Gorilla Trekking
Trek for mountain gorillas in the Volcanoes National Park.
Rwanda
Trek for endangered mountain gorillas in the Virunga Massif, before driving east to the lakes, savannah and hills of Akagera – a park now flourishing under African Parks’ management.
Trek for mountain gorillas in the Volcanoes National Park.
Trek in search of the park’s less famous primate inhabitants, the beautiful golden monkeys.
Explore the diverse landscape of Akagera National Park, now home to the Big Five.
Take a boat trip on Lake Ihema, keeping an eye out for the elusive shoebills.
Rwanda has become synonymous with gorilla trekking, but this holiday showcases another side to this fascinating country. Combine a fantastic primate experience, with a very different safari journey through the varied terrain of Akagera. Once devoid of wildlife, this park is now home to an impressive array of animals – all set against some of the most beautiful scenery in the country.
Set off into Volcanoes National Park, climbing steadily in search of the world’s largest primate. Led by knowledgeable guides and park rangers, leave the terraced crop fields behind and enter the dense forest that carpets the lower slopes of these dormant volcanoes.
After several hours of trekking, draw close to the gorilla family. Leaving bags behind, and holding cameras at the ready, creep closer and enter their domain. Spend an hour amongst the mountain gorillas, as they play, groom and eat. Watch as youngsters roll through the lush grass and see the dominant silverback stalk through his relaxed family.
The green slopes of the Virunga Mountains lie close to the border of Uganda. Here, stay at the magnificently positioned Virunga Lodge, which offers some of the greatest views in Africa. From the comfortable stone bandas, look out at the cloud-topped volcanic landscape, decorated in rich shades of green.
Leave the mountains behind and drive to the eastern fringes of Rwanda. Here, a series of lakes and rich marshlands fill the valleys of Akagera National Park, with savannah and acacia forests dotted between rolling hills.
Explore by boat and 4×4, in search of the wildlife that fills this recovering park. Once all but empty of game, it now supports a wide variety of species. These include a small pride of reintroduced lions, as well as translocated rhinos.
The watery, verdant landscape attracts a variety of birdlife, whilst the lakes are home to hippos and crocodiles. Elephants roam the savannah and woodlands, occasionally wallowing in the muddy marshlands. Inland, on the rich grasslands, numerous antelope species graze.
The story of Akagera is a remarkable one. Once a park devoid of wildlife and overrun by cattle and poaching, it is now a Big Five reserve. This all thanks to a partnership between the Rwandan government and the NGO African Parks, which began in 2010.
Since then, borders have been secured, wildlife has returned and tourism has flourished. Learn about this journey and the day-to-day running of the park on a behind-the-scenes tour of the park headquarters, led by one of African Parks’ staff.
Extend your time in Rwanda with a visit to Nyungwe Forest National Park, in the west of the country. This swathe of verdant montane forest is home a colourful array of birdlife, as well as monkeys, frogs and chimpanzees.
One of the chimp families is habituated to humans, meaning there is the chance to trek in search of them. Unlike in Uganda, trekking group numbers are strictly managed here, making for a better experience when you encounter the chimps.
Also head into the forest canopy, along the suspended cable walkway that links a pair of high towers. This provides a beautiful view over the trees around and below, with turacos and L’Hoest’s monkeys spotted from here.
Prices will vary depending on the time of year you are travelling. Prices do not include international flights. Please ask one of our Travel Experts for an accurate quote. Flights purchased through Steppes Travel departing from the UK are ATOL protected.
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.
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