Mountain Gorilla Safari: Summary
Mountain Gorilla Safari in a nutshell
With a deep dive into the stunning Volcanoes National Park, and a short stop in Kigali, Rwanda’s capital, this trip has a clear focus: tracking the endangered mountain gorillas in their dense, tropical forests and getting up close to them. We’ve used great-value lodges to keep the costs down, without compromising the experience, and with your own guide and private 4WD you'll have an exceptional level of flexibility throughout.
From Kigali Airport, you’ll be driven in your private 4WD to the comfortable Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, with its beautiful views and vast gardens close to Volcanoes National Park.
The next morning, to help you acclimatise, you’ll be guided on a gentle trek to see the golden monkeys in bamboo thickets on lower mountain slopes. In the afternoon, talk to your guide about the options, so you can decide together what you would like to do. Perhaps explore the area in your private vehicle, or simply relax after the morning trek.
The Volcanoes National Park is home to more than half of the world’s population of mountain gorillas. On each of the following two mornings, you’ll track into the higher forests to observe these awe-inspiring mammals – guided by trackers who know the location of each band of gorillas. Quite simply, there is no other wildlife experience like this. Then each afternoon you will be able to set the pace - or simply relax at the lodge.
After four nights in the mountains, your guide will drive you back to Kigali where you'll spend your last night at the Heaven Boutique Hotel. This small hotel in the centre of the city has a great track record of community involvement and is next door to a good restaurant. You may also have the opportunity for a city tour, or to visit the Genocide Museum. Then the following day you'll be driven back to Kigali Airport, where you'll say goodbye to your guide.
At a glance
| Starts: | Kigali International Airport | |
|---|---|---|
| 4 nights | Mountain Gorilla View - Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda | Full Board |
| 1 night | Heaven Hotel - Kigali, Rwanda | Bed & Breakfast |
| Ends: | Kigali International Airport |
Mountain Gorilla View
Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
Heaven Hotel
Kigali, Rwanda
Highlights
Our thoughts on five of the top experiences of this Mountain Gorilla Safari.
- Sitting up-close with a mountain gorilla family
- Trekking through lush mountain forests
- Spectacular views of Rwanda's mountain scenery
- Chatting about Rwanda with our knowledgeable guide
- Dining out in Kigali: the city has quite a buzz
Activities
Some activities which can be included in the Mountain Gorilla Safari: talk to us about those which interest you.
Birdwatching
Canoeing
Cultural excursion
Helicopter
Mountain biking
Primate trekking
Key species to see on the Mountain Gorilla Safari
Based on our travellers' observations, we’ve estimated the likelihood of seeing these species during the Mountain Gorilla Safari. Click on the animals and our wildlife surveys page for more info.
100% chance
34% chance
0% chance
0% chance
0% chance
Side-trips whilst on this safari
We may be able to build in some of these optional excursions from the Mountain Gorilla Safari. Talk to us: they’re usually best arranged when you book.
Kigali Tour and Genocide Memorial Visit
Half day
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.
More about Kigali Tour & Genocide Memorial Visit
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
Plan and book your trip with Expert Africa
All of our trips are tailor-made, so we'll always adapt them to suit you.
Talk to an Expert and let us plan and arrange your perfect trip.
Talk to an Expert
Call or email us now!
We’ll match you with the Specialist in our team who is best suited to help you. Then together we can start planning your trip.
Set up your itinerary
Based on our experience and your ideas, your specialist will create a detailed, costed itinerary. We’ll refine it together, until we have a trip that you’re perfectly happy with.
Prepare for your trip
The same Specialist will make the seamless arrangements for your trip, send you detailed travel documents, and be available to answer any questions before you depart.
Travel with peace of mind
After you set off, you’ll be cared for by our partners in Africa, most of whom have worked with Expert Africa for decades. And if you ever need us urgently, we’re available 24/7.
When you return
We love to learn about your trip, and so will always be grateful if you’ve the time to give feedback to your Specialist when you return.
Looking for inspiration on where to travel next?
Visit our trip chooser to explore your options and find inspiration for your perfect African adventure
Inspire meOther ideas for Rwanda safaris
Look at these ideas in Rwanda: then talk to us. Will will design a trip that's perfect for you.
L'Hoest's Monkey Safari
7 days • 3 locations • 1 country
KIGALI AIRPORT TO KIGALI AIRPORT
Meet three iconic primates – gorillas, chimps and golden monkeys – and explore Rwanda's fascinating culture on this excellent value privately guided adventure.
Visiting Volcanoes, Lake Kivu and 1 other area
US$6,320 - US$6,830 per person
Other safari ideas across Africa
Talk to us: help us to understand what you like and we can create a safari that will really suit you.
Bateleur Fly-in Safari
7 days • 4 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT
Classic fly-in Namibian safari staying at excellent camps. Explore Sossusvlei’s dunes and track Damaraland’s desert elephants before a safari in Etosha. Incredible scenery, good wildlife viewing and authentic cultural experiences.
US$6,970 - US$9,230 per person
Gabar Goshawk Fly-in Safari
7 days • 3 locations
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT
Experience Amboseli and Laikipia during this economically priced safari. Two simple camps offer adventure before a stopover in Nairobi and a final stay in the charming, wildlife-rich Il Ngwesi Eco-Lodge.
US$6,580 - US$6,580 per person
Steppe Eagle Fly-in Safari
7 days • 2 locations
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT
Two comfortable tented camps overlooking the Ewaso Nyiro and Mara River put you at the heart of the action. Experience spectacular diversity in species and habitat with safari in Samburu and the Masaai Mara National Reserve.
US$6,140 - US$9,310 per person
