Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is a profound bucket list experience and a unique opportunity to witness the gorilla families up close in their natural habitat. This thrilling gorilla trekking safari takes you deep into the mountainous slopes of the Volcanoes National Park, as well as into one of the oldest rainforests in Africa, Nyungwe National Park, to witness gorillas and other primates like never before.
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Ker & Downey® Africa > Trips > Luxury Gorilla Trekking Safari in Rwanda
Your 7 day luxury gorilla trekking adventure begins in Kigali, the perfect base for exploring the vast wilderness areas, while experiencing the warm hospitality and diverse culture of Rwanda. A highlight will be trekking through the rainforests of Nyungwe National Park – a must for nature lovers! Considered Rwanda’s largest and most important region of biodiversity, this unique wilderness survived the last Ice Age and is home to a diverse array of indigenous flora, bright butterflies, exotic birds, rare primates and a unique set of reptiles. Following this, you will head to the mountainous slopes of the famous Volcanoes National Park where your gorilla trekking adventure begins. Named after the chain of dormant volcanoes that make up the Virunga Massif, the park was the base for world-renowned primatologist Dian Fossey, and subsequently became the filming location for Gorillas in the Mist – the autobiographical film that portrayed Fossey’s life on the big screen. Home to more than half of the world’s last remaining mountain gorillas, Volcanoes National Park is considered to be one of the best gorilla trekking destinations in the world.
Your gorilla trekking itinerary begins on arrival at Kigali International Airport in Rwanda where a Ker & Downey® Africa representative will meet you and transfer you to The Retreat. The Retreat is an award-winning luxury boutique hotel located just 20 minutes from the airport, making it the perfect starting point for your magical time in Rwanda. After a seamless check-in you can enjoy the hotel’s 5-star facilities including the heated saltwater swimming pool, jacuzzi, open-air fitness center, and spa. You will also have the opportunity to explore the vibrant city of Kigali and join a guided tour of the Genocide Museum, followed by lunch at one of the oldest hotels in Rwanda, the Hotel des Mille Collines. In the evening, we recommend dining at the in-house Fusion Restaurant, which offers delicious farm-to-table cuisine, or Heaven Restaurant for an innovative African menu.
The award-winning eco-friendly boutique hotel features only 12 rooms and is located 20 minutes from Kigali International Airport. Boasting 5-star facilities, guests can enjoy the hotel’s yoga studio, in-house spa, heated swimming pool, fitness center, and two on-site restaurants.
After a hearty breakfast at your 5-star hotel, your guide will meet you and transfer you to One & Only Nyungwe House. The adventure begins in the nearby Nyungwe National Park, a must for nature enthusiasts. Nyungwe Forest National Park shelters more than 25% of Africa’s primate species. You will be able to enjoy a half day chimpanzee trek which will include a walk through the park to see 14 different types of primates. Its famous primate population is not the only thing Nyungwe Forest National Park has to offer. A huge butterfly population and a number of endemic plants and animals that cannot be found anywhere else in the world make it a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience. It is possible to get extremely close to the wildlife within the park during the guided hiking and trekking expeditions, which makes it even more special.
An especially rewarding experience awaits along the canopy walk – a 295-foot-long bridge suspended 130 feet above the ground. It is here that guests can see the different primate species and various bird species hidden within the tree canopy at eye level.
Located in southwestern Rwanda, One&Only Nyungwe House is surrounded by dramatic landscapes, shrouded in lush greenery and mountainous backdrops. This luxurious rainforest resort comprises wooden villa clusters and tree-top skimming suites and rooms nestled into the untamed, pristine natural surroundings.
Enjoy any number of the trails on offer through guided walks. You will also have a 2 hour guided canopy adventure walk where you will teeter across the treetops and enjoy aerial views of the lush forest below. There is the only treetop walkway in East Africa, elevated 60-meters above the forest floor among giant trees. Included is another unique chimpanzee trek.
