Mountain Gorilla Safari: Day-by-day
Our aim is always to design a trip specifically for you; this is simply an idea for a safari with your own personal guide and 4WD. Do talk to us to design your perfect trip.
Starts: Kigali International Airport
Kigali to Volcanoes NP by private 4WD
Leaving Kigali Airport in your private 4WD, you'll spend a little time in the Rwandan capital, with a tour of the city and a visit to the Genocide Memorial and museum. From here, you'll head north-west for about three hours - though should you wish to stop, perhaps in a village, do discuss the options with your guide. The journey takes you through lush hills and bustling market towns to the foothills of Volcanoes National Park, and the beautiful setting of Mountain Gorilla View Lodge.
Mountain Gorilla View
On the slopes of Mount Sabyinyo, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge has beautiful views of the surrounding volcanoes. Nestled beneath the towering, forested Virunga range, and perfectly placed for gorilla trekking, the lodge is aptly named. The setting, the friendly atmosphere and the best value for money in the area combine to give this lodge enduring appeal.
On the slopes of Mount Sabyinyo, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge has beautiful views of the surrounding volcanoes. Nestled beneath the towering, forested Virunga range, and perfectly placed for gorilla trekking, the lodge is aptly named. The setting, the friendly atmosphere and the best value for money in the area combine to give this lodge enduring appeal.
First up are the sizeable grounds on the slopes of the extinct Mount Sabyinyo, the trees alive with birds and monkeys, and views at almost every turn.
Dotted around the site, 40 large, rather rustic cottages constructed of stone and thatch offer plenty of privacy. Comfortable yet simply furnished, if rather old-fashioned, they have plain plastered walls, a sleeping area raised slightly above the lounge, and a colourful bathroom.
To offset the chill of mountain evenings, there’s a fireplace in each room and in the main area, whose burnt-red walls, patterned rugs and zebra-print sofas afford a somewhat eclectic charm.
Its setting aside, the hotel’s entire raison d’être is its proximity to Rwanda’s habituated mountain gorilla families. Just a 15-minute drive brings you to the start of the trek in Volcanoes National Park, while seeking out golden monkeys, hiking or even canoeing are also on the agenda.
"Great location"
Mr & Mrs StonefromDorsetArrived 20 Sep 2024, 3 nights
Then, come the evening, settle down on the lawn to watch traditional Rwandan Intore dancing before drinks around the firepit and a homely dinner to round off the day. See our full report on Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
Activities
Birdwatching
Canoeing
Cultural excursion
Helicopter
Primate trekking
Golden Monkey Trekking
Spend a morning trekking to find the golden monkeys in the Volcanoes National Park. These endangered monkeys are endemic to the Albertine Rift area and are characterised by their golden-orange fur. You’ll be able to enjoy an hour watching them jump through the bamboo and hunker down to chew bamboo leaves, curiously watching you, as you watch them.
Your driver-guide from Kigali will operate your transfers to the park headquarters and introduce you to your trekking group and parks guide. Read all about Golden Monkey Trekking
Gorilla Trekking Safari
Gorilla trekking in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is a magical experience, transcending any other wildlife encounter we know. Meeting a gorilla family in their forest home, led by a dominant male silverback and a cluster of females and young, is a natural adventure that fully repays the cost in unforgettable memories and images.
Your driver-guide from Kigali will operate your transfers to the park headquarters and introduce you to your trekking group and parks guide. Read all about Gorilla Trekking
Gorilla Trekking Safari
Gorilla trekking in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is a magical experience, transcending any other wildlife encounter we know. Meeting a gorilla family in their forest home, led by a dominant male silverback and a cluster of females and young, is a natural adventure that fully repays the cost in unforgettable memories and images.
Your driver-guide from Kigali will operate your transfers to the park headquarters and introduce you to your trekking group and parks guide. Read all about Gorilla Trekking
Volcanoes National Park to Kigali by 4WD
It’s a leisurely three-hour drive with your private guide from Mountain Gorilla View Lodge to Kigali. You’ll typically leave mid-morning, though this could be earlier or later if you prefer; chat to your guide about the options. The journey takes you south-east through small villages and rolling farmland, with the chance to stop for lunch before reaching the Heaven Boutique Hotel, in the heart of the capital.
Heaven Hotel
Heaven Boutique Hotel is located in the heart of downtown Kigali, though as it’s perched on one of Rwanda's many hills it has some great views out across the city. Often used for a stopover before or after heading to the airport, it’s simple and great-value, with an emphasis on community involvement. In 2020 it underwent some changes and was renamed the Heaven Boutique Hotel Residence, with improved rooms.
Heaven Boutique Hotel is located in the heart of downtown Kigali, though as it’s perched on one of Rwanda's many hills it has some great views out across the city. Often used for a stopover before or after heading to the airport, it’s simple and great-value, with an emphasis on community involvement. In 2020 it underwent some changes and was renamed the Heaven Boutique Hotel Residence, with improved rooms.
"We really enjoyed our stay here."
N&JfromWest SussexArrived 2 Sep 2022, 3 nights
Heaven Boutique Hotel is one of the more simple options in the city, but comfortable, with far more character than some of the other more corporate offerings. In a central location, with the added bonus of being next door to arguably one of the best options for eating out in Kigali, the hotel is well suited to the more budget-conscious travellers looking for a good-value property for an overnight stop. See our full report on Heaven Boutique Hotel
Activities
Cultural excursion
Mountain biking
Kigali hotel to the airport by private 4WD
On your last day in Rwanda, your private guide will meet you at Heaven Boutique Hotel and take you for a final drive through the city streets to Kigali Airport. Depending on the traffic, it's a journey of around 30 minutes, arriving in time to connect with your onward travel arrangements.
Ends: Kigali International Airport
Experiences you can add to this trip.
Optional extra day-trips and excursions possible whilst staying at lodges on this trip. These are usually best arranged in advance so talk to us.
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
Mount Karisimbi Trek - 2 day trek
Two days - overnight on Mt Karisimbi
Set out on a two-day hike to the summit of Mount Karisimbi, which at over 4,507m is one of the highest in Africa. This is a challenge for the adventurous! With a local guide, you’ll traverse bamboo forests and rugged terrain, then camp on the slopes of this dormant volcano before enjoying sunrise from the summit.
More about Mount Karisimbi Trek
Trek to Dian Fossey’s Grave
Half day, usually five hours
Dian Fossey is best known for her research and conservation work with the mountain gorillas in Rwanda. She dedicated her life to researching and protecting these ‘gentle giants’ from harm, however she was tragically found murdered at her research camp in 1985. Today visitors can join a local guide to trek through the tropical forest to visit her grave, and learn about the impact of her work.
More about Dian Fossey Trek