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FROM US$5,830-US$6,120

Mountain Gorilla Safari

Staying in great-value lodges, with a private driver-guide and 4WD, this adventure includes two treks to get up close with groups of mountain gorillas.

Mountain Gorilla Safari: Summary

Mountain Gorilla Safari in a nutshell

With a deep dive into the stunning Volcanoes National Park, and a short stop in Kigali, Rwanda’s capital, this trip has a clear focus: tracking the endangered mountain gorillas in their dense, tropical forests and getting up close to them. We’ve used great-value lodges to keep the costs down, without compromising the experience, and with your own guide and private 4WD you'll have an exceptional level of flexibility throughout.

From Kigali Airport, you’ll be driven in your private 4WD to the comfortable Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, with its beautiful views and vast gardens close to Volcanoes National Park.

The next morning, to help you acclimatise, you’ll be guided on a gentle trek to see the golden monkeys in bamboo thickets on lower mountain slopes. In the afternoon, talk to your guide about the options, so you can decide together what you would like to do. Perhaps explore the area in your private vehicle, or simply relax after the morning trek.

The Volcanoes National Park is home to more than half of the world’s population of mountain gorillas. On each of the following two mornings, you’ll track into the higher forests to observe these awe-inspiring mammals – guided by trackers who know the location of each band of gorillas. Quite simply, there is no other wildlife experience like this. Then each afternoon you will be able to set the pace - or simply relax at the lodge.

After four nights in the mountains, your guide will drive you back to Kigali where you'll spend your last night at the Heaven Boutique Hotel. This small hotel in the centre of the city has a great track record of community involvement and is next door to a good restaurant. You may also have the opportunity for a city tour, or to visit the Genocide Museum. Then the following day you'll be driven back to Kigali Airport, where you'll say goodbye to your guide.

At a glance

Starts: Kigali International Airport
4 nights Mountain Gorilla View - Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda Full Board
1 night Heaven Hotel - Kigali, Rwanda Bed & Breakfast
Ends: Kigali International Airport

Mountain Gorilla View Lodge

Days 1-5

On the slopes of Mount Sabyinyo, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge has beautiful views of the surrounding volcanoes.

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Heaven Boutique Hotel

Day 5

Heaven Boutique Hotel is located in the heart of downtown Kigali, though as it’s perched on one of Rwanda's many hills it has some great views out across the city. Often used for a stopover before or after heading to the airport, it’s simple and great-value, with an emphasis on community involvement. In 2020 it underwent some changes and was renamed the Heaven Boutique Hotel Residence, with improved rooms.

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Mountain Gorilla View Lodge

Mountain Gorilla View

Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

Heaven Boutique Hotel

Heaven Hotel

Kigali, Rwanda

About image

Highlights

Our thoughts on five of the top experiences of this Mountain Gorilla Safari.

  • Sitting up-close with a mountain gorilla family
  • Trekking through lush mountain forests
  • Spectacular views of Rwanda's mountain scenery
  • Chatting about Rwanda with our knowledgeable guide
  • Dining out in Kigali: the city has quite a buzz

Activities

Some activities which can be included in the Mountain Gorilla Safari: talk to us about those which interest you.

  • Birdwatching

  • Canoeing

  • Cultural excursion

  • Helicopter

  • Mountain biking

  • Primate trekking

About image
MOUNTAIN GORILLA VIEW LODGE in VOLCANOES

Key species to see on the Mountain Gorilla Safari

Based on our travellers' observations, we’ve estimated the likelihood of seeing these species during the Mountain Gorilla Safari. Click on the animals and our wildlife surveys page for more info.


Mountain Gorilla

100% chance

Buffalo

29% chance

Elephant

0% chance

Pangolin

0% chance

Spotted Hyena

0% chance

Side-trips whilst on this safari

We may be able to build in some of these optional excursions from the Mountain Gorilla Safari. Talk to us: they’re usually best arranged when you book.


Kigali Tour and Genocide Memorial Visit

Kigali Tour and Genocide Memorial Visit

Half day

You'll be driven around Kigali to see the highlights of the city, with a main stop at the Genocide Memorial and museum. This will give you a fascinating, though sobering, insight into Rwanda's modern history. It is remarkable to learn just how far Rwanda has come in such a short period of time and it certainly adds a deeper understanding about the Rwandan people.

More about Kigali Tour & Genocide Memorial Visit
95% (39 reviews)
Canoeing in Rwanda

Canoeing in Rwanda

Half day - approx. 3 hours on the water

This half-day adventure takes place through lush farmland, on the meandering Mukungwa River near Musanze town. Discovering Rwanda’s countryside in a canoe is great fun: the launch spot is just half an hour from Volcanoes National Park and you'll be guided along the shallow waterway by an expert local canoeist. Your driver-guide from Kigali will operate your transfers and introduce you to your canoe group and guide.

More about Canoeing
96% (9 reviews)
Mount Bisoke Trek

Mount Bisoke Trek

Full day

For something a little different, set out on a one-day hike to the summit of Mt Bisoke in the Volcanoes National Park, home to Rwanda’s famous mountain gorillas. Discover the beautiful scenery of the Virunga Mountains, spot birds and wildlife, and enjoy spectacular views from the crater lake.

More about Mount Bisoke Trek
95% (4 reviews)
Mount Karisimbi Trek - 2 day trek

Mount Karisimbi Trek - 2 day trek

Two days - overnight on Mt Karisimbi

Set out on a two-day hike to the summit of Mount Karisimbi, which at over 4,507m is one of the highest in Africa. This is a challenge for the adventurous! With a local guide, you’ll traverse bamboo forests and rugged terrain, then camp on the slopes of this dormant volcano before enjoying sunrise from the summit.

More about Mount Karisimbi Trek
100% (1 reviews)
Trek to Dian Fossey’s Grave

Trek to Dian Fossey’s Grave

Half day, usually five hours

Dian Fossey is best known for her research and conservation work with the mountain gorillas in Rwanda. She dedicated her life to researching and protecting these ‘gentle giants’ from harm, however she was tragically found murdered at her research camp in 1985. Today visitors can join a local guide to trek through the tropical forest to visit her grave, and learn about the impact of her work.

More about Dian Fossey Trek
100% (1 reviews)

Let us help you customise your trip

All of our holidays on this site are just ideas; none are fixed. All of our trips are tailor-made, so we'll always adapt them to suit you. Talk to an Expert and let us help you to work out your perfect trip.


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