PRIVATE SAFARI: Our 4 day Gorilla Express offers one of the greatest wildlife experiences on earth, a close encounter with silverback gorillas in their natural habitat! Go gorilla trekking in Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park, explore Kigali on a city tour and visit the magnificent Twin Lakes of Ruhondo and Bulera.
Trip Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Kigali
Upon arrival into Kigali airport you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the evening is at leisure. Why not begin exploring Kigali or you can simply relax and enjoy the hotel facilities before your gorilla adventure begins.
Overnight: Kigali
Kigali city tour
Kigali - Kinigi. This morning take a historical city tour of Kigali including the moving Memorial Centre (Genocide Museum). Enjoy lunch in Kigali before travelling on to Ruhengeri at the foothills of the Virungas, which is our base for the trek to the gorillas. Tonight stay at a lovely lodge in the village of Kinigi which is just a short drive from Volcanoes National Park Headquarters.
Overnight: Kinigi | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Gorilla Trekking & the Twin Lakes
It’s an early start this morning for our journey to Volcanoes National Park where we join a gorilla tracking group. After a briefing by the trackers we head into the forest in search of mountain gorillas - the largest living primate on earth. As we weave through the forest’s lush vegetation, the experienced trackers will teach you about how they track them and the behavioral habits of these gentle giants. Once the gorillas have been found we’ll be able to spend an hour with them before it will be time to leave. Coming face to face with a giant silverback is one of the greatest wildlife experiences on earth!
After an incredible gorilla encounter we rejoin our driver guide and transfer back to the lodge for lunch. In the afternoon enjoy a visit to the beautiful twin Lakes Ruhondo and Bulera and the local crafts market.
Overnight: Kinigi | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Kigali
Kinigi - Kigali. Today marks the end of your visit to Rwanda. Depart from foothills of the Virunga Volcanoes, driving South past coffee, tea and banana plantations on a breathtaking scenic drive back to Kigali. On arrival in Kigali you will be transferred to Kigali International airport for your onwards departure flight. Onward flights should depart no earlier than 2pm.
Breakfast
Prices & Dates
Prices shown are per person when there are 2 persons sharing a room. The 'Single Room' price is applicable when a single room is required, based on a travelling party of at least 2 adults.
Read MoreHotels
The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.
Kigali Serena Hotel, Kigali
The Kigali Serena Hotel is ideally located just a 5-minute walk from the CBD, enabling visitors to easily visit museums, explore local history and enjoy Rwandan artwork. The hotels’ design blends Rwandan heritage and art with the modern facilities of a superior hotel. It has a variety of rooms and suites, all equipped with a range of amenities befitting a hotel of this standard. The hotel boasts a host of leisure facilities and guests can enjoy an afternoon in the tropically landscaped pool, followed by a relaxing spa experience at the Maisha Health Spa. A culinary journey can be enjoyed at its restaurants treating diners to everything from expertly crafted Rwandese delicacies to enticing flavours from around the globe.
Virunga Inn Resort & Spa, Kinigi
Virunga Inn Resort & Spa is a ideally located for gorilla trekking in the beautiful Mgahinga Gorilla Volcanoes National Park which is a 15-45 minute drive away. The resort is also conveniently only a 10 minute drive from Iby'iwacu Cultural Village and a 5-minute walk to the centre of Kinigi village. All en-suite guest rooms are elegantly designed to offer maximum comfort, with modern amenities such as high speed Wi-fi, TV and room service. Relax in the hotel's spa or enjoy fun activities such as canoeing, hiking or cycling. Virunga Inn Resort & Spa offers a hearty continental breakfast each morning to kick start your day.
Reviews
Morning Charlie, Just wanted to comment on the truly amazing trip I had. Everything was so well organised and everybody was committed to working together to make sure it was a memorable trek. I chose to have a porter who couldn't be faulted and I would definitely recommend this service. The time with the gorillas was beyond belief. They were so close and relaxed but one roar and you were reminded who was in charge. Thanks Charlie, another striking trip to savour over. ”
Hi Charlie,
I have just returned from my month working in Kampala and bring back great memories of my Gorillas in the Mist safari. 22nd. june 2011. The trip was amazing, fantastic travelling truck, leader, cook, driver and food. Brilliant camp site ( I upgraded to a cottage) and other trips, Rwanda, orphanage, village trek, canoe trip..... Stunning scenery. And just chilling out. The gorilla trek was awesome, we saw a family of 17 very close to, playing , eating and grooming . A once in a life time experience. Even though most of the group were over 30 years my junior they were a great crowd and we all got on very well. A great holiday ”
Hi Kelly
Just thought I would let you know that the Gorillas in the Mist tour was awesome. We travelled into the DRC to see the gorillas and were lucky to see a family of 20 – very active. The truck, guide, driver and cook were all really good. Campsite at Lake Bunyongi was excellent!
Thanks for your help – and will definitely recommend On the Go to other travellers ”
All crew were great , as was the group from day one. Doing the gorilla trek was excellent, as was the variety of the itinerary, the activities and the value for money. Couldn't fault it! ”
Hi Ryan
WOW! Just returned from Gorillas in the Mist and what an amazing tour. It exceeded all expectations. Seeing gorillas in their natural environment was stunning. What a memorable hour! So glad I got to see them and I would highly recommend this tour to anyone. ”
At a Glance
Extra Tour Info
Morning Charlie, Just wanted to comment on the truly amazing trip I had. Everything was so well organised and everybody was committed to working together to make sure it was a memorable trek. I chose to have a porter who couldn't be faulted and I would definitely recommend this service. The time with the gorillas was beyond belief. They were so close and relaxed but one roar and you were reminded who was in charge. Thanks Charlie, another striking trip to savour over. ”
