11-Day Rwanda Gorilla & Rhino Tracking Safari

Itinerary information

Arriving in Rwanda at Kigali's International Airport, you'll be warmly welcomed and transferred to the Kigali Serena Hotel, your comfortable base for exploring this vibrant, green city. Take time to settle in after your journey – perhaps stretch your legs in the hotel's tranquil gardens or enjoy a relaxed dinner at the excellent in-house restaurant.

The following day is dedicated to discovering Kigali's dynamic spirit and resilient history. A guided city tour takes you through bustling streets, colourful markets and key cultural sites, culminating in a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial. This profoundly moving experience offers insight into Rwanda's difficult past and the extraordinary steps its people have taken to heal and rebuild. On your return to the hotel, consider a soothing treatment or massage at the spa – an ideal way to unwind and prepare for the unforgettable trekking adventures ahead.

Itinerary information

After breakfast at Kigali Serena, you'll meet your driver and set off on a scenic road transfer north towards Volcanoes National Park. The journey winds through Rwanda's lush hills, with views of terraced farms, villages and the distant volcanic peaks that define this iconic landscape. Your base for the next four nights is Virunga Lodge, perched high on a hill with breathtaking 360-degree views of the surrounding extinct volcanoes, shimmering lakes and the patchwork fields of rural Rwanda. Settle into your cosy ‘banda', complete with all the comforts you need and a private terrace perfect for soaking in the vistas.

The next morning brings one of Africa's most unforgettable experiences – your first gorilla trek. After an early breakfast and detailed briefing, you'll head into Volcanoes National Park to track a habituated gorilla family. Spend a magical hour observing them as they forage, play and interact – always under careful guidance and strict protocols. Return to the lodge to rest tired muscles, swap stories at the bar, or simply relax next to a log fire and take in the mountain scenery.

The next day, venture back into the misty forests, this time for a lively Golden Monkey trek. These playful primates are a delight to watch as they chatter and leap through the branches. Your final day at Virunga is yours to explore at your own pace – consider a hike to the grave of famed primatologist Dian Fossey or tackle one of the volcanic summits for panoramic views of the surrounding misty landscapes.

Itinerary information

After breakfast at Virunga Lodge and a final glimpse of those sweeping volcanic views, you'll set off on your road transfer to Akagera National Park. Your driver will take you to Nyungwe Gate, where you'll meet the Magashi Camp team for your journey into the park and your next safari adventure.

Set on the shores of Lake Rwanyakazinga – known for its remarkable hippo population – Magashi Camp offers a truly unique safari experience. Here, you can drift along the lake on boat safaris to spot hippos, crocodiles and prolific water birds. Located in Akagera's only private concession, Magashi also gives you access to guided bush walks, night drives and catch-and-release fishing on the lake.

A highlight of your stay is the opportunity to take part in a white rhino tracking experience. As part of an ambitious conservation initiative with South Africa, white rhinos are being reintroduced to Akagera – an effort that's helping to restore this iconic species to Rwanda. Joining expert trackers, you'll gain insight into the challenges and successes of this relocation project and come away with a deeper understanding of conservation in action.

Itinerary information

Enjoy a final breakfast overlooking the lake, accompanied by the sounds of hippos wallowing and birdsong drifting through the morning air. After soaking up these last moments in the wild, you'll meet your driver for your road transfer back to Kigali. From here, continue your journey home or onward to your next adventure.