s most soul-stirring settings
Day 1-2
Kigali
Rwanda’s capital is a city of surprising contrasts. Set across rolling hills, Kigali blends vibrant markets, contemporary art, and poignant history, offering a warm and stylish welcome before your journey into the wild begins.
Day 3-4
Nyungwe National Park
Nyungwe is a pristine rainforest, famed for its biodiversity. Home to chimpanzees, colobus monkeys, and over 300 bird species, this ancient forest invites exploration through canopy walks, treks, and immersive nature experiences.
Day 5-7
Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park is a mist-shrouded rainforest where volcanoes rise and mountain gorillas roam. Trek through emerald hills and forests for a once-in-a-lifetime encounter with these gentle giants in one of Africa’s most soul-stirring settings
Day 1-2
Kigali
Rwanda’s capital is a city of surprising contrasts. Set across rolling hills, Kigali blends vibrant markets, contemporary art, and poignant history, offering a warm and stylish welcome before your journey into the wild begins.
Itinerary Breakdown
Day 1-2
Experiences
During your stay, you will have the opportunity to explore Kigali on a private guided tour and visit the informative Genocide Museum, artisan shops, markets, a mural walk, a milk bar and more. Enjoy lunch at one of the oldest hotels in Rwanda, the Hotel des Mille Collines.
Day 1-2
Arrive
Kigali, Rwanda
Check-in
The Retreat by Heaven
Your gorilla trekking itinerary begins on arrival at Kigali International Airport in Rwanda where a Ker & Downey® Africa representative will meet you and transfer you to The Retreat. The Retreat is an award-winning luxury boutique hotel located just 20 minutes from the airport, making it the perfect starting point for your magical time in Rwanda. After a seamless check-in you can enjoy the hotel’s 5-star facilities including the heated saltwater swimming pool, jacuzzi, open-air fitness center, and spa. You will also have the opportunity to explore the vibrant city of Kigali and join a guided tour of the Genocide Museum, followed by lunch at one of the oldest hotels in Rwanda, the Hotel des Mille Collines. In the evening, we recommend dining at the in-house Fusion Restaurant, which offers delicious farm-to-table cuisine, or Heaven Restaurant for an innovative African menu.
Accommodation
The Retreat by Heaven
Experiences
During your stay, you will have the opportunity to explore Kigali on a private guided tour and visit the informative Genocide Museum, artisan shops, markets, a mural walk, a milk bar and more. Enjoy lunch at one of the oldest hotels in Rwanda, the Hotel des Mille Collines.
Day 1-2
Arrive
Kigali, Rwanda
Check-in
The Retreat by Heaven
Your gorilla trekking itinerary begins on arrival at Kigali International Airport in Rwanda where a Ker & Downey® Africa representative will meet you and transfer you to The Retreat. The Retreat is an award-winning luxury boutique hotel located just 20 minutes from the airport, making it the perfect starting point for your magical time in Rwanda. After a seamless check-in you can enjoy the hotel’s 5-star facilities including the heated saltwater swimming pool, jacuzzi, open-air fitness center, and spa. You will also have the opportunity to explore the vibrant city of Kigali and join a guided tour of the Genocide Museum, followed by lunch at one of the oldest hotels in Rwanda, the Hotel des Mille Collines. In the evening, we recommend dining at the in-house Fusion Restaurant, which offers delicious farm-to-table cuisine, or Heaven Restaurant for an innovative African menu.
Itinerary Breakdown
Day 3-4
Experiences
Enjoy any number of the trails on offer through guided walks. You will also have a 2 hour guided canopy adventure walk where you will teeter across the treetops and enjoy aerial views of the lush forest below. There is the only treetop walkway in East Africa, elevated 60-meters above the forest floor among giant trees. Included is another unique chimpanzee trek.
Day 3-4
Transfer to
Nyungwe National Park
Check-in
One & Only Nyungwe House
After a hearty breakfast at your 5-star hotel, your guide will meet you and transfer you to One & Only Nyungwe House. The adventure begins in the nearby Nyungwe National Park, a must for nature enthusiasts. Nyungwe Forest National Park shelters more than 25% of Africa’s primate species. You will be able to enjoy a half day chimpanzee trek which will include a walk through the park to see 14 different types of primates. Its famous primate population is not the only thing Nyungwe Forest National Park has to offer. A huge butterfly population and a number of endemic plants and animals that cannot be found anywhere else in the world make it a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience. It is possible to get extremely close to the wildlife within the park during the guided hiking and trekking expeditions, which makes it even more special.
