Journeys: Wild Encounters in Rwanda - 8 Days



Who is this trip for
Genders
- Female51%
- Male49%
Average age
Start / End
- Kigali
- Kigali
Physical rating
Group size
1 - 6Meals included
17Highlights
- Observe endangered mountain gorillas and golden monkeys
- Discuss gorilla conservation efforts with a researcher at the Karisoke Research Centre
- Spend time in Kigali’s bustling Nyamirambo neighbourhood
- Track the “big five” on safari in Akagera National Park
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Summary
Embark on an unforgettable expedition to track mountain gorillas and golden monkeys, in the rainforest of Rwanda. Visit a research centre set up by Dr. Dian Fossey, who spent 18 years studying gorillas in the Virunga Mountains with support from National Geographic, and get up close to these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. Set out in search of the “big five”—lions, leopards, elephants, and Cape buffalo—while on safari in Akagera National Park, while learning about the incredible conservation efforts that brought this onetime battleground back from disaster.
Itinerary
Day 1
Kigali
If you arrive early, take some time to explore the city, known for its pleasant, friendly atmosphere. Kigali also has some interesting and historic sites outside of the city. If you want more time to explore, we recommend booking a pre-night.
Day 2
Kigali/Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park borders Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda. Five of the eight volcanoes in the Virunga Mountains can be found here. The volcanoes and highlands of the park are covered in lush rainforest and bamboo (a favourite snack of the gorillas). While the most famous resident is the mountain gorilla, there’s plenty of other wildlife roaming around: buffaloes, bushbucks, golden monkeys, hyenas, numerous bird species, and some elephants call this place home.
Day 3
Volcanoes National Park
Set out on a trek in lush, jungle-covered hills with a park ranger to track a unique and endangered species—the golden monkey. Observe these playful, curious creatures in their natural habitat; then visit the Ellen Degeneres Campus of the Karisoke Research Center, founded by National Geographic Grantee Dian Fossey. Visit the public exhibit and enjoy immersive activities, like a 360-degree theatre and replica of Dian Fossey’s original cabin before meeting with some of the organization’s gorilla experts. Hear their experiences and stories working for the largest gorilla conservation organization in the world, and have the chance to ask them questions.
Day 4
Volcanoes National Park
Approximately 800 mountain gorillas exist globally in the wild today. They are found in Rwanda, DRC, and Uganda. In DRC and Rwanda, gorillas live in similar ecosystems/areas. The gorilla species found in these three areas are called highland gorillas.
In Rwanda there are ten habituated gorilla families that are open to visits – the visit to a gorilla family is done once per day, with a maximum 8 trekkers per group and the duration of a visit is limited to one (1) hour with the gorilla family. The time spent with them is limited due to conservation considerations and to minimize impact on the day-to-day life of the gorilla family you are visiting. It is important to be well prepared for the trek — you never know if your total trek will be short or long. The total duration of a trek can vary and be anything between 4 and 9 hrs in length depending on the location of the gorillas, which are constantly moving. You will mainly walk where there are no paths apart from the occasional buffalo or elephant trail.
Touching the gorillas is not allowed (although in some cases they may touch you). Making loud noises or sudden movements is also not allowed. You should attempt to keep a distance of 7m from the gorillas, however the gorillas themselves are unaware of this and will often get very close, in which case you should try to slowly move away. At all times you must abide by the instructions of the trackers and rangers.
Please note that porters are available at approx. $10USD per person. The porters are all hired from local villages and not only can carry your day pack, but assist you with a welcome hand over difficult spots. Regardless of your fitness level, we highly recommend hiring a porter as some tracks can be very muddy and elevation can affect even the most fit person. It also provides employment and supports the local community.
Day 5
Volcanoes National Park/Akagera National Park
Akagera National Park offers a remarkable conservation story and is home to the Big Five, zebras, giraffes, elephants and hundreds of bird species. Running directly along the boarder with Tanzania, the park covers 1,122 km2 (433 sq mi) and offers a variety of landscapes including highlands, savannah plains, swamps, wetlands and lakes.
Day 6
Akagera National Park
Wake before sunrise for an early morning safari drive in search of the “big five.” Keep an eye out for lions, buffalo, hyenas, and antelopes grazing freely here. Return to the lodge for lunch and some free time to relax or take a dip in the pool. In the afternoon, glide along Lake Ihema by boat, watching for hippos and crocodiles. Spot more wildlife, such as elephants and buffalo, as they gather at the lakeshore to drink water. Keep an eye out for a variety of birds including herons, shoebill storks, fish eagles, and kingfishers.
Day 7
Akagera National Park to Kigali
Head out with a packed breakfast for our final safari drive in the early hours when animals are most active. Look for giraffes, gazelles, impalas, baboons, Butchel’s zebras, leopards, and lions. Later that morning, depart through the northern edge of the park and travel overland back to Kigali.
Day 8
Kigali
Depart at any time. Departure transfers are included.
What's Included
Accommodation
Hotel/lodges (7 nts).
Meals
Breakfasts: 7, Lunches: 5, Dinners: 5
Vegetarian options are available on all meals throughout the adventure.
Vegetarian options availableLocal Guide
GuidedThis adventure is led by a local guide throughout. The main language of this adventure is English. Please contact us for other languages available.
Airport Transfers
Arrival OnlyAn airport transfer to the start of the tour is included. Please contact our team if you require a quote for a return transfer.
Wifi
Wifi is available during the adventure. In some areas and / or accommodation / transport Wifi may be free.
Dates & Prices
Aug 25
from £5,879Sep 25
from £4,174Oct 25
from £5,732Nov 25
from £5,732Dec 25
from £5,438Jan 26
from £5,732Feb 26
from £5,438Mar 26
from £5,438Apr 26
from £5,438May 26
from £5,438Jun 26
from £6,026Jul 26
from £6,026Aug 26
from £6,026Sep 26
from £5,732Oct 26
from £5,732Nov 26
from £5,732Dec 26
from £5,438
- Save 27%Sat 13 Sep 2025 > Sat 20 Sep 2025Guaranteed Departure🔥1 space of 6 left£5,679Best offer£4,174
- Save 2%Sun 14 Sep 2025 > Sun 21 Sep 2025Guaranteed Departure🔥2 spaces of 6 left£5,679£5,565
- Save 2%Sun 21 Sep 2025 > Sun 28 Sep 2025Guaranteed Departure🔥2 spaces of 6 left£5,679£5,565
- Save 27%Sun 28 Sep 2025 > Sun 5 Oct 2025Guaranteed Departure£5,679Best offer£4,174
Customer reviews & ratings
The guides in the national parks are exceptional in knowledge and friendliness. Small group travel with good food and accommodation excellent Small group. Knowledgeable guides good accommodation
Pamela Oct, 2024 VerifiedThe National Geographic Journeys with G Adventures Tours is a once in a lifetime experience. From being picked up by our CEO, Timothy, to drop off, is living a dream. Trekking to see the gorillas for me was the top moment but I was suprised by all the g for Good moments that the tour brings. Travel can have a negative impact on a community but I believe that G Adventures works hard at bringing positive impacts to all one comes in contact with along the journey. Trekking to be with gorillas makes this an amazing tour. But for me what makes it a "highly likely" recommendation are the G for Good moments. Travel can be invasive but I felt that g adventures minimized this and assists with uniting the traveler with the community.
Tempest Oct, 2024 Verified
Essential trip information
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