5 Days • 4 Nights
Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Short Break
Tour Includes
About the Trip
Trip Highlights
- An unforgettable morning tracking mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park is the whole reason for this break, and it delivers. High on the forested slopes of the Virunga volcanoes, you set out at dawn with expert rangers and trackers to find one of the habituated gorilla families that live here. The trek leads through bamboo, nettles and dripping montane forest, and when you reach the group your permitted hour begins: a silverback resting like a king, mothers cradling infants, youngsters tumbling and playing just metres away. To sit quietly among these gentle giants in the wild, meeting their calm brown eyes.
- Tracking the rare golden monkeys of the Virungas adds a joyful second wildlife encounter to this short break. Endemic to these volcanoes, golden monkeys are small, active and utterly charming, leaping through the bamboo in flashes of amber and gold fur, chattering and feeding right around you. The trek to find them is far gentler and shorter than the gorillas, a delightful walk through the forest edge and bamboo groves that suits almost everyone. Your rangers help you spot and photograph the troop as they play, a lively and photogenic contrast to the gorillas' calm gravity. The energy and beauty are captivating.
- The misty Virunga volcanoes and Dian Fossey's Karisoke legacy give this break a powerful sense of place. The chain of ancient, forest-cloaked volcanoes straddling Rwanda, Uganda and the Congo is one of Africa's most beautiful landscapes, its peaks often wreathed in cloud above emerald terraces. This is where Dian Fossey lived, studied and fought to save the mountain gorillas at her Karisoke research camp, and her extraordinary conservation legacy is felt everywhere; keen and fit walkers can hike up to the moving site of her camp and grave among the peaks. The scenery, history and atmosphere are deeply moving.
- Vibrant Kigali and its moving Genocide Memorial bookend this break with meaning and warmth. Kigali is one of the most striking cities in Africa, remarkably clean, green, orderly and safe, spread across hills with leafy avenues, buzzing cafes, craft cooperatives and a warm, forward-looking spirit. Here you visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a deeply moving and beautifully presented tribute to the lives lost in 1994 and to the country's extraordinary journey of reconciliation, an essential and unforgettable experience. You also sample superb Rwandan coffee, browse craft markets and feel the optimism of a nation reborn. The dignity and warmth are captivating.
- The glorious scenery of the Land of a Thousand Hills makes even the drives a highlight of this break. Rwanda is aptly named: everywhere you look, endless green hills roll to the horizon, meticulously terraced and cultivated, dotted with banana groves, eucalyptus and neat villages. The scenic drive between Kigali and the volcanoes is a journey through this glorious patchwork of emerald ridges and misty valleys, past busy roadside markets and smiling farmers, with the Virunga peaks rising ahead. Even on a short break, this beautiful, gentle landscape leaves a lasting impression. The greenery and beauty are captivating.
- Above all, this break offers the fastest route to a life-changing gorilla encounter, richly rewarding even on limited time. In just five days you meet wild mountain gorillas among the Virunga volcanoes, track playful golden monkeys, stand in Dian Fossey's Karisoke landscape and experience vibrant, moving Kigali, all amid the emerald scenery of the Land of a Thousand Hills. Rwanda's compact size, excellent roads and superb organisation make this remarkably achievable in a short trip, while losing none of the intensity or wonder. The combination of extraordinary wildlife, beautiful scenery and genuine warmth makes it utterly captivating.
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 5-day journey.
Your gorilla-trekking break begins as your flight arrives at Kigali International Airport, where you are met and transferred to your hotel in Rwanda's clean, safe and welcoming capital. The calm order and genuine warmth of the Rwandan welcome are felt from the moment you arrive. Depending on your arrival time, you might take a first stroll through Kigali's leafy, hilly neighbourhoods, browse a craft cooperative, or simply relax with a superb local coffee in a stylish cafe. This evening, a welcome dinner introduces you to the fresh flavours of Rwandan cuisine and to the exciting journey ahead into the Virunga volcanoes to meet the mountain gorillas. As you settle in, the optimism and beauty of Rwanda work their magic. Rest well tonight, ready for a moving morning in Kigali and the scenic drive north to the volcanoes tomorrow.
This morning you visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a deeply moving and beautifully presented tribute to the more than a million lives lost in 1994 and to Rwanda's extraordinary journey of reconciliation; it is a profound, essential and unforgettable experience that gives real context to your visit. You then begin the scenic drive north to Volcanoes National Park, winding through the glorious Land of a Thousand Hills, past endless terraced slopes, banana groves and neat villages, with the misty Virunga volcanoes rising ahead. On arrival near Musanze, you settle into your comfortable lodge at the forest edge, the peaks towering above the emerald farmland. In the afternoon you might visit a local community or the interpretation centre, learning about the gorillas and Dian Fossey's Karisoke legacy. As the day ends, you dine at your lodge, filled with anticipation. Rest well for tomorrow's gorillas.
