Trekking in the Mountains of Rwanda
Walk into the misty Virunga mountains in search of mountain gorillas, where volcanic peaks, ancient forest and one of Africa’s most intimate wildlife encounters come together.
At A Glance
Collection | Signature Safari Collection |
Journey Type | One Destination Safari |
Destination | Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda |
Recommended Stay | 2–3 Nights |
Choose From | 1 Luxury Lodge |
Nearest Airport/Airstrip | Kigali International Airport (KGL) |
Wildlife Highlights | Mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, abundant forest birds, forest elephants, buffaloes, variety of antelope species |
Ideal For |
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Fully Customisable | Yes |
Why You'll Love This Safari
Walking With Mountain Gorillas
There is nothing quite like meeting a mountain gorilla on foot. After following your guides into the forest, the moment you finally find a family is quiet, intimate and entirely on their terms.
The Virunga Mountains
The mountains are part of what makes Rwanda so special. Volcanoes rise dramatically from the surrounding countryside, while dense forest climbs their slopes and mist often settles between the peaks.
The Journey Into the Forest
Gorilla trekking is not a safari drive with a guaranteed viewpoint. You walk, climb and search. Some treks are relatively short, while others can take several hours through steep and muddy terrain. The uncertainty is part of what makes finding the gorillas so rewarding.
A Different Kind of Wildlife Experience
This is a journey centred around one extraordinary species rather than a long list of sightings. The pace is slower and more physical, with time spent watching behaviour rather than moving from one sighting to the next.
Beyond the Gorillas
Rwanda offers more than its mountain gorillas. Golden monkey trekking, forest walks, cultural experiences and time spent exploring the surrounding landscape can all be incorporated into your stay.
A Journey That Stays With You
There is something deeply rewarding about earning an encounter like this. From the early morning start to the climb through the forest and the moment you finally find the gorillas, the experience asks something of you.
Lodges In Our Portfolio
Trekking in the Mountains of Rwanda is built around Singita Kwitonda, a carefully selected lodge chosen for its exceptional position beside Volcanoes National Park and its connection to the Virunga landscape. It gives you a refined and deeply comfortable base from which to experience the gorillas, while keeping the mountains and forest at the heart of the journey.
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Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
Set on the foothills of Mount Sabyinyo, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge offers a comfortable and characterful base just minutes from the entrance to Volcanoes National Park. Its individual stone-and-thatch cottages look towards the Virunga Volcanoes, with fireplaces and private verandas creating a warm place to return to after a day in the forest. The emphasis here is on being close to the trekking experience, with the dramatic volcanic landscape always surrounding you.
Best Suited For
Travellers visiting Rwanda primarily for gorilla trekking
Guests wanting easy access to Volcanoes National Park
Families and small groups
Travellers who prefer traditional Rwandan-style accommodation
Guests looking for comfort without an ultra-luxury lodge experience
Lodge Atmosphere
Traditional • Welcoming • Comfortable • Mountainous
Singita Kwitonda
Set directly beside Volcanoes National Park, Singita Kwitonda is an extraordinary base for exploring Rwanda’s misty volcanic landscape and encountering mountain gorillas in the wild. The lodge brings together exceptional luxury, handcrafted Rwandan design and a deep sense of stillness, with the volcanoes and forest always close by.
Best Suited For
Gorilla trekking
Luxury safari travellers
Couples and honeymooners
Families seeking an exceptional wildlife experience
Lodge Atmosphere
Refined • Serene • Contemporary • Soulful
Virunga Lodge
Perched high on a ridge overlooking the Virunga Volcanoes and the twin lakes of Ruhondo and Burera, Virunga Lodge is as much about its extraordinary setting as it is about gorilla trekking. Hand-built bandas, private terraces, fireplaces and locally inspired design give the lodge a distinctive Rwandan character, while the views stretch across volcanoes, forests and lakes. After time in the forest, evenings unfold slowly around the fire, with locally inspired food, spa treatments and stories of the region adding depth to the experience.
