Dian Fossey Gorilla Safari

Accommodation: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge (Mid-range)
Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be met by your professional English-speaking safari driver-guide from Nomad Touring Company Ltd. After a short briefing, your scenic drive to Rwanda’s northwestern province begins.

The 2.5 to 3-hour drive to Volcanoes National Park takes you past rolling hills, bustling market towns, and panoramic views of Rwanda’s famed “Land of a Thousand Hills.” En route, your guide will introduce you to the cultural and ecological significance of the area.

Upon arrival at your lodge, check in and relax with views of the volcanic peaks in the distance. The rest of the evening is at leisure to enjoy the tranquil environment and prepare for the adventure ahead.

Overnight at: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge – A mid-range eco-lodge set on the edge of Volcanoes National Park, with stunning views of the surrounding misty mountains and lush forest. All rooms are en-suite and offer cozy fireplaces for those cool evenings.

Accommodation: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Wake up early for a hearty breakfast before heading to the Volcanoes National Park headquarters for your pre-trek briefing. You will be assigned to a gorilla family based on your fitness level and preferences.

Accompanied by armed rangers and experienced trackers, you will venture into the dense forest in search of a mountain gorilla group. The trek can take anywhere between 2 to 6 hours, depending on the movements of the gorillas. Your guide will interpret signs such as nests, dung, and tracks as you move deeper into the forest.

Once you find the gorillas, you will spend one unforgettable hour observing their behaviors—watch silverbacks assert dominance, mothers nurse their young, and juveniles play. This close encounter is often described as life-changing.

After the trek, return to the lodge for lunch and a well-deserved rest. The afternoon is free to unwind or explore the grounds of the lodge at your leisure.

Health Advisory: To protect these endangered animals from human-transmitted illnesses, guests showing signs of respiratory infections will not be allowed to trek. Please ensure you are in good health.

Trekking Support: Porters are available (USD 10 recommended tip) to assist with carrying your gear or offering support on steeper terrain. A complimentary walking stick is provided.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

This morning, you have the option to choose from one of the following experiences:

• Golden Monkey Trek: Track the vibrant and agile golden monkeys unique to the Virunga region. These playful primates are a joy to watch as they swing through bamboo forests.
• Dian Fossey Tomb Hike: A moderate hike to the former Karisoke Research Station and the grave site of Dian Fossey. Learn about her inspiring and tragic story, her groundbreaking research, and the continued legacy she left behind in gorilla conservation.

After your selected activity, return to the lodge for lunch and check-out. Begin your drive back to Kigali, stopping at the Dian Fossey Museum & Foundation in Musanze for a brief visit. The museum showcases her life’s work and welcomes donations that support ongoing research.

You will arrive in Kigali in the late afternoon with a drop-off at either your hotel or Kigali International Airport, marking the end of your unforgettable safari with Nomad Touring Company Ltd.