Today brings the extraordinary heart of your break: tracking wild mountain gorillas. After an early breakfast and a briefing at park headquarters, you set out with expert rangers and trackers into Volcanoes National Park, climbing through bamboo, nettles and dripping montane forest on the slopes of the Virunga volcanoes. The trek can be short or strenuous depending on where your gorilla family is feeding, and a porter is a worthwhile hire. When you reach the group, your permitted hour begins: a mighty silverback at rest, mothers cradling infants, youngsters tumbling and playing just metres away. To sit quietly among these gentle giants in the wild, meeting their calm brown eyes, is one of the most profound wildlife encounters on earth. As the day ends, you return to your lodge, elated. This evening, celebrate an unforgettable day among the volcanoes.
This morning you enjoy a second, gentler trek to find the rare and playful golden monkeys, endemic to the Virungas, leaping through the bamboo in flashes of amber fur, a delightful and far easier walk than the gorillas and a wonderful way to round off your time in the mountains. Fit and keen walkers may instead opt for the moving hike to Dian Fossey's Karisoke research site and grave. After the trek you begin the scenic drive back to Kigali through the Land of a Thousand Hills, past terraced ridges and busy roadside markets. On arrival in the capital you have time to browse the craft markets for souvenirs and Rwandan coffee, or relax at your hotel. As the day ends, you reflect on your unforgettable time with the gorillas. Rest well ahead of your departure tomorrow.
After a final morning in clean, calm Kigali, perhaps a last coffee or some souvenir shopping in a craft cooperative, you are transferred to Kigali International Airport for your onward international departure. In just a few days you have experienced the ultimate wildlife encounter, an unforgettable morning among wild mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, the playful golden monkeys of the Virungas, the powerful Karisoke landscape of Dian Fossey, and the moving, forward-looking spirit of Kigali, all amid the emerald scenery of the Land of a Thousand Hills. The images stay vivid long after you land: the calm eyes of a silverback, the misty volcanoes and the dignity of a nation reborn. Even as a short break, Rwanda leaves a profound impression, and you depart already dreaming of a longer return to explore its lakes, forests and savannas.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- 4 nights accommodation, a welcome dinner in Kigali and full-board at the Volcanoes lodge
- Game drives and guided treks in custom 4x4 vehicles with expert local guides
- Park and activity fees as per itinerary (gorilla permits are quoted and confirmed separately given their value)
- Airport and land transfers throughout, with some scenic drives through the Land of a Thousand Hills
- Touring, tracking and game viewing with knowledgeable English-speaking guides
- Bottled water in the vehicle and all sightseeing as detailed in the day-by-day itinerary
- Private touring with an expert local guide and 4x4, a Kigali Genocide Memorial and city tour, one mountain gorilla trek in Volcanoes National Park, a golden monkey trek and all park and activity fees except the gorilla permit, which is quoted separately
Exclusions
- International airfare
- Visa or tourist card fees where applicable
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Gorilla trekking permit (quoted and confirmed separately given its high value)
- Optional Karisoke hike and tips for guides, trackers and porters
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary or inclusions
- Drinks unless specifically stated
- Optional excursions and experiences
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Anything not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions
Know when to go.
- Visa & entry: Most visitors can obtain a Rwanda visa on arrival or as an eVisa online before travel, and Rwanda is part of the East Africa Tourist Visa scheme with Kenya and Uganda; a passport valid for at least six months with blank pages is required. Requirements can change, so we confirm the exact current process for your nationality and help you apply in good time
- Currency: The currency is the Rwandan Franc (RWF); US dollars are widely accepted at lodges, camps and for many park activities, and cards work at hotels and larger establishments in Kigali, but carry some cash for tips, crafts, markets and remote areas. ATMs are common in Kigali and larger towns but scarce near the parks
- Best time to visit: The long dry seasons of June to September and the shorter mid-December to mid-February are ideal for gorilla and chimpanzee trekking, with firmer trails and clearer skies. The long rains (roughly March to May) and short rains (October to November) bring lush green landscapes, lower visitor numbers and superb photography, though trails can be muddy
- Language & etiquette: Kinyarwanda is the national language, with English, French and Swahili widely used, and English is common in tourism, making travel easy. Rwandans are warm, courteous and proud of their country; ask permission before photographing people, dress neatly in towns, and note that plastic bags are banned nationwide, part of Rwanda's remarkable cleanliness
- Getting around: Touring is by private 4x4 with an expert driver-guide along generally excellent but winding, hilly roads through the Land of a Thousand Hills; drives between Kigali, Volcanoes, Nyungwe and Akagera are scenic but can be long, and a light-aircraft or helicopter transfer can shorten them. Trekking days involve early starts and can be strenuous at altitude
- Health & safety: A yellow fever certificate is required for entry; malaria prophylaxis is recommended for lower-lying areas such as Akagera and Kivu, so consult a travel clinic before departure, and bring insect repellent, sun protection and any personal medication. Rwanda is widely regarded as one of Africa's safest, cleanest and most orderly countries for travellers
- Culture & tipping: Rwanda is a warm, resilient and forward-looking country; the Kigali Genocide Memorial is a moving, essential visit, and community, craft and cultural experiences are genuine highlights. Tipping is customary and appreciated for guides, trackers, porters and lodge staff, and we advise on suggested amounts. Porters at the trailheads are a wonderful, worthwhile hire
- Power & gorilla permits: Power is 230V with mainly European-style type C and type J plugs (UK type G also appears), so bring a universal adapter; lodges may run on generators or solar, so a power bank is useful. Gorilla trekking permits are strictly limited, in high demand and expensive, and must be secured well in advance, so we book yours early to guarantee your trek
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I really see gorillas in just five days?
