Classic Rwanda Trekking Tour: Gorillas and Safari
Experience the best gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda! This trip includes multiple primate trekking tours: one with a fully habituated gorilla family, one with a semi-habituated gorilla family (a more wild and authentic experience), Colobus Monkeys and Golden Monkeys. Not to mention chimpanzee trekking and an African wildlife safari!
We planned this Classic Rwanda Trekking: Gorillas and Safari for a couple from Philadelphia. Their kids had just graduated from college, so they wanted to celebrate with this once-in-a-lifetime vacation, just the two of them. This trip was more than a standard gorilla trekking safari—it also included an exclusive gorilla habituation experience, as well as chimpanzee trekking, Golden Monkeys and a safari!
Their Classic Rwanda Trekking: Gorillas and Safari began in Kigali, Rwanda. They spent several days in this modern city taking in the sites and visiting the Genocide Museum. They also loved their cooking class and Nyamirambo walking tour.
Next, they traveled to Akagera National Park for a classic African safari. This park is Rwanda’s only savanna reserve, and after recent reintroductions of rhinos and lions, you have a chance of spotting many of the popular African wildlife. You’ll also see plenty of plains animals, such as giraffes, zebras, impalas and topi.
Continuing their Classic Rwanda Trekking: Gorillas and Safari, they journeyed to Nyungwe National Park. This amazing park protects the largest highland rainforest in East Africa. Even from the main road, you’ll be blown away by the endless views over layers of steep jungle-clad mountains. It provides an opportunity to see an amazing variety of monkeys and birds. It was a prime place to see Chimpanzees and Colobus Monkeys.
Next, they traveled to Volcanoes National Park via helicopter with a quick stop at the Dian Fossey Gorilla Center. They participated in two gorilla treks and they loved having the 2 different gorilla trekking experiences, both of which had their own unique highlights.
At last, their Classic Rwanda Trekking: Gorillas and Safari came to an end, but not before they spent some time with the Golden Monkeys. And then, their private driver dropped them off at Rwanda’s Kigali Airport to begin their journey back home.
Accommodations
- 4 Nights The Retreat Kigali
- 4 Nights Magashi Camp
- 3 Nights One&Only Ngungwe House
- 3 Nights One&Only Gorillas Nest
Transportation
- All airport transfers
- All ground transportation to lodges
Activities
- Kigali Genocide Tour
- Nyamirambo Walking Tour
- Culinary Class at the Retreat
- Kings Palace in Nyanza
- Chimp Trekking Permits
- Colobus Monkey Trek
- Gorilla Trekking Permits
- Golden Monkey Trek
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1
Welcome to Rwanda! Upon arrival into the capital city of Kigali, enjoy a transfer to your hotel. The day is at leisure to unwind, take a dip in your private plunge pool, and sample the offerings of the onsite restaurants and bars.
The Retreat
Day 2
Start your day with breakfast, before taking the afternoon to visit the Genocide Memorial. Afterwards, take a break with some shopping in local markets or for a cup of coffee.
The Retreat
Day 3
After a scrumptious breakfast, get ready to go on an adventure like no other, you will travel to Akagera National Park. Witness the abundance of Akagera National Park from Wilderness Magashi Camp. Home once more to an abundance of apex predators and their prey. You will marvel at lion, white and black rhino, buffalo and elephant roaming its hills and vast savannah.
Wilderness Magashi Camp
Days 4 – 6
These days are yours to enjoy activities in Akagera and with your lodge. Activities include game drives, birding, walking safaris, boat safaris and fishing.
Wilderness Magashi Camp
Days 7 – 8
Rejoin your private guide today for a short journey back to Kigali, where you will spend two more days. Give back while exploring the vibrant neighborhood of Nyamirambo and bonus, you get a home cooked lunch with the Nyamirambo Women’s Center Walking Tour and then enjoy a local cooking class.
The Retreat
Day 9
After an early breakfast, you will continue to Ngyungwe National Park with a stop at Kings Palace in Nyanza and Butare Museum. Captivating wildlife, dramatic mountain landscapes blanketed with greenery, and with their own working tea plantation; you will land at One&Only Nyungwe House, your home for the 3 nights.
One&Only Ngyungwe House
Days 10 – 11
These days are your at the lodge. Trek with chimpanzees and monkeys on your expertly guided animal encounters. Explore untameable jungles and sky-high bridges spanning the treetops. Or simply relax at the spa or with a good book enjoying the views.
One&Only Ngyungwe House
Day 12
It’s time for the highlight of your journey: tracking some of the world’s last remaining wild mountain gorillas in the thick, mysterious jungles of Rwanda! You will travel like a rock star, via helicopter to Volcanoes National Park, with a stop for lunch and a tour at the Dian Fossey Gorilla Center. Then you will land at your amazing lodge for your last nights of your trip. Surrounded by swaying eucalyptus trees, One&Only Gorilla’s Nest awakens a wild spirit of adventure. A place that encourages you to gaze into the mirror through eye opening encounters with majestic mountain gorillas and experience the story of Rwanda.
One&Only Gorillas Nest
Days 13 – 14
You will spend these days trekking to see the local residents, the Mountain Gorillas. On two different days, you will visit two different families.
One&Only Gorillas Nest
Day 15
Your incredible gorilla trekking tour comes to an end today. You will do one final trek tonsee Golden Monkeys. Your guide will drive you through the mountains with a stop at a lodge for lunch and refresh before you are dropped at the Kigali Airport, where you’ll catch your flight back home.
About this vacation
Cost Per Person
Does not include the cost of airfare
Based on
You might also be interested in
Uganda, Rwanda and Tanzania Vacation: Shoebills, Gorilla Trekking, and Serengeti Safari
This Rwanda and Tanzania vacation allows you to go gorilla trekking, witness the Great Migration, and visit beautiful African beaches.
Ultimate East Africa Safari: Kenya, Tanzania, and Gorillas
Discover some of Africa’s most famous, sought-after wildlife experiences on this bucket list East Africa safari. See rare rhinos and the Big 5 in Kenya, witness the Great Migration of wildebeest, track endangered mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, and much more. This is a trip you’ll remember for life!