Silverback Gorilla Safari: Day-by-day
More detailed information of what each day entails, and the various places you’ll stay on the Silverback 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 vehicle
Leaving Kigali Airport in your private 4WD, you'll spend a little time in the Rwandan capital, including a visit to the Genocide Memorial. From here, you'll head north-west for about three hours - though should you wish to stop, perhaps in a local village, do discuss the options with your guide. The drive takes you through lush hills and bustling market towns to the peaks of Volcanoes National Park, where Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge is nestled in the foothills of the Virunga Mountains.
Kigali Tour and Genocide Memorial Visit
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. Read all about Kigali Tour & Genocide Memorial Visit
Sabyinyo Silverback
Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge is situated in the foothills of the volcanic Virunga Mountains in north-western Rwanda, on the edge of the Parc National des Volcans – known in English as the Volcanoes National Park. It is built at an altitude of 2,515m, with spectacular views of the surrounding volcanoes, mountains and countryside. The lodge is just a 20-minute drive from the national park headquarters, and is one of the more luxurious lodges in the area.
Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge is situated in the foothills of the volcanic Virunga Mountains in north-western Rwanda, on the edge of the Parc National des Volcans – known in English as the Volcanoes National Park. It is built at an altitude of 2,515m, with spectacular views of the surrounding volcanoes, mountains and countryside. The lodge is just a 20-minute drive from the national park headquarters, and is one of the more luxurious lodges in the area.
"Beautiful lodge, great service and very friendly and accommodating staff"
LolafromCanadaArrived 14 Jan 2023, 4 nights
Sabyinyo Silverback is a traditional yet luxurious lodge in a stunning location. As well as creature comforts, you’ll find plenty of personal touches here, a friendly and efficient management team, a strong focus on community and conservation initiatives and some very high-quality service. This is a great lodge, both as a base for trekking to the gorillas, and to enjoy the scenery and many other activities on offer. See our full report on Sabyinyo Silverback 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 are characterised by their golden-orange fur. You’ll be able to enjoy an hour watching them jump through the bamboo and hunker down to chew bamboo leaves, curiously watching you, as you watch them.
Your driver-guide from Kigali will operate your transfers to the park headquarters and introduce you to your trekking group and parks guide. Read all about Golden Monkey Trekking
Gorilla Trekking Safari
Gorilla trekking in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is a magical experience, transcending any other wildlife encounter we know. Meeting a gorilla family in their forest home, led by a dominant male silverback and a cluster of females and young, is a natural adventure that fully repays the cost in unforgettable memories and images.
Your driver-guide from Kigali will operate your transfers to the park headquarters and introduce you to your trekking group and parks guide. Read all about Gorilla Trekking
Gorilla Trekking Safari
Gorilla trekking in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is a magical experience, transcending any other wildlife encounter we know. Meeting a gorilla family in their forest home, led by a dominant male silverback and a cluster of females and young, is a natural adventure that fully repays the cost in unforgettable memories and images.
Your driver-guide from Kigali will operate your transfers to the park headquarters and introduce you to your trekking group and parks guide. Read all about Gorilla Trekking
Volcanoes NP to Kigali by 4WD
After four days in the mountains, your drive back to Kigali takes you through the fertile, rolling hills of western Rwanda. It's a fascinating journey of around three hours, depending on any stops you make en route; chat to your driver about the options here. On arrival in Kigali, you'll head straight to the airport in time to make your onward connections.
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.
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 Trek