Yes. Rwanda is compact, safe and superbly organised, and Volcanoes National Park is only around two to three hours' scenic drive from Kigali, so a five-day break comfortably includes a full gorilla trek, a golden monkey trek and time in Kigali. It is the most efficient gorilla-trekking itinerary we offer, ideal for travellers short on time, and loses none of the intensity or wonder of the encounter. We secure your premium gorilla permit well in advance to guarantee your place.
What should I pack for the trek?
Sturdy, broken-in hiking boots, long trousers and long sleeves to protect against nettles, gardening-style gloves, a waterproof jacket, a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent and plenty of water are essential, along with a small daypack and a camera. Trails can be steep, muddy and at altitude, so a reasonable level of fitness helps and hiring a porter at the trailhead is well worth it, both for comfort and to support the local community. We send a full packing list once you book.
What meals are included?
Meals as specified in each itinerary are included; on safari and at the trekking lodges, most properties operate on a full-board or half-board basis, so breakfast and often lunch and dinner are included while you are near the parks, along with bottled water in the vehicle. In Kigali, breakfast is usually included and other meals may be free for you to explore. Rwandan cuisine is fresh and wholesome, from brochettes and grilled tilapia to isombe, plantains, tropical fruit and superb local coffee, and we detail exactly what is included at each stage of your journey.
Are the tours private or in a group?
Your journey is private by default, with your own expert English-speaking driver-guide and 4x4 vehicle, giving you flexibility, unhurried wildlife viewing and a pace tailored to you; the gorilla and chimpanzee treks themselves are conducted in small, permit-limited groups with specialist park rangers and trackers. Rwanda's knowledgeable guides are superb at interpreting the wildlife, forests, history and culture, and greatly enrich every trek, game drive and journey through the beautiful Land of a Thousand Hills.
Do I need a visa for Rwanda?
Most visitors can obtain a visa on arrival or apply for an eVisa online before travel, and Rwanda participates in the East Africa Tourist Visa scheme with Kenya and Uganda for multi-country trips. A passport valid for at least six months with blank pages is required. We confirm the exact, current requirements for your nationality, advise on the best option, and help you apply in good time so your entry is smooth and stress-free.
Is Rwanda safe to visit?
Rwanda is widely regarded as one of the safest, cleanest and most orderly countries in Africa, with low crime, excellent infrastructure and a genuinely warm welcome, and travel on a well-planned itinerary is smooth and rewarding. We use trusted lodges, guides and drivers, and follow official guidance at all times. On the treks you are in the expert hands of experienced park rangers and trackers, and the warmth and pride of the Rwandan people are among the great joys of a visit.
When is the best time to visit?
The long dry season from June to September and the shorter dry spell from mid-December to mid-February are ideal for gorilla and chimpanzee trekking, with firmer forest trails and clearer skies. The green seasons of the long rains (roughly March to May) and short rains (October to November) bring lush landscapes, wonderful birdlife, fewer visitors and lower prices, though trails can be muddy. Gorillas are trackable year-round, and we advise on the best timing for your interests and budget.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Absolutely. We can adjust the balance of gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, chimpanzees and the canopy walk in Nyungwe, the Big Five and boat safaris in Akagera, and relaxation on Lake Kivu, add or reduce trekking days, include Kigali's culture and Genocide Memorial, combine with Uganda or Kenya, and tailor the standard of lodges from comfortable to ultra-luxury. Every itinerary is a flexible starting point that we shape around your interests, pace, budget and dream journey through beautiful Rwanda.
More Adventure Journeys
Adventure
Customizable
Highlights of Zimbabwe: Victoria Falls & Hwange
Highlights of Zimbabwe: Victoria Falls & Hwange
Zimbabwe
Adventure
Customizable
Victoria Falls Adventure: The Smoke that Thunders
Victoria Falls Adventure: The Smoke that Thunders
Zimbabwe
Adventure
Customizable
Hwange & Mana Pools: A Great Zimbabwe Safari
Hwange & Mana Pools: A Great Zimbabwe Safari
Zimbabwe