An especially rewarding experience awaits along the canopy walk – a 295-foot-long bridge suspended 130 feet above the ground. It is here that guests can see the different primate species and various bird species hidden within the tree canopy at eye level.
Accommodation
One & Only Nyungwe House
Located in southwestern Rwanda, One & Only Nyungwe House is surrounded by dramatic landscapes, shrouded in lush greenery and mountainous backdrops. This luxurious rainforest resort comprises wooden villa clusters and tree-top skimming suites and rooms nestled into the untamed, pristine natural surroundings.
Experiences
Enjoy any number of the trails on offer through guided walks. You will also have a 2 hour guided canopy adventure walk where you will teeter across the treetops and enjoy aerial views of the lush forest below. There is the only treetop walkway in East Africa, elevated 60-meters above the forest floor among giant trees. Included is another unique chimpanzee trek.
Day 3-4
Transfer to
Nyungwe National Park
Check-in
One & Only Nyungwe House
After a hearty breakfast at your 5-star hotel, your guide will meet you and transfer you to One & Only Nyungwe House. The adventure begins in the nearby Nyungwe National Park, a must for nature enthusiasts. Nyungwe Forest National Park shelters more than 25% of Africa’s primate species. You will be able to enjoy a half day chimpanzee trek which will include a walk through the park to see 14 different types of primates. Its famous primate population is not the only thing Nyungwe Forest National Park has to offer. A huge butterfly population and a number of endemic plants and animals that cannot be found anywhere else in the world make it a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience. It is possible to get extremely close to the wildlife within the park during the guided hiking and trekking expeditions, which makes it even more special.
An especially rewarding experience awaits along the canopy walk – a 295-foot-long bridge suspended 130 feet above the ground. It is here that guests can see the different primate species and various bird species hidden within the tree canopy at eye level.
Itinerary Breakdown
Day 5-6
Experiences
Your days here will be full of fun and adventure as you explore the national park and track endangered mountain gorillas while golden monkeys leap overhead. You will also get to explore the Musanze Caves, a network of caves formed over 65 million years ago.
Day 5-6
Volcanoes National Park
Check-in
One & Only Gorilla’s Nest
After breakfast, you’ll meet your tour guide for a scenic drive through the beautiful terraced hillsides of northwest Rwanda. The drive will take you to Ruhengeri, the gateway to the Volcanoes National Park, where you will be trekking with gorillas. This small city of 70,000 people is known for its warm and friendly people, and has great views of the surrounding volcanoes.
You’ll check into One & Only Gorilla’s Nest, which will be your home base for exploring the park in search of its famous gorillas. With a breathtaking view of the Virunga Volcanoes, One & Only Gorilla’s Nest is surrounded by fragrant flora and fauna, and offers open treehouse-style rooms with fireplaces and private terraces where guests can watch the sunrise. A highlight will surely be on day 6 where you will be able to experience a family of mountain gorillas up close.
Accommodation
One & Only Gorilla’s Nest
Resting at the foothills of Volcanoes National Park, One&Only Gorilla’s Nest is where adventure and luxury meet. Effortlessly elegant in its design, this jungle sanctuary offers 14 secluded suites fused with their natural surroundings. It is the perfect base for an extraordinary encounter with the rare mountain gorillas of the Virunga Mountains.
Experiences
Your days here will be full of fun and adventure as you explore the national park and track endangered mountain gorillas while golden monkeys leap overhead. You will also get to explore the Musanze Caves, a network of caves formed over 65 million years ago.
Day 5-6
Volcanoes National Park
Check-in
One & Only Gorilla’s Nest
After breakfast, you’ll meet your tour guide for a scenic drive through the beautiful terraced hillsides of northwest Rwanda. The drive will take you to Ruhengeri, the gateway to the Volcanoes National Park, where you will be trekking with gorillas. This small city of 70,000 people is known for its warm and friendly people, and has great views of the surrounding volcanoes.
You’ll check into One & Only Gorilla’s Nest, which will be your home base for exploring the park in search of its famous gorillas. With a breathtaking view of the Virunga Volcanoes, One & Only Gorilla’s Nest is surrounded by fragrant flora and fauna, and offers open treehouse-style rooms with fireplaces and private terraces where guests can watch the sunrise. A highlight will surely be on day 6 where you will be able to experience a family of mountain gorillas up close.
Itinerary Breakdown
Day 7
Day 7
Departure
Scenic drive to
Kigali
Today marks the final day of your trekking with gorillas adventure! After breakfast at One & Only Gorilla’s Nest, 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 to allow you to enjoy the last sights and sounds while enjoying some local cuisine.
YOUR NEXT JOURNEY
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