Mountain Gorilla Safari: Day-by-day
More detailed information of what each day entails, and the various places you’ll stay on the Mountain Gorilla Safari. Everything we do is completely tailor-made so while this is an idea which works well, we’ll always design an itinerary just for you.
Starts: Kigali International Airport
Kigali to Volcanoes NP by private 4WD
Meet your guide at Kigali Airport then hop into your private 4WD for the drive through the vibrant, sprawling capital. Stop if you wish – you decide the schedule – before driving north-west for about three hours, through lush hills and bustling market towns, to the peaks of Volcanoes National Park.

Mountain Gorilla View
Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, previously called Gorilla Mountain View Lodge, is located on the slopes of Rwanda’s Mount Sabyinyo. A good mid-range hotel set in spacious grounds, it has beautiful views of the surrounding volcanoes and is only a 15-minute drive from the headquarters of Volcanoes National Park, which is the starting point for gorilla trekking.

Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, previously called Gorilla Mountain View Lodge, is located on the slopes of Rwanda’s Mount Sabyinyo. A good mid-range hotel set in spacious grounds, it has beautiful views of the surrounding volcanoes and is only a 15-minute drive from the headquarters of Volcanoes National Park, which is the starting point for gorilla trekking.
"The rooms are quite spacious"
ERinSTLfromSaint LouisArrived 30 Jun 2019, 4 nights
We really like Mountain Gorilla View Lodge. It is a very comfortable hotel with spacious cottages, friendly staff and a great location. Don’t come here expecting luxury, but if you are looking for a relaxed lodge that shouldn’t break the bank, it could be a good choice. See our full report on Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
Activities

Birdwatching

Canoeing

Cultural excursion

Helicopter

Primate trekking

Golden Monkey Trekking
Spend a morning trekking to find the golden monkeys in the Volcanoes National Park. These endangered monkeys are endemic to the Albertine Rift area and, as the name would suggest, are characterised by their golden-orange fur. You’ll be able to enjoy an hour watching them jump through the bamboo forests and hunker to chew thistles, curiously watching you, as you watch them. Read all about Golden Monkey Trekking

Gorilla Trekking Safari
Look into the eyes of a large silverback gorilla and he'll look back with a thoughtful, intelligent gaze, mindful that you're another individual. Any apprehensions or nerves you might have had during your trek will melt away the minute you see your gorilla family. Gorilla trekking safaris offer a magical encounter that transcends any other 'wildlife' experience we know. Read all about Gorilla Trekking

Gorilla Trekking Safari
Look into the eyes of a large silverback gorilla and he'll look back with a thoughtful, intelligent gaze, mindful that you're another individual. Any apprehensions or nerves you might have had during your trek will melt away the minute you see your gorilla family. Gorilla trekking safaris offer a magical encounter that transcends any other 'wildlife' experience we know. Read all about Gorilla Trekking
Volcanoes National Park to Kigali by 4WD
It’s a leisurely three-hour drive with your private guide from Mountain Gorilla View Lodge to Kigali. You’ll typically leave mid-morning, heading south-east through small villages and rolling farmland, with the chance to stop for lunch before reaching your guesthouse, the Heaven Boutique Hotel.

Heaven Hotel
Heaven Boutique Hotel is located in the heart of downtown Kigali, though as it’s perched on one of Rwanda's many hills or collines 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.

Heaven Boutique Hotel is located in the heart of downtown Kigali, though as it’s perched on one of Rwanda's many hills or collines 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.
"Nice small hotel with friendly staff"
Dr PfromNetherlandsArrived 7 Feb 2020, 2 nights
Heaven Boutique Hotel is one of the more simple options in the city, but comfortable, with far more character than some of the other more corporate offerings. In a central location, with the added bonus of being next door to arguably one of the best options for eating out in Kigali, the hotel is well suited to the more budget-conscious travellers looking for a good-value property for an overnight stop. See our full report on Heaven Boutique Hotel
Activities

Cultural excursion

Mountain biking
Kigali hotel to the airport by private 4WD
On your last day in Rwanda, your private guide will meet you at Heaven Boutique Hotel and take you for a final drive through the city streets to Kigali Airport, a journey of around 30-minutes depending on the traffic, in time to connect with your onward flights and travel arrangements.
Ends: Kigali International Airport

Experiences you can add to this trip.
Optional extra day-trips and excursions possible whilst staying at lodges on this trip. These are usually best arranged in advance so talk to us.