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
Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
Heaven Hotel
Kigali, Rwanda
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
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.
100% chance
24% 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.
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
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
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 dormant 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.
Travel with peace of mind
After you set off, you’ll be cared for by our partners in Africa, most of whom have worked with Expert Africa for decades. And if you ever need us urgently, we’re available 24/7.
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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