Rwanda Gorilla Trekking & Highlights
Experience Rwanda's gentle mountain gorillas in the wild, and discover its varied wildlife and lush forests
Days: 8 | From: $7,250/per person
- Includes accommodations at best in class hotels and lodges
- Outstanding private guides and excellent service throughout your trip
As featured in National Geographic Traveler's "5 remote destinations to put on your travel radar" journey through the rolling green hills of Rwanda, a country of unparalleled natural beauty. Come face to face with some of the few remaining mountain gorillas in the lush forest of Volcanoes National Park, the ultimate wildlife experience. Experience an emerging art scene and fine dining in Kigali and enjoy a coffee tasting. To round out your trip, do a safari in the exceptional Akagera National Park in search of Africa's iconic Big 5.
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Talk to a Vaya Africa Specialist
We tailor itineraries to your dates and interests, adjusting hotels, excursions and length as desired.
We consistently receive 5 star reviews from our discerning clients.
At a glance
- Kigali
1 night: Explore Rwanda's modern capital, home to fine dining and superb coffee culture - Akagera National Park
3 nights: Safari in search of iconic African wildlife and enjoy the peaceful lakes of this diverse ecosystem - Kigali
1 night: Visit vibrant markets and art galleries and take a masterclass on Rwanda's exceptional coffee - Volcanoes National Park
2 nights: Take in the stunning mountain views as you trek through the forest in search of gorillas and observe their daily rituals
All itineraries are fully customizable. We will send you a personalized variation that reflects your interests and travel dates at no extra cost. Call to discuss your travel plans with one of our Specialists who know this region firsthand.
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Sample itinerary
Welcome to Rwanda!
Arrive to Kigali, the capital city of Rwanda. Known as the land of 1,000 hills, Rwanda is a vibrant landscape of rolling green hills, forests and tea plantations. With one of the best road networks on the continent and a fashionable capital brimming with cafes and restaurants, Rwanda is a beacon of modernity and culture. Your private guide will be waiting to transfer you to your boutique hotel for the evening.
Accommodations: Heaven Boutique Hotel
Heaven Boutique Hotel has 30 beautifully appointed rooms and is located across two separate properties on a peaceful, residential road, just steps from downtown Kigali and features a swimming pool, tropical gardens and expansive views of the city. Heaven Boutique Hotel utilizes the best local Rwandan décor, warm hospitality, delicious breakfasts at Heaven Restaurant, and guests have access to a solar-heated saltwater swimming pool, outdoor yoga deck and fitness center at the neighboring Retreat.
*Includes: BreakfastTravel from Kigali to Akagera National Park
Set out with your private guide toward Akagera National Park, traveling through lush green hills, colorful villages, tea plantations and fertile farmland. Rwanda offers incredible scenery, and today you will be fully immersed in it.
Arrive at the park gate and begin a leisurely game drive toward your luxury tented camp, overlooking beautiful Lake Rwanyakazinga. Akagera is a conservation success story, with a recent expansion of the park and the reintroduction of endemic species. Comprising scenic savannah, open plains, woodlands, lakes, swamps, and low grassy mountains, this park is home to one of Africa’s highest hippo densities, very large crocodiles, the rare sitatunga antelope, and more than 500 bird species.
Accommodations: Ruzizi Tented Lodge, 3 nights
This small luxury tented camp has just 7 en-suite tents nestled into the forest along the shores of Lake Ihema. The tents fan out around the main reception are which houses a comfortable lounge, bar and dining area. A network of raised wooden decks connects the property. Powered using a solar energy this sustainable camp has 24 hour electricity and hot running water.
*Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerSafari in Akagera National Park
Embark on your first morning game drive with your expert safari guide in search of buffalo, elephant, lion, giraffe, spotted hyaena, zebra, topi, roan, eland, and the elusive leopard.
During the heat of midday, enjoy leisure time in your sumptuous camp. In the afternoon, opt for a guided nature walk or a boat cruise on the lake, or explore new areas of the park on another game drive.
Safari in Akagera National Park
Try an aquatic safari this morning as you head out onto Lake Rwanyakazinga. Cruise the quiet waters in the early morning as the wilderness comes alive, getting a unique perspective on the local wildlife.