Best Suited For
Couples and honeymooners
Travellers who value spectacular scenery
Luxury safari travellers wanting a sense of place
Guests interested in Rwanda's conservation and cultural story
Travellers combining gorilla trekking with a more leisurely lodge experience
Lodge Atmosphere
Romantic • Scenic • Handcrafted • Soulful
Sample Itinerary
Recommended Stay: 2 Nights | 3 Days
We believe two nights is the ideal starting point for experiencing Rwanda's gorillas. It gives you enough time to experience the trek without making the journey feel rushed, while leaving space for another experience in the forest or surrounding landscape.
Day 1: Arrival
Arrive in Kigali and begin your journey north towards Volcanoes National Park, travelling through Rwanda's famous hills and cultivated countryside as the Virunga mountains gradually come into view.
Arrive at the lodge, settle into your room and enjoy lunch before spending the afternoon at leisure and taking in the surrounding mountains.
As evening falls, enjoy dinner at the lodge and prepare for an early start into the forest the following morning.
Inclusions: Private transfer from Kigali, lunch, dinner.
Day 2
After an early breakfast, head to the park headquarters before entering the forest with your guides in search of a habituated mountain gorilla family.
The length and difficulty of the trek depends on where the family is located that day, taking you through steep, muddy and densely forested terrain.
Once you find the gorillas, spend time quietly observing their behaviour before making your way back through the forest.
Return to the lodge for a slower afternoon, with time to rest, enjoy the lodge and let the experience settle in.
Inclusions: Breakfast, gorilla trekking, lunch, dinner.
Day 3: Departure
Enjoy a final breakfast overlooking the mountains before beginning your journey back to Kigali.
Depending on your onward travel plans, continue directly to Kigali International Airport or spend additional time in the city before your departure.
Inclusions: Breakfast, lunch, private transfer to Kigali.
The All Out Safaris Perspective
Rwanda is not somewhere we would send you simply to tick gorillas off a list.
The real experience begins long before you see them: the drive into the mountains, the anticipation before the trek, the climb through dense forest and then the sudden realisation that a gorilla family is somewhere just ahead of you.
You are on their ground, moving through their forest and for a short while you are allowed into their world.
That is what makes this experience so different from a traditional safari. There is no vehicle between you and the wildlife, no open horizon and no guarantee of what the day will bring.
Questions about this safari
Is this safari suitable for first-time visitors to Rwanda?
Yes. Rwanda is one of the most accessible destinations for a first gorilla trekking experience, particularly when staying close to Volcanoes National Park.
Which Rwanda lodge should I choose?
That depends on your travel style, budget and priorities. If you're unsure which is right for you, we'll recommend the option that best matches your travel style and preferences.
How difficult is gorilla trekking?
It varies depending on where the gorilla family is located. Some treks are relatively short, while others can involve several hours of steep and muddy terrain. A reasonable level of fitness is recommended.
When is the best time to visit Rwanda?
Gorilla trekking is possible throughout the year. The drier periods generally make the forest trails easier to navigate, while the wetter months can make trekking more challenging.
What wildlife can I expect to see?
Mountain gorillas are the main attraction, alongside golden monkeys, black-and-white colobus monkeys, forest elephants, buffalo, bushbuck and a rich variety of forest birds. Sightings beyond the gorillas are less predictable, but the forest itself is full of life.
What else can I do besides gorilla trekking?
Golden monkey trekking, forest walks, cultural experiences, birding and time at the lodge can all be included.
Can I trek gorillas more than once?
Yes, subject to permit availability. A second trek can be particularly rewarding for photographers or travellers who want more time observing gorilla behaviour.
How do I book this safari?
Simply complete the enquiry form below. We'll then hop on a consultation call to discuss and prepare a personalised safari proposal with recommended accommodation, itinerary options and pricing for you to review.
Similar Safaris
If Trekking in the Mountains of Rwanda feels like the safari you've been dreaming of, we'd love to help you start planning your journey.
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