Tour Overview

Experience the ultimate luxury safari in Rwanda with this unforgettable 5 Days Luxury Gorilla Trekking Safari, designed for travelers seeking exclusive wildlife encounters, cultural immersion, and world-class accommodation. Journey through the breathtaking landscapes of the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” from the vibrant capital of Kigali to the mist-covered slopes of Volcanoes National Park, home to the endangered mountain gorillas.

The highlight of this safari is an extraordinary gorilla trekking adventure, where you will spend one unforgettable hour observing a habituated gorilla family in their natural habitat. Complementing this once-in-a-lifetime experience are visits to the Gorilla Guardians Village and the world-renowned Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, offering fascinating insights into Rwanda’s rich culture and internationally celebrated conservation efforts.

Throughout your journey, you’ll stay in some of Rwanda’s finest luxury lodges, enjoy exceptional hospitality, and travel in comfort with a professional safari guide. This safari perfectly combines wildlife, conservation, culture, and relaxation, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Safari Highlights

  • Kigali city tour
  • Scenic drive through Rwanda’s countryside
  • Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park
  • Visit to the Gorilla Guardians (Iby’Iwacu) Cultural Village
  • Tour of the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund
  • Luxury accommodation with spectacular Virunga Volcano views

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali – Welcome to Rwanda

Upon your arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your professional safari guide and transferred to your luxury hotel in Kigali. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a guided city tour to discover Rwanda’s vibrant capital. Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial for an insightful introduction to the country’s history, browse local craft markets, admire contemporary art galleries, or sample authentic Rwandan cuisine at one of Kigali’s renowned restaurants.

After the tour, return to your hotel for dinner and relaxation as you prepare for the exciting adventure ahead.

Accommodation: The Retreat by Heaven Rwanda (Luxury)
Meal Plan: Dinner

Day 2: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park & Gorilla Guardians Village

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before departing Kigali for the scenic drive to Volcanoes National Park, approximately 2.5 hours through Rwanda’s beautiful countryside, famously known as the “Land of a Thousand Hills.”

Upon arrival, check in to your luxury lodge and enjoy lunch while taking in spectacular views of the Virunga Volcanoes. In the afternoon, visit the Gorilla Guardians Village (formerly Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village), where you’ll experience Rwanda’s rich cultural heritage through traditional dances, drumming performances, storytelling, local crafts, and demonstrations of ancient royal traditions. Meet members of the local community and learn how conservation tourism has transformed former poachers into wildlife protectors.

Return to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.

Accommodation (3 Nights):

  • Wilderness Bisate Lodge
  • One&Only Gorilla’s Nest
  • Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge
  • Bishop’s House Rwanda

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

After an early breakfast, transfer to the Volcanoes National Park headquarters in Kinigi for a briefing by the park rangers. You will be assigned a habituated gorilla family based on your fitness level before beginning your unforgettable trek through the bamboo forests and volcanic slopes.

The trek may last between 2 and 6 hours, depending on the gorillas’ location. Along the way, your experienced guides will introduce you to the park’s remarkable flora and fauna while tracking the gorillas.

Once you locate the gorilla family, spend one magical hour observing their fascinating behavior as they feed, groom, play, and interact. This intimate wildlife encounter is considered one of Africa’s greatest safari experiences.

After the trek, return to your lodge for lunch and spend the afternoon relaxing or enjoying the lodge’s luxurious facilities.

Accommodation: Luxury Lodge

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinne

Day 4: Visit the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund

Following breakfast, visit the award-winning Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, an internationally acclaimed conservation and research center located near Volcanoes National Park.

Explore its interactive exhibits, conservation galleries, research laboratories, and beautifully landscaped gardens while learning about the remarkable legacy of Dian Fossey and Rwanda’s ongoing efforts to protect endangered mountain gorillas. Gain valuable insight into gorilla conservation, scientific research, community education, and sustainable tourism initiatives.

After the visit, return to your lodge for lunch. Spend the remainder of the afternoon at leisure, enjoying a spa treatment, nature walk, or simply relaxing with breathtaking views of the Virunga Mountains.

Accommodation: Luxury Lodge

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5: Return to Kigali & Departure

After breakfast, check out of your lodge and begin your scenic drive back to Kigali. As you journey through Rwanda’s rolling hills and picturesque villages, reflect on the unforgettable experiences of your luxury safari—from standing face-to-face with mountain gorillas to learning about Rwanda’s remarkable conservation efforts and vibrant culture.

Depending on your departure schedule, you may enjoy some last-minute shopping for locally made crafts or premium Rwandan coffee before your guide transfers you to Kigali International Airport for your onward flight.

Meal Plan: Breakfast

End of Your 5 Days Luxury Gorilla Trekking Safari

Tour Includes

  • Gorilla trekking permit (US$1,500 per person)
  • Entrance fee to the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund
  • Luxury accommodation as specified in the itinerary
  • Meals as indicated in the itinerary
  • Private 4×4 safari vehicle with fuel
  • Professional English-speaking driver-guide
  • Kigali city tour
  • Visit to the Gorilla Guardians Village
  • All park entrance fees and activity fees
  • Bottled drinking water throughout the safari
  • Airport transfers
  • Government taxes and VAT
  • AMREF Emergency Evacuation Insurance

Tour Excludes

  • International and domestic flights
  • Rwanda tourist visa fees
  • Comprehensive travel insurance
  • Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Alcoholic and soft drinks
  • Laundry services
  • Personal expenses such as souvenirs and telephone calls
  • Spa treatments and additional hotel services
  • Tips and gratuities for guides, drivers, porters, and lodge staff
  • Accommodation before or after the safari unless requested