Gorilla Trekking
The most powerful wildlife encounter on Earth
5 Days
Duration
2–8 guests
Group Size
Moderate
Difficulty
OVERVIEW
About This Experience
The most powerful wildlife encounter on Earth
Highlights
- Permitted 1-hour gorilla family encounter
- Volcanoes National Park trekking
- Golden monkey tracking option
- Kigali city orientation
- Community village visit
Climate
Cool and misty in the Virungas (10–15°C). Warm in Kigali (22–28°C).
Best time
June–September and December–February for clearest skies.
Fitness
Moderate. Treks can last 2–8 hours over hilly terrain. Porters available.
Altitude
Volcanoes NP: 2,400–4,500 m above sea level
Difficulty
Moderate
DAY BY DAY
Your Itinerary
Arrive Kigali — Africa's Cleanest Capital
Your Zuraya guide meets you at Kigali International Airport. Transfer to your boutique hotel in the Nyarutarama neighbourhood. The afternoon is yours to explore Kigali — a city that rewards curiosity. A briefing this evening prepares you for the days ahead.
Drive to the Virungas — Into Gorilla Country
After breakfast, a scenic two-hour drive northwest brings you to Musanze (Ruhengeri) at the foot of the Virunga volcanoes. Check in and spend the afternoon exploring Dian Fossey's legacy at the nearby Karisoke Research Centre or visiting the Twin Lakes of Burera and Ruhondo.
Gorilla Trek — One Hour That Changes Everything
The day you came for. After a 7 AM park briefing, your group of eight is assigned a gorilla family and sets off into the bamboo forest. The trek takes anywhere from 30 minutes to 6 hours — you cannot predict when you will find them, and that is the point. When you do, you have one hour. Eye contact with a silverback is a moment that does not leave you.
Golden Monkeys — Then Back to the City
A morning golden monkey trek lets you encounter this playful, bamboo-dwelling primate endemic to the Virungas — brilliant orange-gold and utterly charming. After lunch, drive back to Kigali for a final evening. Optional: Kigali Genocide Memorial for those who wish to understand Rwanda's extraordinary journey.
Departure — Carrying Rwanda With You
Breakfast at the hotel, then transfer to Kigali International Airport for your onward flight. Your Zuraya guide sees you off. Rwanda has a way of following you home.
What is Included
- Gorilla trekking permit (USD 1,500 per person)
- All park entry fees
- Expert English-speaking guide
- All accommodation (lodges as listed)
- Full board from Day 2
- All ground transfers
- Bottled water throughout
What is Not Included
- International flights
- Rwanda visa (on arrival for most nationalities)
- Travel insurance
- Gratuities
- Personal items and souvenirs
- Optional activities not listed
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