Inspiration
Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda
There are few wildlife experiences on Earth as powerful as locking eyes with a mountain gorilla in its natural habitat. Rwanda offers one of the safest, most seamless and inspiring ways to witness these majestic creatures.
Rainforest rituals and rare encounters
With the political landscapes of neighbouring countries shifting, Rwanda has emerged as the premier destination for gorilla trekking, combining conservation success with luxury lodges and breathtaking landscapes.
But Rwanda offers more than just primate encounters. This carefully curated itinerary takes you beyond the misty mountains to the rolling savannahs of Akagera National Park. Here, you’ll explore wetlands teeming with hippos, crocodiles, and elephants, spot big cats on the prowl, and relax in stylish camps overlooking tranquil lakes.
This itinerary blends thrilling wildlife moments with cultural insight and down-time, with the option to extend your journey into Kenya or Tanzania for a multi-country East African adventure.
- Kigali
- Akagera
- Volcanoes National Park
Kim Hart
An expert in the ultra luxurious, Kim is your go-to for superyachts, exclusive-use villas and the kind of experiences that don’t appear on websites. She has an extensive understanding of the world’s finest hotels and a personal in-depth knowledge of Africa, Australia, New Zealand, USA & Canada, shaped around her own worldwide adventures. Kim also has a passion for the iconic wildlife viewing experiences both above and below the water.
Kigali and Akagera
Begin your Rwandan adventure with an overnight flight from the UK to Kigali. On arrival, you’ll be met and transferred by road through the scenic Rwandan countryside to Akagera National Park, in the far east of the country. Your first few nights will be spent in a beautifully located safari lodge overlooking one of the park’s quiet lakes – an ideal base for your savannah experience.
Akagera is Rwanda’s only Big Five reserve and one of Africa’s most remarkable conservation success stories. Once ravaged by poaching, the park has been rewilded over the past two decades and is now home to lions, elephants, rhinos, giraffes, leopards and more than 500 bird species.
Spend your first evening unwinding with sundowners as the light fades across the savannah, listening to the call of fish eagles and the splash of hippos below.
Akagera
Over the next two days, immerse yourself in Akagera’s richly varied landscapes. Morning and afternoon game drives take you through open grasslands, woodlands and marshes, with expert guides tracking wildlife from lions to roan antelope.
One highlight is a private boat safari on Lake Ihema. Drift quietly among the papyrus beds, watching crocodiles bask on the banks and flocks of cormorants, herons and kingfishers flit across the water. Keep an eye out for pods of hippos and perhaps even a rare shoebill stork.
Between activities, enjoy time at your lodge – whether that’s a cooling dip in the pool, a peaceful siesta in your tented suite or simply taking in the views from your deck.
Volcanoes National Park
After breakfast, you’ll travel northwest through the heart of Rwanda, passing rolling hills and terraced farmland as you make your way to the Volcanoes National Park. You’ll arrive in time to settle into your forest lodge, set within sight of the misty Virunga volcanoes.
This region, made famous by primatologist Dian Fossey, is home to around a third of the world’s mountain gorillas. Your next few days will be spent here in quiet luxury, soaking in the atmosphere of the jungle and preparing for your once-in-a-lifetime trek.
Optional afternoon activities include a visit to the local community, a guided nature walk or a hike to see Dian Fossey’s grave and research station.
Trek through the Virungas to meet mountain gorillas
There’s a stillness that falls when you find them. After a steady climb through bamboo forest and tangled undergrowth, your guide pauses – and suddenly, they’re there. A silverback lounges beneath the trees, his young tumbling nearby, the matriarch watching quietly from the ferns. You sit, barely breathing, as the jungle hums around you. For one precious hour, you’re not just a spectator – you’re part of their world. This is gorilla trekking in Rwanda: raw, intimate and deeply humbling. It’s a moment that stays with you, long after the mist clears and the trail winds back down the mountain.
Gorilla Trekking
The highlight of your trip begins early with a briefing at park headquarters, followed by a guided trek into the rainforest. The trek can take between 1 – 4 hours depending on the gorilla group’s location, but the reward is immense. Once located, you’ll spend a magical hour in their presence – watching the young play, the silverbacks assert dominance and the mothers gently care for their young.
Gorilla encounters are strictly regulated, making them both intimate and respectful. Every group is accompanied by expert trackers and guides who ensure both guest safety and minimal impact on the animals.
After your trek, return to the lodge for a hot shower, a celebratory drink and time to rest or explore more of the forest with an optional second trek to see golden monkeys or another gorilla family.
Kigali
After breakfast, you’ll journey back to Kigali by road, passing tea plantations and highland farms along the way. Depending on your flight time, there may be time for a visit to the Genocide Memorial – a sobering but important look at Rwanda’s past – or a spot of shopping for local crafts.
From here, connect to your international flight home, returning with unforgettable memories of one of Africa’s most powerful wildlife encounters and the resilience of a remarkable country.
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