Luxury Rwanda Gorilla Safari
Enjoy a 5-day Luxury Rwanda Gorilla Safari that starts in the lively capital city, Kigali. On this unforgettable adventure, you’ll spend the first night in Kigali, experiencing its rich culture. After that, take a scenic 4-hour drive to Volcanoes National Park, where you’ll stay in a luxurious cabin surrounded by nature. This will be your base as you prepare for your gorilla trekking adventure.
The highlight of this luxury safari is when you are just meters away from the majestic mountain gorillas. In the quiet forest, you will be face to face with these gentle giants. This moment will stay with you long after the trip ends, creating a special connection with these amazing animals.
Note: This itinerary is an overview of the 5-day Rwanda Luxury Gorilla Safari. The exact activities and places may change based on availability, seasons, and your preferences. Our team will customize your trip to make sure it’s perfect for you.
Day 1: Arrival at Kigali International Airport
When you arrive at Kigali International Airport, your private guide will warmly welcome you and take you to your luxury hotel in Kigali. This day is perfect for exploring the city. You can visit local markets, admire art at galleries, and try delicious Rwandan food at a top restaurant. You may also visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial to learn about Rwanda’s history and how far the country has come. Your first day sets the stage for an exciting, relaxing luxury safari.
Accommodation: The Retreat by Heaven
Day 2: Drive to Volcanoes National Park
After a hearty breakfast, your journey continues with a scenic drive to Volcanoes National Park, a place known for its mountain gorillas. The drive takes about four hours, and along the way, you can admire the beautiful green hills and villages. Upon arrival, check into your luxury lodge in Kinigi, close to the park.
After settling in, you’ll visit the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village. Here, you can meet the local people and learn about their traditions, dances, and crafts. It’s a great way to understand more about Rwandan culture.
Accommodation for 3 Nights: Wilderness Bisate, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, One&Only Gorilla’s Nest, or Bishop’s House
Day 3: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
This is the highlight of your safari. On this day, you will go on a gorilla trekking adventure in Volcanoes National Park. Accompanied by experienced guides and trackers, you will enter the misty jungle in search of the mountain gorillas. As you walk through the dense forest, you may also spot other wildlife like golden monkeys and various birds.
When you finally find a gorilla family, you will be able to observe them in their natural environment. Watching these gentle giants interact with each other is an unforgettable experience. You will spend an hour with the gorillas, taking in their strength and beauty.
Day 4: Visit the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund
On this day, you will learn more about gorilla conservation by visiting the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund. This organization works to protect gorillas and their environment. You will meet conservationists and learn about the research and efforts to safeguard these magnificent animals. It’s a great way to understand the importance of protecting the gorillas and the work that goes into preserving their habitat.
Day 5: Return to Kigali and Departure
On the last day of your safari, you will drive back to Kigali. As you travel, take time to reflect on your experiences with the gorillas and the rich culture of Rwanda. Once in Kigali, you can relax or do some last-minute shopping before your departure. Your luxury safari will leave you with memories of incredible wildlife encounters, breathtaking landscapes, and an understanding of the importance of conservation.
Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Gorilla trekking is the most popular activity in Volcanoes National Park. This park is home to about 30% of the world’s mountain gorillas, making it one of the best places to see them. Only 80 permits are issued each day, and each group can have up to eight people. The park has ten habituated gorilla families, including the famous Susa, Agashya, and Kwitonda groups.
Your trek will start early in the morning at the park headquarters, where guides will divide visitors into groups and assign a specific gorilla family to track. The trek can take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours, depending on where the gorillas are located. When you find them, you will have one hour to observe the gorillas in their natural habitat. It’s an emotional and powerful experience to watch them interact and behave just like they do in the wild.
The cost for a gorilla trekking permit is USD 1,500 per person. This fee helps with conservation efforts and supports the local community. Due to high demand, it is important to book your permit well in advance.
Gorilla trekking can be physically challenging because the terrain is steep and the weather can be unpredictable. You will need to wear long-sleeved shirts and pants, sturdy hiking boots, and bring rain gear. While the trek may be hard, the chance to spend time with the gorillas makes it all worth it.
How to Get to Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park is about 110 kilometers from Kigali, which takes around 2 to 3 hours by car. You can reach the park by private car or a shuttle bus that connects Kigali, Gisenyi, and Musanze. Once in Musanze, you’ll need to hire a vehicle to get the last 3 kilometers to the park headquarters in Kinigi.
It’s best to hire a 4WD vehicle for this part of the journey since the roads can be rough. Once at the park headquarters, you will complete any necessary paperwork and be ready for your adventure.
The park’s office is open from 6:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily. It’s a good idea to arrive early to avoid delays. You can also hire porters at the park, who will assist you with carrying your gear and navigating difficult parts of the trail.
