Gorilla Trekking and Safari in Uganda
Which animals to see on safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park?
Gorilla Trekking and Safari in Rwanda. Rwanda, the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” offers an unforgettable combination of gorilla trekking and classic African safaris. The country is renowned for its conservation efforts and incredible biodiversity, making it a top destination for wildlife enthusiasts.
Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda
Where to Go
The highlight of any Rwandan adventure is gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, home to about a third of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. The park, located in the Virunga Mountains, is a breathtaking landscape of lush forests, mist-covered volcanoes, and abundant wildlife.
Best Time to Go
- Dry Seasons (Best for Trekking):
- June to September (peak season)
- December to February
- Trails are drier, and visibility is better, making for a more enjoyable trek.
- Rainy Seasons (Fewer Crowds, More Challenging):
- March to May
- October to November
- Rain makes trails muddy and slippery, but permits may be easier to obtain.
What to Expect
- Permit: A gorilla trekking permit costs $1,500 per person. It’s advisable to book in advance.
- Trek Duration: Treks can last 1 to 6 hours, depending on the gorilla group’s location.
- Group Size: Only 8 visitors per gorilla family per day.
- Wildlife Sightings: Apart from gorillas, you may encounter golden monkeys, forest elephants, and a variety of bird species.
- Experience: Once you find a gorilla family, you’ll have one magical hour to observe them up close.
Safari in Rwanda
Best Parks for Wildlife Safaris
- Akagera National Park
- Rwanda’s only savanna park, home to the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, rhino).
- Offers game drives, boat safaris on Lake Ihema, and birdwatching opportunities.
- Nyungwe National Park
- Best for chimpanzee trekking and seeing colobus monkeys.
- Features the famous Canopy Walk for breathtaking views of the rainforest.
Best Time for Gorilla Trekking and Safari in Rwanda
- Dry Season (June to September, December to February): Animals gather around water sources, making sightings easier.
- Wet Season (March to May, October to November): Lush landscapes, fewer tourists, but some roads may be difficult to navigate.
7-Day Gorilla Trekking and Safari in Rwanda Itinerary
This itinerary combines gorilla trekking, a Big Five safari, and chimpanzee trekking, giving you a well-rounded wildlife experience in Rwanda.
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali & City Tour
- Arrive at Kigali International Airport.
- Take a city tour: Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, local markets, and the Kimironko craft center.
- Enjoy dinner at Heaven Restaurant or Fusion Restaurant at The Retreat.
- Overnight in Kigali at:
- Luxury: The Retreat by Heaven
- Mid-Range: Kigali Serena Hotel
- Budget: Five to Five Hotel
Day 2: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
- Drive 2.5 hours from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park in Musanze.
- Visit the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village for an immersive cultural experience.
- Relax at your lodge and prepare for the gorilla trek.
- Overnight at:
- Luxury: Bisate Lodge / One&Only Gorilla’s Nest
- Mid-Range: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel
- Budget: Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge
Day 3: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
- Early morning briefing at Volcanoes National Park Headquarters.
- Trek to see the mountain gorillas (1–6 hours, depending on the group’s location).
- Spend one hour observing the gorillas.
- Afternoon options:
- Visit the Dian Fossey Tomb & Karisoke Research Center.
- Explore Musanze Caves.
- Overnight at the same lodge in Volcanoes National Park.
Day 4: Golden Monkey Trekking & Transfer to Nyungwe Forest
- Golden Monkey Trekking in Volcanoes National Park (easier hike than gorillas).
- Drive 6–7 hours to Nyungwe National Park (scenic drive along Lake Kivu).
- Optional stop in Kibuye for lunch and a boat ride on Lake Kivu.
- Overnight in Nyungwe at:
- Luxury: One&Only Nyungwe House
- Mid-Range: Nyungwe Top View Hotel
- Budget: Gisakura Guesthouse
Day 5: Chimpanzee Trekking & Canopy Walk in Nyungwe National Park
- Chimpanzee trekking in Cyamudongo Forest or Uwinka.
- Afternoon Canopy Walk in Nyungwe for breathtaking rainforest views.
- Return to your lodge for relaxation.
Day 6: Transfer to Akagera National Park & Sunset Boat Safari
- Drive 6–7 hours from Nyungwe to Akagera National Park.
- Check-in and have lunch at your lodge.
- Take a boat safari on Lake Ihema to see hippos, crocodiles, and water birds.
- Overnight in Akagera at:
- Luxury: Magashi Camp
- Mid-Range: Ruzizi Tented Lodge
- Budget: Akagera Game Lodge
Day 7: Big Five Safari in Akagera & Return to Kigali
- Early morning game drive to see lions, elephants, giraffes, rhinos, and more.
- Exit Akagera and drive 2.5 hours back to Kigali.
- Depending on your flight schedule, visit Inema Arts Center or relax before departure.
- Drop-off at Kigali International Airport.
Optional Additions
- Extend the safari in Akagera for a full-day game drive.
- Stay an extra night at Lake Kivu for relaxation.
- Combine with a Congo trip for gorilla trekking in Kahuzi-Biega (Eastern Lowland Gorillas).
Why Book Gorilla Trekking and Safari in Rwanda Through Eco Adventure Safaris.
Eco Adventure Safaris is a local tour operator which conducts Uganda and Rwanda tours. Our team has expertise in adventure Tour/Safaris Operations in Uganda Tour African Safaris, Tanzania African safaris, Kenya Tours Safaris, Rwanda African Safaris, Congo DRC African Safaris, and Zanzibar Safaris that run in the respective destinations hence detailing about us. Meanwhile, we operate in the other popular East African destinations of Kenya and Tanzania through partnerships that we have established with highly regarded and like-minded local tour operators.
We organize private tours for individuals and also offer ground handling for travel companies and agents from around the world. We are very passionate about Eco-tourism and preserving nature and so our tours are organized in a way that respects the environment and local cultures. Contact us here for more information about Gorilla Trekking and Safari in Rwanda.