Rwanda: A Mountain Gorilla Adventure

At the airport, enjoyed included airport lounge access before boarding your flight to Rwanda’s capital. On arrival a private transfer will see you to your luxury city-centre hotel. Complete with pool and spa, it’s the ideal base to unwind as you ease your way into life in Rwanda. 

Stay: Kigali Marriott Hotel (Deluxe)

Leaving the city behind, you’ll join your driver and guide for the transfer to Nyungwe National Park – a scenic route winding among green hills dotted with rural villages and tea plantations. Pause along the way to explore a replica of the 18th-century King’s Palace where you’ll meet the resident Inyambo cows. These animal’s huge horns have made them a firm favourite at royal parades and functions.

You’ll then continue to Nyungwe National Park – a jungle home to almost 400 species of birds and animals, including chimpanzees. Check into the luxurious One&Only Nyungwe House – a collection of ultra-stylish treehouses hidden deep in the forest – then look forward to a full day of guided exploration, including a guided trek through the jungle to hopefully watch chimpanzees swing through the canopy.

Today’s private transfer sees you out to Lake Kivu’s rugged inlets and sandy shores. Spend your time swimming in the lake accompanied by views of the nearby Nyiragongo volcano, then take to the water for a kayaking tour, paddling out to explore pretty islands and hidden villages. 

Stay: Cleo Lake Kivu Hotel (Superior)

Today’s private transfer sees you north to the iconic Volcanoes National Park, the spectacular base for your gorilla tracking adventure. On arrival, check into the Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, ideally located just 10 minutes from the national park headquarters.

Inside, open fireplaces and traditional furnishings promote cosy relaxation between activities – the golden monkey treks are a special highlight – while elegant guest rooms, some with four-poster beds, ramp up the style. Settle in for an afternoon at leisure, perhaps relaxing on the deck and soaking up spectacular national-peak views.

Today is a true holiday highlight – a gorilla tracking excursion into the jungles of Volcanoes National Park. After breakfast, you’ll meet your guide for the drive to the park headquarters where you’ll be welcomed with tea and coffee before joining a small group according to your level of fitness – treks can take anything from a couple of hours to a full day.

After a safety briefing, you’ll set off into the jungle, traversing volcanic slopes and bamboo forests to find your designated troop, which can range in size from just a couple of members to more than 40 individuals. It’s then that the magic begins as you spend a truly unforgettable hour in the company of these magnificent creatures – just don’t forget your camera! 

Having enjoyed a further night at your chosen lodge, you’ll have a full day to explore. And, to help you make the most of your stay, we’ve included a guided trek to see the region’s golden monkeys. Endemic to this region of central Africa, these playful primates make their home in the bamboo forest, reached by a short drive and gentle stroll through the foothills.

What’s more, with an early morning start, you’ll have the rest of the day free for optional activities. Alongside the aforementioned canoeing trips, bike rides and cultural tours, there’s the excellent Karisoke Research Centre, which showcases the work of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund through a series of fascinating interactive exibits. 

After a last delicious breakfast, a private transfer will see you back to Kigali in time for your flight home.

Alternatively, we highly recommend heading to Rwanda's Akagera National Park for a luxury safari at the luxury new Magashi Camp. You'll stay in one of just six suites as you head on included game drives and bush walks, returning to sundowners, gourmet dining and a pool.