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Journey through the misty jungles of Rwanda and catch families of Mountain Gorillas playing, relaxing and eating in the foliage.
Trekking through the Rwandan jungle can be a strenuous experience, however the reward of coming face to face with a family of gorillas is a memory that will stay with you forever. After a night spent in our lodge, nestled in the scenic slopes of the Sabinyo Volcano, hike through thick bamboo forest, alpine moorland and dense jungle to the habitat of one of ten mountain gorilla families. Sit quietly and wait for these magnificent creatures to emerge from the wilderness – a truly breathtaking moment.
Independent Experiences
Independent travel, without the stress. Peregrine’s Independent Experiences are a range of short packages that you can add to other Experiences or as an extension to a longer tour, to craft your perfect holiday itinerary. Independent Experiences are for 1-3 travellers, depart daily and offer the back-up of Peregrine, our local offices and expert resident guides.
- Start
- Kigali, Rwanda
- Finish
- Kigali, Rwanda
- Destination
- Rwanda
- Style
- Peregrine
- Code
- PFRGX
- Physical rating
- Trip rating
- 1 review
- Ages
- Min 15
- Group size
- Min 1, Max 4
Why you'll love this trip
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Come face-to-face with rare mountain gorillas on the ultimate wildlife adventure. Trek through Rwanda's steamy jungle and spend an unforgettable hour in the presence of these majestic creatures.
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Stay in a boutique hotel nestled at the foot of the stunning Virunga Mountains. Get ready for breath-taking views.
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Discover a different, darker side to the country at the Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre – a place to learn about and reflect on the atrocities the Rwandan people faced in the mid-90s.
Is this trip right for you?
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Tracking gorillas in the dense forest can sometimes be wet, muddy and uncomfortable. The terrain is by no means easy either, so it can be pretty strenuous and often humid. But the sheer thrill in coming across a habituated group of gorillas, dominated by a great male silverback, more than outweighs any difficulty. You need to be prepared and fit enough to walk up to 4 hours - up and down hill. Perhaps pack some gardening gloves to assist in any up-hill climbs.
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Although this is an Independent Experience, your gorilla trek will be a shared activity. You will be accompanied by other travellers, with a maximum of 8 people per gorilla family, plus your guides.
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Our Independent Experiences have been designed for just one to three people, departing every day of the week for most Experiences. You can mix and match to create your perfect trip combination, then we’ll arrange the transport between each experience for you. You will have local guides at most destinations and activities. It’s independent travel without the stress.
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Itinerary
Upon your arrival you will visit the Genocide Museum, which was opened in 2004 to mark the tenth anniversary of the Rwandan Genocide. Whilst the genocide occurred as a result of a complex series of factors, it can only be seen as an absolute tragedy to Rwanda and its people. Time spent at the museum is sure to be emotionally moving, but it is an important way to understand the sheer courage and resilience of the people of this beautiful, tiny nation.
Then you travel towards the gorillas with a drive through the verdant rolling hills of Rwanda. You’ll be staying in the Musanze region (formerly Ruhengeri).
Hotel facilities include a pool, restaurant, bar & lounge with fireplace and incredible views of the Volcanoes.
The Volcanoes National Park is the oldest national park in Africa, and it was specifically created to protect the habitat of the gorillas.
Accommodation
- Mountain Gorilla View Lodge or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer
- Kigali - Genocide Memorial Audio Guide
- Kigali - Genocide Memorial Centre
Meals Included
- Dinner
Special Information
An airport arrival transfer is included. Please provide your flight details at the time of booking, or at a minimum 15 days prior to travel so the transfer can be arranged.Notes: Your gorilla trek will be a shared activity. You will be accompanied by other travellers, with a maximum of 8 people per gorilla group, plus your guides.
Accommodation
- Mountain Gorilla View Lodge or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Volcanoes National Park - Mountain gorilla trek & permit
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Accommodation
- Lemigo Hotel or similar (1 night)
Optional Activities
- Volcanoes National Park - Dian Fossey's Memorial - USD90
- Volcanoes National Park - Golden Monkeys Trek Permit & guide (from price) - USD115
- Volcanoes National Park - Full Day Mt. Bisoke Hike - USD75
- Volcanoes National Park - Nature walk Rwanda - USD55
- Ruhengeri - Venge Village walk - USD35
- Volcanoes National Park - Additional Gorilla Trek Permit - USD1870
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
Special Information
If you are interested in the additional Gorilla Trek permit it is advised to pre-book this activity at time of purchase of the main tour, in order to ensure availability. Please note the prices of these options are not inclusive of transport costs to and from the activity. Please note that the roads leading to both of the above treks are not in the best condition, so be prepared for a rough and bumpy ride.Included Activities
- Kigali - City Tour
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Special Information
Your international departure flights from Kigali today should not be booked to depart before 1pm.Meals
3 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinnersTransport
Private vehicleAccommodation
Hotel (1 night), Lodge (2 nights)Included Activities
- Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer
- Kigali - Genocide Memorial Audio Guide
- Kigali - Genocide Memorial Centre
- Volcanoes National Park - Mountain gorilla trek & permit
- Kigali - City Tour
Dates & availability
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There are currently no scheduled departures on our Mountain Gorillas of Rwanda Experience - Independent trip. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below.
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Important notes
MINIMUM AGE:
There is a minimum age of 15 years for the gorilla tracking. Please see trip notes (Important notes) for more details.
START AND FINISH TIMES:
An airport arrival transfer is included. Please provide your flight details at the time of booking, or at a minimum 15 days prior to travel. Please ensure you arrive into Kigali prior to 1pm on day 1. If you are unable to arrive by 1pm you will need to arrive a day earlier and book accommodation in Kigali.
4. This trip finishes in Kigali on day 4. Please do not book any flights until after 1pm this afternoon.
GORILLA PERMIT:
This trip requires an additional non-refundable deposit ( AUD2400, USD2400, EUR1800, NZD2700, GBP1500, CAD2400, ZAR20000, CHF2000 ) in order to secure a gorilla permit. We also require passport details at time of booking. Please see trip notes (Important notes) for more details.

Essential trip information
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