Gorilla Trekking in the Virungas

The reason most guests build a Rwanda itinerary in the first place

The Expedition Narrative

A rare, closely guided hour with a habituated mountain gorilla family in the Virunga bamboo forest — the anchor most Rwanda itineraries are built around, easily paired with Kigali on either end.

Curated Highlights & Inclusions

The reason most guests build a Rwanda itinerary in the first place

Kigali works well as an easy arrival or departure point either side of the trek

Can be extended into Akagera when you want gorillas and open-plains game viewing in one trip

How This Route Can Be Built

Arrival

Kigali

An easy arrival point, with time for the city before heading up to the volcanoes.

The Trek

Volcanoes National Park

A guided trek to a habituated mountain gorilla family in the Virunga bamboo forest.

Closing

Lake Kivu or Akagera Add-On

Most guests soften the end of the trip at Lake Kivu, or extend into Akagera for open savanna wildlife.

Bespoke Pacing Notice:All routes can be lengthened, shortened, or merged with Zanzibar beach retreats or Nyungwe primates.

Explore Further

Recommended Journeys

All Journeys →

Rwanda

Nyungwe Ancient Rainforest & Primate Trail

Chimpanzee tracking and a canopy walk through one of Africa’s oldest surviving rainforests

October – May best for chimpanzee fig foraging; June – September best for hiking

Rwanda

Volcanoes & Lake Kivu Escape

A gorilla trek followed by a quiet lakeside finish — one of the site’s named honeymoon routes

June – September & December – February

Tanzania

Great Migration & Big Cat Safari

Tracking the wildebeest columns and resident big cats across the Serengeti’s open plains

Year-Round

DurationFully Tailored — No Fixed Length

Prime SeasonJune – September & December – February (drier footing, clearer cloud views)

Style100% Private Expedition