Mountain Gorilla Safari: Summary
Mountain Gorilla Safari in a nutshell
With a deep dive into the stunning Volcanoes National Park, and short stop in Kigali, Rwanda’s capital, this trip has a clear focus: getting up close and trekking with the endangered mountain gorillas in their dense, tropical forests. We’ve used great value lodges throughout to keep the costs down without compromising the experience.
Meeting your guide and private 4WD at Kigali Airport, you’ll drive straight out to the comfortable Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, which has beautiful views and vast gardens, close to Volcanoes National Park.
On your 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. As with the rest of your trip, you and your guide decide together on your afternoon’s activities. Perhaps explore with your private vehicle and guide, visit or simply relaxing after morning’s trekking.
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 aren’t any other wildlife experiences like this.
After four nights in the mountains, your guide drives you back to Kigali for a last night at the Heaven Boutique Hotel. This small hotel in the centre of town has a great track record of community involvement and is next door to a great restaurant. The following day you’ll be driven to Kigali Airport, and sadly wave goodbye to your companion and 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
Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
Heaven Hotel
Kigali, Rwanda
Highlights
Our thoughts on five of the top experiences of this Mountain Gorilla Safari.
- Spectacular views seen driving around
- Trekking through lush mountain forests
- Sitting up-close with a group of mountain gorillas
- 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
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.
96% chance
15% chance
0% chance
0% chance
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.
City & Genocide Memorial Tour
Half day
Rwanda's capital city, Kigali, is a fascinating spot. Developments which wouldn't look out of place in a much more modern city are springing up, and the country is proud of the capital's progress, both economically and environmentally. Take the time to appreciate Kigali's intricacies, both modern and historical, with a drive through the city and a visit to the Genocide Memorial and museum.
More about Kigali City Tour
Canoeing in Rwanda
Half day - approx. 3 hours on the water
A half-day adventure in lush countryside, on a gentle river near to Musanze, Rwanda
More about Canoeing
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
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 active volcano before enjoying sunrise from the summit.
More about Mount Karisimbi Trek
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 TrekLet us help you customise your trip
Like all of our holidays on this site, this is just an idea. All of our trips are tailor-made, so we'll always adapt them to suit you.
Talk to an Expert
Browse this Expert Africa website, then call us. We’ll match you with the Specialist in our team who is best suited to help you.
Set up your itinerary
Based on our experience and your ideas, your specialist will create a detailed, costed itinerary. We’ll refine it together, until we have a trip that you’re perfectly happy with.
Prepare for your trip
The same Specialist will make the seamless arrangements for your trip, send you detailed travel documents, and be available to answer any questions before you depart.
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When you return
We love to learn about your trip, and so will always be grateful if you’ve the time to give feedback to your Specialist when you return.
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