Itineraries

An Extraordinary Gorilla Experience

The ultimate gorilla trekking experience in Volcanoes National Park

Bistate Lodge - Exterior
Gorilla - Volcanoes National park
Gorilla - Volcanoes National Park
From: 
£7,050pp
4 days

Staying in the most luxurious lodge in all of Rwanda, this itinerary combines two gorilla treks with the comfort of Bisate Lodge in the evening to rest your head. Opening its doors in June 2017, the lodge is slowly showing everyone what it is all about!

DAY
1

Kigali – Volcanoes National Park

Met in Kigali international airport on arrival and transferred to the Volcanoes National Park (approx. 2 hour drive) to stay in Bisate Lodge for 2 nights on a full board basis.

Opening its doors in June 2017, Bisate Lodge is the newest and most luxurious property in all of the mountain lodges in the Virunga’s. As part of the Wilderness portfolio, Bisate sits is in the heart of the forest, boasting views of three prominent volcanoes named Bisoke, Karisimbi and Mikeono. With good access to the Volcanoes National Park and its park headquarters for gorilla trekking amongst other activities, this lodge is perfect for those looking to push the boat out for a Rwandan gorilla experience.

DAY
2

Volcanoes National Park

Transfer to the park headquarters to be briefed about the gorilla tracking. Once you are in groups of no more than eight people, you will begin your hike through the mountains in search of a gorilla family. After your incredible day with the gorillas, transfer back to Bisate Lodge to reflect on the day!

This is the day you’ve been waiting for – the day you’ll come face-to-face with the majestic mountain gorillas. As part of the Virunga Mountains (covering Rwanda, Uganda and Democratic Republic of Congo), the Volcanoes National Park homes 20 families of endangered mountain gorillas. Although half of the families are protected for research purposed (continuing the legacy of Dian Fossey), the other 10 families have become familiar with tourists and it is one of these families that you will get the chance to observe. It has been described as a once-in-a-lifetime experience so remember to embrace every moment and step aside from the camera now and then!

DAY
3

Volcanoes National Park - Kigali

Spend a second day trekking to see the mountain gorillas in the Virunga mountains. Doing a second gorilla trek means that you can visit another gorilla family and watch their behaviours and relationships. After the trek, you will be transferred back to Kigali (approx. 2 hours’ drive) to stay in the Kigali Serena Hotel for 1 night on a B&B basis.

Each gorilla trek requires a gorilla permit. We will purchase the gorilla permits for you before you travel and you will be briefed each morning at the park headquarters about the logistics and rules of the gorilla trek.

DAY
4

Kigali - home

Transfer to Kigali’s international airport to connect onto your international flights home

Please note that the above is on a full board basis unless otherwise shown and does NOT include international flights.

When to Go

  = Yes   = No   = Maybe