Rwanda Gorilla Encounter

High in the misty volcanic mountains of Rwanda lies one of the most profound wildlife encounters on earth. Trek through the lush bamboo forests of Volcanoes National Park as expert trackers guide you along hidden trails in search of the endangered Mountain Gorilla. When you finally come upon a gorilla family—youngsters tumbling through the undergrowth while the great silverback watches calmly over his troop—the world seems to fall silent. Standing just a few feet away from these gentle giants in their natural mountain home is a deeply moving, once-in-a-lifetime experience that few travelers ever have the privilege to share.

Trek Into Volcanoes National Park in Search of the Mountain Gorilla!

Tour Type

Walking / Hiking

Tour Duration

4 Days

Lodging Comfort

Casual / Luxury

Activity Level

Moderate / challenging

Feb 2-5
2027

Pricing

Group Size                                                                                                                                                      11-12 people $2995 per person/dbl occy
8-10
people $3195 pp
5-7 people
$3395 pp
3-4
people $3895 pp
2 people
$4395 pp
+ Gorilla Permit $1500 pp
Single Supplement from $800 pp

Availability

8 Rooms

TOUR INFORMATION

Overview

Join us on this extraordinary adventure as you experience the wonder of a gorilla safari in Rwanda. High in the mist-covered slopes of Volcanoes National Park lives one of the world’s most accessible populations of endangered Mountain Gorillas. Accompanied by expert trackers and park rangers, you’ll set out on a remarkable trek through lush bamboo forests and volcanic terrain to observe these magnificent animals in their natural habitat—an encounter that is both thrilling and deeply moving. Beyond the gorillas, the park is rich in biodiversity, home to golden monkeys, colorful birdlife, and a variety of forest mammals that thrive in this pristine mountain ecosystem.

While at Volcanoes National Park we’ll be staying at a beautiful lodge, perfectly positioned to explore the wilderness.

Itinerary & Map

Day 1 - welcome to rwanda

You should plan to arrive at the International Airport in Kigali, Rwanda today. You’ll be met at the airport and transported to your hotel in Kigali. You are free for dinner tonight.

Day 2 - kigali

After breakfast, you will then be briefed on your gorilla encounter. Afterwards you’ll start with a city tour of Kigali including a visit to the Genocide Memorial site, Learn about Rwanda’s history from pre-colonial times to the 1994 genocide and how Rwanda has dealt with that past. We continue our tour and see the new developments in Rwanda; the recovery has been incredible, a testament to humankind’s resilience. We enjoy lunch at a restaurant in Kigali. Thereafter, drive to Musanze (formerly called Ruhengeri) in the northwest part of Rwanda, the main base town for Gorilla tracking. The drive is through beautiful rolling hills on a comfortable paved road and is approximately 3.5 hours from Kigali.

Day 3 - Gorillas

After your morning wake-up call and breakfast transfer by road in a 4WD Land Cruiser and report to the park headquarters, for gorilla trekking formalities and briefing by the Volcanoes National Park’s guides on the gorillas’ etiquette.

The gorilla group that you will visit will depend on the assignment of 13 habituated Gorilla groups. Park rangers have already left to locate Gorilla groups that are accessible to visitors. You will be assigned to a specific group of gorillas. Groups of trekkers will have a maximum of 8 visitors per gorilla family. Your trek will vary in length depending on which gorilla group you have been assigned to and will commence at about 7,000 feet of altitude in the upper terraced slopes of the volcano. Soon you will enter the forest of bamboo and thick undergrowth. You follow paths and the walking is steep but not overly strenuous.

There are no words to describe the thrill of recognition attached to staring deep into the liquid brown eyes of these gentle giants, which share some 97% of their genes with humans. After locating your assigned Gorilla group you will spend one hour in their company before retracing your steps back down the volcano slopes. Lunch at the lodge. Afternoon Visit Iby' Iwacu Cultural Village.

Day 4 - on to safari!

This morning you’ll depart very early for the 3 hour drive to Kigali International Airport, where you’ll catch your flight to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO).

Camps and Lodges

Due to availability at the time of booking, camps and lodges listed may change to similar properties

kigali - 5 star movenpick kigali

Mövenpick Kigali is a modern urban five-star resort in the heart of Rwanda's vibrant capital. Whether visiting for business or enjoying a family escape, the hotel offers 124 stylish rooms and suites with sweeping city views, flexible meeting spaces, co-working zones, and a heated pool. With all-day dining, a relaxed poolside bar, and thoughtful design inspired by local culture, every detail is crafted to make your stay feel effortless and rewarding.

After a productive day in meetings or co-working spaces, savor world-class dining, or discover Kigali's rich cultural attractions, all easily accessible from the hotel.

Located in the city's diplomatic zone, Mövenpick Kigali is next to the Kigali Convention Centre and minutes from Kigali Golf and BK Arena. Close to embassies and global organizations, it's just a 15-minute drive from Kigali International Airport.


ruhengeri - five volcanoes boutique hotel

Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel is located only a short drive from Volcanoes National Park headquarters, making early gorilla trekking departures smooth and well-coordinated. Our location allows you to stay close to the experience without sacrificing privacy and calm.

Light‒filled, comfortable and peaceful, our Standard Rooms offer a relaxing base just minutes from Volcanoes National Park. Designed for rest before and after your gorilla trek, they provide a welcoming space with everything you need for a comfortable stay. Each room features a king‒size or twin bed, crisp cotton linens, large windows with garden views, and a modern bathroom with rainfall shower. Thoughtful details such as a minibar, tea & coffee station, and a comfortable sitting area make it easy to unwind after a day in the forest.

Light‒filled, comfortable and peaceful, our Standard Rooms offer a relaxing base just minutes from Volcanoes National Park. Designed for rest before and after your gorilla trek, they provide a welcoming space with everything you need for a comfortable stay. Each room features a king‒size or twin bed, crisp cotton linens, large windows with garden views, and a modern bathroom with rainfall shower. Thoughtful details such as a minibar, tea & coffee station, and a comfortable sitting area make it easy to unwind after a day in the forest.

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What's Included

What´s Included

  • 1 night accomm in Entebbe at the Premier Garden Hotel (or similar)
  • 2 nights accomm in Bwindi at Mahogany Springs Lodge (or similar)
  • Breakfast on Day 2 at the Premier Garden Hotel
  • All meals at Mahogany Springs Lodge (beverages not included)
  • Domestic Uganda roundtrip flight from Entebbe to Kihihi Airstrip
  • Arrival airport transfers from Entebbe International Airport (EBB)...Tour begins on Day 1 upon arrival at EBB, and ends with the flight from Kihihi Airstrip to Entebbe Day 4
  • All transfers during the tour
  • Gorilla trekking with Bwindi rangers

What´s not Included

  • International airfare
  • Beverages at meals
  • Items of a personal nature...laundry, telephone calls, etc.
  • Gratuities to guides, drivers, or lodge staff
  • Due to the remote nature of safari travel, Travel and Evacuation insurance is required for travel to Africa. Our office will email a quote to you when your initial deposit is processed.
  • Visa fees, if necessary. A visa ($100) is required for U.S. visitors to Uganda. It’s a fairly simple procedure, done at the airport upon arrival, or online in advance.
  • Gorilla Permit, current fee is $800 per person, (subject to change). These are not included in the tour price but will be billed separately.

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