Reviews: Gorilla Trekking Safari

"I was very happy to have two treks with a day off in between–especially as the first hike was very difficult! Having a porter was a Godsend and I highly recommend you hire one.

Both of my sightings were deeper in the bush where it was a little tougher to see, but you really felt like you were in the gorillas environment. Rangers were very knowledgeable and aware of the pace of the different group members, which they managed well.

As someone who is well travelled on safaris and has had amazing encounters with wildlife, this was my first gorilla experience and it was absolutely brilliant! So very different from anything else I have done." Read more about this whole safari

"Amazing experience.

The trek itself was difficult - not because of height but due to the extreme slippery conditions, even with a porter!

Worth every moment." Read more about this whole safari

"A fantastic experience.

We went on two treks and interacted with two different groups of gorillas. The trackers, guides and porters were excellent.

A lot of information was shared on the lifestyle of the gorillas." Read more about this whole safari

"See previous comments [Ed: See below]" Read more about this whole safari

"This is a wonderful experience, which is difficult to describe. Our trek was long - about 3 and half hours - after a 1 and a half hour drive - we were aware this was to do with the relative youth of our group. The arduousness of the trek possibly enhanced the enjoyment of actually finding and spending time with the Gorillas.

The porters were excellent and helpful over such a long and steep climb. Our guide - Emmanuel - was another gem among a number in Rwanda. He kept us upbeat, was good at explaining the terrain and honest about the stinging nettles and the need to go off trail! He was also very informative about the Igashi group and Gorilla etiquette, as well as being good fun.

The hour we spent in hushed awe with the Igashi group in an open clearing on the mountain-side was an amazing time.

(we do wish we had taken more snacks for the trekking there and back - we left the lodge at 6:30 am and arrived back at 6:45pm!)" Read more about this whole safari

"This was our second Gorilla Trek and after our wonderful experience the first time we were uncertain if this could live up to that. Because of our long drive and hike on the first trek were given a shorter journey on this occasion.

A big bonus for us was that we had the same guide - Emmanuel - the trek this time was remarkably different.

We saw the Amahoro group who were in a more-forested region and were far more active in the trees and so the trek provided quite a contrasting experience for us, which worked so well.

We were really happy with our decision to set up a second trek." Read more about this whole safari

"Not even the pouring down rain could dampen the excitement of being so close to the gorillas!! It's an amazing experience that simply should not be missed. The guides/trackers were excellent, making sure that we had all of our full hour with the gorilla family. Definitely hire a sherpa - the walk can be quite slippery and they know what they are doing!" Read more about this whole safari

"Absolutely amazing! I had no idea we would get so close to the family. No zoom lens required. iPhone took my best photos. The guide's and porters are excellent." Read more about this whole safari

"The guides provide a lot of information during the trek. I was fortunate enough to do 2 treks (most only do one). Two different families, two different types of treks and two different activity levels." Read more about this whole safari

"Where to start?! This was absolutely incredible.

We were fortunate enough to visit the Dian Fossey Campus with our Primates Guide a day prior to trekking volcanos national park to visit these impressive creatures. The museum was a great introduction to the history behind the country's conservation of Gorillas and the way the primates communicate.

We visited the Ntambara group which was around 1.5 hours trek up into the Volcanos National Park. The group was very docile and eating. A very surprising scenario as they group had just welcomed a new baby gorilla of just 2 weeks old.

We had a very watchful eye on us by the Silverback of the group who refrained from eating while we were there. This did not feel threatening at all as our trackers and guides new exactly how to communicate with them all.

Again, we had to wear protective masks to view the primates, this time we went prepared but our guide also had a few masks for those who forgot to bring. The group size was perfect with just 8 of us. We felt that we could manoeuvre the nest well and not get in the way of each other.

We were allowed to take as many photos as we wanted although the hour with the gorillas passed very quickly." Read more about this whole safari