Silverback Gorilla Safari: Summary
Silverback Gorilla Safari in a nutshell
For many people, an encounter with a family of mountain gorillas on the steep, forested slopes of Volcanoes National Park is the culmination of years of dreaming and planning. This sample itinerary is an example of a focused trip to western Rwanda to do just that – spending four nights in a warm and comfortable trekking lodge with three days of treks to see the endangered primates for which this region is so famous.
On your first morning, your driver-guide will take you to the park headquarters to register for a trek to visit a troop of habituated golden monkeys, a beautiful monkey that feeds in the thick stands of bamboo. This is the perfect way to acclimatise, and to check your clothing and camera gear.
On your second morning in the mountains, you’ll undertake the first of your two gorilla treks, accompanied by a specialist park guide, rangers and a porter if you want one (very helpful, both to you and the local economy). When you meet up with the gorilla family you’ve been assigned, the impact can be almost overwhelming. Gorilla toddlers are often very curious, and silverbacks are implausibly huge. The sixty minutes of watching, listening and breathing in their forest home are utterly unforgettable and over far too soon. Which is why we recommend a second trek the next morning.
At a glance
| Starts: | Kigali International Airport | |
|---|---|---|
| 4 nights | Sabyinyo Silverback - Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda | Full Board |
| Ends: | Kigali International Airport |
Sabyinyo Silverback
Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
Highlights
Our thoughts on five of the top experiences of this Silverback Gorilla Safari.
- Meeting mountain gorillas in their forest home
- Trek through bamboo forest to watch golden monkeys
- Learning about Rwanda from your expert driver-guide
- The rolling landscapes of this “Land of a Thousand Hills”
- Capturing beautiful bird photos in the lodge grounds
Activities
Some activities which can be included in the Silverback Gorilla Safari: talk to us about those which interest you.
Birdwatching
Canoeing
Cultural excursion
Helicopter
Primate trekking
Key species to see on the Silverback Gorilla Safari
Based on our travellers' observations, we’ve estimated the likelihood of seeing these species during the Silverback Gorilla Safari. Click on the animals and our wildlife surveys page for more info.
100% chance
50% 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 Silverback Gorilla Safari. Talk to us: they’re usually best arranged when you book.
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 TrekPlan 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.
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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.
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