Spend the afternoon on a game drive, searching for game in the many diverse ecosystems that Akagera offers.
Return to Kigali
As the sun rises over the open savannah, enjoy a last game drive before heading back to Kigali for an afternoon of touring with your private local guide.
Visit vibrant markets, art galleries and boutiques, take a coffee masterclass, or pay your respects at the sobering genocide memorial and museum. This afternoon can be fully tailored to your unique interests. Take some time to relax, perhaps with a visit to the hotel spa before going to dinner at one of the city’s burgeoning fine dining restaurants.
Drive to Volcanoes National Park
Drive through the picturesque tea plantations and lush green hills of Rwanda as you wind your way toward the gorillas in Volcanoes National Park. Enjoy a picnic lunch during a scenic stop as you drive the gorgeous winding roads with your private guide and vehicle. You will be met with the dramatic view of stunning lakes and distant volcanoes as you arrive at your hilltop lodge.
Volcanoes National Park is one of the oldest in Africa, receiving its first protections in 1925. Framed by the stunning backdrop the Rwenzori Mountain Range and five of the eight Virunga volcanoes, entering this park feels like going back in time. This park was also famously the base of American naturalist Dian Fossey from 1967, as she conducted vital research on the gorillas of the region. She is widely credited with saving species from extinction by shining a light on their plight at the time, making this park a true conservation success story.
While the park is known for its resident mountain gorillas, plenty of other mammals reside here too, including the golden monkey, black-fronted duiker, buffalo, spotted hyena and bush buck. There are 178 recorded bird species, with at least 13 species and 16 subspecies endemic to the Virunga and Rwenzori Mountains.
Accommodations: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, 2 nights
Situated just ten minutes from the park headquarters of Volcanoes National Park, Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel offers beautiful accommodation set in lush gardens. Each room has red tiled roofs and is surrounded by lovely gardens with a variety of trees, shrubbery, and colorful flowers. The main lounge is housed in a lovely cottage with a fireplace and a wide open verandah, the perfect place to relax on a warm afternoon.
*Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerTrekking with the Mountain Gorillas
Wake to uninterrupted views of the misty volcanoes and enjoy breakfast before setting off for your trek to meet the mountain gorillas. Sitting with these magnificent animals in their natural habitat, watching them interact, is truly an unforgettable wildlife experience.
Trek through the thick forest terrain with your expert guides to seek out a specific gorilla group. The length of your trek will vary, depending on which gorilla family group you visit. Once your gorilla group is located, you will spend about an hour with them, observing these gentle creatures as they go about their daily lives.
Farewell Africa
Travel back to Kigali and connect with your flight home or onward to your next destination. If you have a long layover we are happy to arrange for touring in the city with a private local guide, or a day room where you can relax and freshen up before your flight.
Popular Ways to Customize This Itinerary
Choose from a selection of carefully curated lodges and hotels to ensure this trip fits your travel style.
Opt for a helicopter transfer to and from Kigali for an exciting way to view the countryside.
Include some downtime for rest and relaxation! Some free time to unwind or have a massage will allow you to feel refreshed and ready for the remainder of your trip. Many of our properties include excellent spas or wellness centers. We can help arrange these services or include properties that offer health & wellness amenities.
Add some time in the gorgeous Nyungwe National Forest tracking wild chimpanzees as they frolic in the forest.
Engage with locals in a meaningful, authentic and culturally respectful way with a visit to a community project or village.
Have dinner with a gorilla doctor. Learn from these incredible professionals on the front lines of conservation at a privately hosted dinner.
Combine this trip with the iconic parks of Kenya or Tanzania, just a short connection away lies a whole other safari landscape.
Contact us to learn about more options for designing and customizing your trip.
Why Travel with Vaya?
We're TRUE specialists
We’ve not only traveled there, we’ve lived there. Our smart and engaging specialists are all current or former expatriates with years of experience in the region.
Uplifting service
From the first phone call to after you get back, we're here for you every step of the way. We listen, create, customize and advocate for you, and design experiences that go beyond the expected.
Thoughtful travel
Our discerning sensibility and good taste go beyond just choices in hotels and top guides; we have a walk the walk commitment to the environment and are genuine leaders in conservation efforts.