Virgin Wilderness Safaris

Rwanda Gorilla Encounter

Trek through the misty forests of Volcanoes National Park to spend time with mountain gorilla families in their natural habitat. An intimate, unforgettable wildlife encounter unlike anything else in Africa.

Duration 6 days / 5 nights

Destination Rwanda

Virgin Wilderness Safaris

About this journey

Trek through the misty forests of Volcanoes National Park to spend time with mountain gorilla families in their natural habitat. An intimate, unforgettable wildlife encounter unlike anything else in Africa.

This focused gorilla itinerary takes you from Kigali into the foothills of the Virunga volcanoes, with two gorilla treks for the best chance to experience these encounters in different conditions. The pace is gentle — early starts on trekking days, slower mornings on rest days, time to enjoy the lodge and the volcanoes.

Virgin Wilderness Safaris

Itinerary

Day-by-day itinerary

DAY 1

Arrive Kigali

Met on arrival at Kigali International. A short, scenic drive into the city — cleaner and quieter than most capitals you've known. Dinner at Heaven Restaurant, an early night before the volcanoes.

Accommodation: The Retreat by Heaven

DAY 2

Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

Morning drive north along the spine of Rwanda — terraced hillsides, banana groves, the Virunga peaks rising on the horizon. Lunch at the lodge, briefing for tomorrow's trek, an afternoon to acclimatise.

Accommodation: Singita Kwitonda Lodge

DAY 3

First gorilla trek

An early breakfast and short transfer to the park headquarters. Group assignment, ranger briefing, then into the forest. Treks vary from one to four hours — the moment you find the family is unforgettable.

Accommodation: Singita Kwitonda Lodge

DAY 4

Second gorilla trek

A different family, a different forest, a different experience. By the second trek you understand the rhythm — and the chance of incredible photography is even higher. Afternoon at the lodge, perhaps a community visit.

Accommodation: Singita Kwitonda Lodge

DAY 5

Return to Kigali & depart

Late morning drive back to Kigali via the Genocide Memorial — sobering, necessary, beautifully curated. Lunch at Question Coffee, then evening international flight home.

Accommodation: Day-use at The Retreat

Virgin Wilderness Safaris

Inclusions & Contact

Ready to book?

Quote a personalised version of this safari, ask any question, or design something entirely new — we're a message away.

Email book@virginwildernesssafaris.com

Phone & WhatsApp +254 101 790 913

Office P.O. Box 1530, Karen, Nairobi 00502, Kenya

Online virginwildernesssafaris.com