Journeys: Wild Encounters in Rwanda

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Wildlife Guided and Escorted

Carbon neutral

8 daysDuration

Small Group TourUsually 8-12 participants, maximum 18 travelers

6 peopleMaximum group size

15 - 100 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Challenging

Demands good physical fitness and stamina for more intense or extended activities.

Starts

Kigali, Rwanda

Ends

Kigali, Rwanda

Highlights

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

Journeys: Wild Encounters in Rwanda

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Itinerary

For wildlife lovers craving once-in-a-lifetime encounters, "Journeys: Wild Encounters in Rwanda" delivers an 8-day immersion into Africa’s rich biodiversity. Starting and ending in Kigali, this guided tour takes you tracking mountain gorillas and golden monkeys in Volcanoes National Park—a rare privilege for any traveler.

Visit the Dian Fossey research center to learn about gorilla conservation, then embark on a classic safari in Akagera National Park in search of the “big five.” Along the way, you’ll witness how Rwanda’s remarkable conservation efforts have revived former battlegrounds into thriving habitats.

This small group tour’s unique selling point is its intimate wildlife experiences, combining close-up primate tracking with expert-led safaris—a must for anyone seeking meaningful, impactful adventure.

day 1 - Kigali

Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer is included.
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.

Accomodation:Hotel des Mille Collines (or similar)

day 2 - Kigali/Volcanoes National Park

Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial and pay your respects to the victims of the 1994 Rwandan genocide, learning about this somber chapter of the country’s past. Later, embark on a community walk in the vibrant Nyamirambo neighbourhood and enjoy a local lunch at the G Adventures–supported Nyamirambo Women’s Centre. Travel to northern Rwanda in the afternoon and settle into our lodge, located at the edge of Volcanoes National Park and offering stunning views of the soaring peaks.
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.

Meal:Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accomodation:Mountain Gorilla View Lodge (or similar)

Transport:4x4 Duration : 3.0 hr Distance : 130 km

Included Activities:Kigali Genocide Memorial Visit Duration : 2.0 hr, Nyamirambo Women's Centre, Local Lunch

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.

Meal:Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accomodation:Mountain Gorilla View Lodge (or similar)

Included Activities:Golden Monkey Trek Duration : 3.0 hr - 5.0 hr, Mountain Gorilla Conservation Sundowner Experience

day 4 - Volcanoes National Park

Embark on an unforgettable trek through the jungle alongside a park ranger to search for mountain gorillas. When we come across a group of gorillas, witness their fascinating social dynamics up close. Note that these treks can vary in length and difficulty depending on the location of the gorillas. Return to our lodge for lunch, followed by a visit to a local village to catch a glimpse of daily rural life.
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.

Meal:Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accomodation:Mountain Gorilla View Lodge (or similar)

Included Activities:Iby'iwacu Village Visit, Gorilla Trekking Duration : 4.0 hr - 9.0 hr

day 5 - Volcanoes National Park/Akagera National Park

Head back to Kigali for lunch, then continue east to Akagera National Park. Armed conflict once devastated this part of Rwanda, and many years of neglect and misuse followed. Yet dedicated work by the local communities resulted in the return of wildlife to the park’s savannas, forested hills, and wetlands. Learn more about this fascinating conservation success story in a behind-the-scenes visit to the African Parks headquarters here. Later, check into our comfortable lodge overlooking stunning Lake Ihema.
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.

Meal:Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accomodation:Mantis Akagera Game Lodge (or similar)

Transport:4x4 Duration : 5.5 hr - 6.0 hr Distance : 240 km

Included Activity:Akagera National Park - Conservation and Community

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.

Meal:Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accomodation:Mantis Akagera Game Lodge (or similar)

Included Activities:Akagera NP Morning Safari Drive, Wildlife Cruise on Lake Ihema

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.

Meal:Breakfast

Accomodation:Hotel des Mille Collines (or similar)

Transport:4x4 Distance : 110 km

Included Activity:Akagera NP Morning Safari Drive

day 8 - Kigali

Depart at any time. Departure transfers are included.

Meal:Breakfast