Day 1: Arrival in Kigali – City Tour

Your safari begins upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, where a professional guide will meet you for a warm welcome. Depending on your arrival time, take a city tour of Kigali, one of Africa’s cleanest and most vibrant capitals. Visit landmarks like the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a deeply moving tribute to the victims of the 1994 genocide, and local craft markets where you can purchase handmade Rwandan souvenirs.

Check into a luxury hotel in Kigali for dinner and overnight stay, as you prepare for your journey into the mountains.

Day 2: Kigali to Volcanoes National Park

After breakfast, depart for Volcanoes National Park, located in Rwanda’s Northern Province. The scenic drive takes you through rolling hills, verdant countryside, and picturesque villages—earning Rwanda the nickname “The Land of a Thousand Hills.”

Upon arrival, check into your luxury lodge with spectacular views of the Virunga volcanoes. In the afternoon, you can choose to relax at the lodge or visit the nearby Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village, where you’ll engage with former poachers turned conservationists and learn about traditional Rwandan life through dance, music, and storytelling.

Day 3: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

This is the highlight of your safari. After an early breakfast, head to the Kinigi Park Headquarters for a briefing by park rangers. You’ll be assigned to one of the 12 habituated mountain gorilla families and begin your gorilla trekking expedition, led by expert guides and trackers.

The trek may last between 2 to 6 hours depending on the location of the gorillas, traversing dense forest and steep terrain. Once you locate them, spend one magical hour observing the gorillas as they interact, feed, and care for their young. The experience is intimate, emotional, and unlike any other wildlife encounter on Earth.

Return to the lodge for a well-deserved rest and an evening of reflection around the fire.

Day 4: Optional Golden Monkey Trek or Dian Fossey Hike

Today, you have the option to embark on another exciting adventure. Choose between:

• Golden Monkey Tracking – A lighter hike to see these rare, playful primates found only in the Virunga region.

• Dian Fossey Tomb Hike – A guided trek to the tomb of the legendary primatologist, set in a stunning forested saddle between Mount Karisimbi and Mount Bisoke.

Alternatively, relax at the lodge and enjoy the serenity of the forested surroundings.

Day 5: Return to Kigali – Departure

After a leisurely breakfast, drive back to Kigali, with optional stops en route for photography or cultural visits. Arrive in time for your flight or spend the afternoon exploring Kigali further before your departure