Volcanoes National Park
The forested slopes of the Volcanoes National Park are spectacular and full of drama and this was the very first national park…
Rwanda is still, without a doubt, the best place in the world to go mountain gorilla trekking. Walking in the Virunga Mountains in the shadow of giant prehistoric plants as the mists clear to reveal a family of gorillas is incomparable.
Rwanda’s stylish lodges are bursting with charm, and the riot of colour around every corner, from kanga clothing to banana plantations and the fertile hills will soon exhaust your camera batteries. Rwanda is spectacular to behold, a winding succession of steeply terraced slopes, the silvery silhouette of eucalyptus trees standing out against the brilliant green of the tea plantations.
A charm offensive. The people here are some of the warmest and most welcoming you could hope to meet. Incredible lodges with views to die for and of course the magnificent mountain gorillas. A forward-thinking country – plastic bags are banned, public transport runs on bio-fuel and there’s a national day of cleaning every month – of which its people are rightly proud.
For those with time Akagera Park, bordering Tanzania in the east, offers a big game viewing experience in which you get the wildlife to yourself, or head south to look for elusive chimps (as well as Rwanda’s best birding and chameleons) in the dark and exotic Nyungwe Forest. If you want to relax then head to Lake Kivu, where the only trekking to be done is back to your room from the beach when you realise you’ve forgotten your holiday read.
In Rwanda, gorilla trekking takes place in the Volcanoes national park, where Dian Fossey famously carried out her research. There are around 1,000 mountain gorillas left in the wild, half of these can be found in central Africa’s Virunga Mountains.
Volcanoes National Park is home to ten habituated gorilla families – Sabinyo, Amahoro, Umubano, Susa, Kwitonda, Karisimbi, Agashya, Bwenge, Ugyenda andHirwa. Finding them can take patience, and plenty of walking with most groups a half day walk. Eight permits are available daily for each group and each permit costs $1,500 per permit, per person. Every gorilla group is different, some with large numbers, others smaller and given the habitat and terrain, it is unlikely you will see the groups in their entirety all at once!
“David, my fellow gorilla trekker, has just summed up how you feel, the first time you see a mountain gorilla. High in the bamboo rainforests of northern Rwanda, six overexcited, muddy tourists are squeezed together, trying to stay calm and upright in a tiny forest clearing that has attracted an entire family of apes.”
What do you really love doing? We curate your itinerary especially for you.
Every captivating tailor-made itinerary needs a perfect base. Our team has handpicked this collection of properties to give you luxury options in styles to suit any adventure.
Perched in Akagera National Park, you will find Karenge Bush Camp. With only six charming canvas tents, this bush camp can accommodate a maximum of 12 guests, making for an intimate, wilderness experience.
Centrally located on a peaceful residential street in Kigali, Heaven Boutique Hotel is nestled within lush tropical gardens with expansive views over the city.
Surrounded by the imposing Virunga Mountains in Rwanda, Kataza House is an exclusive-use option for a maximum of eight travellers.
One&Only Gorilla’s Nest is located at the base of the Virunga Mountains, just 20 minutes from where gorilla treks begin.
A passion for travel runs right through every one of our experts - meaning they're always ready with first-hand insight about their specialist countries.
From late December until early February the weather is typically drier, although showers are still very possible. This is the hottest time of year and can feel very tropical. However, the altitude means that temperatures remain manageable and still drop quickly at night.
The long rains begin in February and last until May. During this time, road travel can be a challenge and delays are frequent. However, gorilla trekking continues unaffected, although you should expect to get wet and muddy.
The long rains begin in February and last until May. During this time, road travel can be a challenge and delays are frequent. However, gorilla trekking continues unaffected, although you should expect to get wet and muddy.
The long rains begin in February and last until May. During this time, road travel can be a challenge and delays are frequent. However, gorilla trekking continues unaffected, although you should expect to get wet and muddy.
The long rains begin in February and last until May. During this time, road travel can be a challenge and delays are frequent. However, gorilla trekking continues unaffected, although you should expect to get wet and muddy.
The coolest and driest time of year is between June and early September. This is one of the most popular times to visit, although both mornings and evenings can be very chilly at higher altitudes.
The coolest and driest time of year is between June and early September. This is one of the most popular times to visit, although both mornings and evenings can be very chilly at higher altitudes.
The coolest and driest time of year is between June and early September. This is one of the most popular times to visit, although both mornings and evenings can be very chilly at higher altitudes.
The short rains arrive in late September and continue until December. However, travel is still possible and the overcast skies can make for some fantastic photographs.
The short rains arrive in late September and continue until December. However, travel is still possible and the overcast skies can make for some fantastic photographs.
The short rains arrive in late September and continue until December. However, travel is still possible and the overcast skies can make for some fantastic photographs.
The short rains arrive in late September and continue until December. However, travel is still possible and the overcast skies can make for some fantastic photographs.
Our knowledge and expertise set us apart. So too our curiosity. It is this that drives us to create a journey that is really bespoke to you, all the while ensuring we travel and operate sustainably.
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