Overview
Coming face to face with a mountain gorilla, whether a silverback watching calmly as you arrive or a mother keeping her baby close, is something few people ever forget.
This five-day Rwanda trip is based in Volcanoes National Park, where rangers track habituated gorilla families each morning across green, steep hillsides. It includes two gorilla treks, a choice of golden monkey tracking or the hike to Dian Fossey's research camp, and a city tour of Kigali on the way out.
Read our Rwanda gorilla trekking guide, or get in touch to check permits.
| Accommodation | Confirmed together with you — see the Rates tab for general comfort levels we work with. |
|---|---|
| Meals | Full board on safari days; meals as specified for any city/beach nights, per your final itinerary. |
Day by Day (5 days)
KIGALI TO VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK
Abakombe Tours collects you from your Kigali hotel or the airport and drives north to Volcanoes National Park near Ruhengeri (Musanze), home to hundreds of mountain gorillas.
Overnight at Gorillas View Hotel, La Palme Hotel or Kinigi Guest House, half board.
FIRST GORILLA TREK
At 7:30 am you gather at park headquarters for a briefing, with your trekking gear, drinking water and packed lunch. You then climb into the forest to find a gorilla family, which can take anywhere from two to eight hours depending on where they are. You spend up to an hour with the gorillas before walking back down. In the evening you can take a nature walk or visit a local community.
Same hotel, full board.
GOLDEN MONKEYS OR DIAN FOSSEY'S CAMP
After a briefing at park headquarters, choose between tracking the playful golden monkeys or hiking to the Karisoke research site founded by primatologist Dian Fossey, who devoted her life to protecting mountain gorillas and is buried there beside her favourite gorilla, Digit. You learn much more about gorilla life and conservation on the way.
Same hotel, full board.
SECOND GORILLA TREK
Another morning briefing from the rangers covers the rules for spending time with the gorillas, then you head into the forest for a second trek, usually lasting two to six hours. After your hour with the gorilla family, you return to the lodge for lunch and rest. In the evening you can join a community walk to hear stories and see local traditions.
Same hotel, full board.
BACK TO KIGALI
After a relaxed breakfast you drive back to Kigali, stopping to enjoy the hilly scenery and for some shopping. A city tour takes in the local market, a museum and the Kigali Genocide Memorial before you end the trip at your hotel.
Rates Per Person
The Overview tab explains the accommodation and meal options. Send us your dates and group size for an exact price.
Next: Inclusions →Inclusions
Included
- Private vehicle with your own driver-guide
- Park entry and conservation fees
- Accommodation as specified in your itinerary
- Meals as specified per day (full board on safari days)
- Airport pickup and drop-off
Excluded
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Tips and gratuities
- Personal expenses and souvenirs
Getting There
Tour Start & End
This trip starts in Rwanda and ends in Rwanda.
Airport Information
Kigali International Airport (Rwanda) is the most common arrival point for this trip.
Transfer Information
We meet you at the airport and handle every transfer between destinations throughout your trip.
Accommodation Before/After
Want an extra night in Arusha, Moshi or Zanzibar before or after your trip? Just ask and we will arrange it.