Experience what few people get the chance to do—track mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. This four-day gorilla tracking trip includes two days of gorilla tracking in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, made famous by Dian Fossey. Observe these gentle giants as they interact with each other, eat and go about their daily activities. Accommodations are comfortable and guides are excellent. Standard and Deluxe lodging options are available.

Day 1 – VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK: Arrive Kigali airport, where you will be met for a two-hour drive to Kinigi via Ruhengeri. The road to Ruhengeri offers stunning scenery of the hills and valleys of this green and lush country. From Ruhengeri a 20-minute drive to Kinigi at the base of Sabinyo Mountain, with excellent views of the rest of the Virunga Volcanoes. Overnight at Gorilla Mountain View Lodge. (L, D)

Day 2 – VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK: Gorilla tracking day. After breakfast take a short drive to park headquarters and meet with excellent local guides and trackers who will give a talk on the etiquette of gorilla trekking. You then hike into the forest where the gorillas were seen the night before and track from that point. The trekking can take from one to six hours and climb to altitudes in excess of 7,500 feet.  The terrain is rough and at times muddy. Although the hike is physically demanding the beauty of the forest and surrounding scenery make the trekking worthwhile. Once the gorillas are located all fatigue is forgotten, as the experience is often described as being the most profound natural history experience in the world. Picnic lunches are provided and it is important to take plenty of water. It can rain at a few minutes notice; hence waterproof clothing is essential including, zip lock bags for cameras and film. Overnight at Gorilla Mountain View Lodge. (B, L, D)

Day 3 – VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK: Second gorilla tracking day. After your track, return to Kigali. Dinner and overnight at Umubano Novotel Hotel or Kigali Serena. (B, L, D)

Day 4 – KIGALI/FLIGHTS: After breakfast, if there is time before your flight, enjoy a ½ day city tour including the genocide memorial. Then transfer to the Kigali airport. (B)

Standard: Gorilla Mountain View Lodge is a new lodge.  All the rooms are separate cottages with full en suite facilities, hot and cold running water. A comfortable dining/bar and sitting area with a fireplace is especially nice on cool evenings.

Deluxe: Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge provides some of the most exclusive accommodations in Rwanda. All guest rooms and suites are individual cottages carefully positioned to take full advantage of the wonderful views of the Virunga Volcanoes while retaining as much privacy as possible. Cottages comprise sitting room, fire place, dressing room, large bathroom with all modern amenities and veranda.

Note: One hour is permitted with the gorillas per trek. Gorilla sightings cannot be guaranteed. The minimum age is 15 years old. Trekking through the forest can be steep, wet and slippery. Gorilla permits are subject to availability. Longer itineraries available upon request.