Gorillas of Rwanda
Locations
Kigali
Okavango Delta
The intricate channels and ever-changing islands of the Delta are home to a variety of species, from elephants and hippos to water-adapted lions and cheetahs. Over 400 bird species, including rare ones such as the Malachite Kingfisher, herons, and African fish eagles, grace its skies, making it a haven for birdwatchers.
Volcano National Park
Magadikgadi Saltpans
The Makgadikgadi Salt Pans in Botswana shimmer under the sun, a vast white emptiness that once held an ancient lake. Silence stretches across the cracked earth, broken only by the wind and the distant calls of birds. In the rainy season, water returns, painting the desert with life as flamingos gather and zebras cross the horizon. The land remembers, and for a moment, it lives again.
Experience Highlights
- A seamless luxury escape designed around one of Africa’s most extraordinary wildlife experiences.
- Trek through the ancient montane forests of Volcanoes National Park in search of the endangered Mountain Gorilla.
- Spend a remarkable hour observing a habituated gorilla family in its natural habitat under the guidance of expert trackers and park rangers.
- Stay at a carefully selected luxury safari lodge, perfectly positioned for effortless access to the gorilla trekking trailheads.
- Discover Rwanda’s inspiring conservation success and the pioneering initiatives safeguarding the future of the Mountain Gorilla.
- Exceptional opportunities for wildlife photography amidst the dramatic landscapes of the Virunga Volcanoes.
- A thoughtfully curated journey combining seamless logistics, refined hospitality and one of the world’s most profound wildlife encounters.
Rates
| Catagory | Per Person rates starting from |
| Classic | $ |
| Luxury | $ |
Inclusions and Exclusions
Inclusions
Inclusions
- All accommodation as mentioned in the itinerary.
- All meals, tea/coffee and evening refreshments at the safari lodge.
- Bed & breakfast in Kigali.
- All scheduled activities as outlined in the itinerary.
- Two Mountain Gorilla trekking permits in Volcanoes National Park.
- Services of professional guides, trackers and private vehicle throughout the journey.
- Private road transfers from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park and back, including all transportation as per the itinerary.
- Airport transfers in Kigali.
- 5% Ameliya Conservation Commitment Levy.
Exclusions
- 5% Goods & Services Tax (GST)
- Flights, visa fees, laundry, packed beverages, and alcoholic drinks
- Camera fees, if levied by the government
- Any additional activities or personal expenses, including tips
- Any increase in National Park fees or government taxes, payable by the guest
- Anything not specifically mentioned in the inclusions
Accommodation
Classic
Kigali
The Retreat by Heaven
An oasis of calm in the heart of Kigali, The Retreat by Heaven redefines boutique luxury with its understated elegance, exceptional service and strong commitment to sustainability. Surrounded by tropical gardens, the hotel offers an intimate atmosphere where contemporary African design, world-class dining and personalised hospitality come together to create the perfect beginning or conclusion to a journey through Rwanda
Amenities
- Elegant suites and private pool villas
- Heated saltwater swimming pool, spa and wellness centre
- Open-air fitness studio, yoga pavilion, gourmet dining, beautifully landscaped gardens.
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
- Personalised concierge services and convenient access to Kigali International Airport.
Volcano National Park
Five volcanoes
Located at the gateway to Volcanoes National Park, Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel provides a comfortable and welcoming retreat surrounded by the dramatic scenery of Rwanda’s Virunga Volcanoes. Combining contemporary comfort with warm Rwandan hospitality, the hotel offers an ideal base for gorilla trekking, allowing guests to relax and recharge before and after one of Africa’s most extraordinary wildlife experiences.
Amenities
Comfortable rooms and cottages with private terraces
Outdoor swimming pool, restaurant serving local and international cuisine
Bar and lounge, spa and massage treatments
Complimentary Wi-Fi, landscaped gardens and convenient access to the Volcanoes National Park headquarters.
Premium
Volcano National Park
Sambora Kinigi
Framed by the majestic Virunga Volcanoes, Sambora Kinigi offers a refined boutique retreat where contemporary design meets Rwanda’s spectacular mountain landscapes. Thoughtfully crafted to provide both comfort and exclusivity, the lodge combines personalised service with elegant surroundings, making it an exceptional base for gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park.
Amenities
- Spacious luxury suites with private terraces
- Restaurant showcasing locally inspired cuisine, stylish bar and lounge, spa and wellness treatments
- Landscaped gardens
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
- Curated cultural experiences, private dining options and convenient access to the Volcanoes National Park trekking headquarters.
Luxury
Volcano National Park
Virunga Lodge
Commanding one of the most spectacular settings in East Africa, Virunga Lodge sits atop a scenic ridge with uninterrupted views of the Virunga Volcanoes and the shimmering lakes of Burera and Ruhondo. As the flagship property of Volcanoes Safaris, the lodge seamlessly combines refined luxury, authentic Rwandan character and a pioneering conservation philosophy, creating an experience that is as meaningful as it is exclusive. From sunrise over the volcanoes to evenings by the fireplace, every moment here is designed to immerse guests in the remarkable landscapes that define Rwanda’s mountain gorilla country.
Amenities
Individually designed luxury bandas with private terraces
Panoramic restaurant and lounge, spa and wellness treatments
Curated community and conservation experiences, gourmet dining
Complimentary Wi-Fi
Private dining options, laundry service and convenient access to the Volcanoes National Park gorilla trekking trailheads.
Day- Wise Itinerary
Day 1 - Kigali
Arrive in Kigali after your international flight, where you will be met by your private guide and transferred to your boutique hotel. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure, unwinding after your journey and enjoying Rwanda’s warm hospitality before embarking on your unforgettable mountain gorilla adventure.
Day 2 - Kigali to Volcano National Park
After a leisurely breakfast, depart Kigali and enjoy a scenic drive of approximately 2–3 hours through Rwanda’s picturesque countryside to your lodge on the edge of Volcanoes National Park. Upon arrival, settle into your accommodation and take in the spectacular views of the Virunga Volcanoes. The afternoon is yours to relax, or you may choose to explore the surrounding landscapes on a guided nature walk, visit the nearby Dian Fossey conservation area or local communities, or simply unwind at the lodge in preparation for your gorilla trekking adventure the following morning.
Day 3&4 - Volcano National Park
Over the next two days, rise early for your gorilla trekking adventures in Volcanoes National Park. Following a briefing at the park headquarters, join experienced trackers and rangers as you venture into the mist-covered slopes of the Virunga Massif in search of different habituated Mountain Gorilla families. Each trek is unique, winding through bamboo forests, montane woodland and volcanic terrain, with the duration varying according to the gorillas’ movements.
The moment you encounter a gorilla family is both intimate and unforgettable. Spend up to one hour quietly observing their behaviour, social interactions and remarkable presence in their natural habitat before returning to the lodge. Every trek offers a different perspective of Rwanda’s extraordinary mountain landscapes, making each day a truly unique wildlife experience.
Day 5 - Kigali
After a leisurely breakfast, depart Volcanoes National Park and enjoy a scenic drive back to Kigali. Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, connect with your onward international flight, bringing to a close an unforgettable journey through Rwanda’s mist-covered forests and an extraordinary encounter with one of the world’s most endangered great apes.
Activites
Game Drives
Big-cat conservation
Fly Camping
Bush Meals
Night Safaris
Balloon Safaris
Sundowner
Bush Walks
Cultural and Community Visits
Enquire Now
Payment Terms & Cancellation Policy
Payment Terms
Payment Terms
- All tours operate on 100% advance payment.
- 50% need to be paid at the time of booking, 25% is due 120 days prior to the trip start date and 25% 90 days prior.
- The preferred mode of payment is Bank Wire. All card transactions will incur a 3.5% service fee.
- Rates are subject to change and are not applicable for Christmas/New Years. Rates are valid for 2024 only. Rates for 2025 will incur a 10% hike.
- Any changes in government taxes and park/conservancy fees have to be borne by the guests.
- We reserve the right to revise any published costs without prior notice. However, confirmed bookings will be honoured.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation Policy
- 50% is non-refundable once the payment is done.
- The remaining amount will be refunded if cancellation is done 120 days prior to the tour start dates. Between 90-120 days, 35% is refunded.
- No refund if cancellation is done between 0 – 90 days of the trip start date. Amendment in dates within 90 days from arrival is treated as a cancellation.
- Please note that the date of written communication (e-mail) of intent to cancel will be the date considered for the calculation of the cancellation fees.
- The cancellation amount is calculated as per the total booking amount and not as per the advance deposited.
- No refunds in case of refusal to use a service/activity mentioned in the itinerary.
- All refunds are processed minus bank charges.