After breakfast, you’ll meet your tour guide for a scenic drive through the beautiful terraced hillsides of northwest Rwanda. The drive will take you to Ruhengeri, the gateway to the Volcanoes National Park, where you will be trekking with gorillas. This small city of 70,000 people is known for its warm and friendly people, and has great views of the surrounding volcanoes.
You’ll check into One & Only Gorilla’s Nest, which will be your home base for exploring the park in search of its famous gorillas. With a breathtaking view of the Virunga Volcanoes, One & Only Gorilla’s Nest is surrounded by fragrant flora and fauna, and offers open treehouse-style rooms with fireplaces and private terraces where guests can watch the sunrise. A highlight will surely be on day 6 where you will be able to experience a family of mountain gorillas up close.
Resting at the foothills of Volcanoes National Park, One&Only Gorilla’s Nest is where adventure and luxury meet. Effortlessly elegant in its design, this jungle sanctuary offers 14 secluded suites fused with their natural surroundings. It is the perfect base for an extraordinary encounter with the rare mountain gorillas of the Virunga Mountains.
Today marks the final day of your trekking with gorillas adventure! After breakfast at One & Only Gorilla’s Nest, you’ll take a scenic drive to Kigali. The two and a half hour trip will take you through Rwanda’s dazzling green hills, giving you one last taste of this beautiful country before you arrive at the airport for your departure flight. Snacks will be provided in the vehicle to allow you to enjoy the last sights and sounds while enjoying some local cuisine.
Our experts are here to help.
The best countries for gorilla trekking are Uganda and Rwanda, where you can see mountain gorillas in their natural habitats. We offer luxury gorilla trekking safaris in both Uganda and Rwanda. Contact our luxury safari specialists today to learn more.
The dry season in Rwanda is from June to September, which makes it ideal for gorilla trekking tours.
For a Uganda safari, plan your trips from December to February and June to August, which are the dry seasons. This time is ideal for gorilla tours. Make sure to book your adventure with a reliable primate safari tour operator, such as us.
The top two places in the world for gorilla safaris are Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Both offer a unique experience.
Gorilla trekking is a safe and tourist-friendly activity owing to several protocols established by the wildlife authorities and the knowledge and expertise of highly skilled guides and park rangers.
It’s never 100% possible to guarantee that you will see mountain gorilla groups on a luxury gorilla trekking safari; however, the chances are very high, especially when you book with a luxury gorilla trekking safari specialist like us. We work with highly experienced guides who will be able to ensure you see these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.
Yes, mountain gorillas are an endangered species on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List. Although these endangered primates were previously classified as Critically Endangered, successful conservation efforts have improved their status slightly, but they remain vulnerable to numerous threats.
The total number of mountain gorillas is estimated to be just over 1,000, located across the Virunga National Park Mountains that span Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, and in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda. We work with ethical tour guides only and our gorilla trekking safaris help support gorilla conservation. If you want to visit gorillas in their natural habitat, contact our luxury Rwanda and Uganda wildlife safari specialists.
The gorilla permit in Rwanda for international tourists is $1,500 per person per day, while the gorilla permit in Uganda costs $800 per person per day. Our gorilla trekking package in Rwanda is priced at $8,749 per person for seven days, and our Bwindi Gorilla Trekking Safari is priced at $4,850 per person for four days.
Our luxury trips are curated to provide the best possible gorilla trek experience. We have various packages under this category ranging from four to 10 days, depending on how many other activities you would like to include. If you want to go gorilla trekking, contact us today.
While the primary focus is on seeing mountain gorillas in their natural habitat, you will also have the opportunity to encounter a diverse range of other wildlife in Uganda and Rwanda. Some of the animals and birds you may encounter while mountain gorilla trekking include:
While tree-climbing lions don’t inhabit the same parks as mountain gorillas it’s certainly possible to see tree lions as part of your luxury safari experience. The best place to see tree-climbing lions is Uganda’s Queen Elizabeth National Park. When you book a gorilla trekking experience with us we will craft a bespoke itinerary that includes all your desired safari highlights. Contact our team today.
While Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park are roundly considered the best due to their large populations of great apes, both countries offer numerous national parks with excellent wildlife safari experiences. Some of the best include:
