Rwanda Extension: Gorillas in Volcanoes National Park
A Customizable Trip to Rwanda — 6 Days / 5 Nights
Highlights
With unmatched up-close encounters, trekking through untamed, pristine rainforests, in search of the endangered mountain gorillas is the ultimate life-changing experience. Surrounded by swaying trees and broad volcanic mountains; this experience awakens a vibrant energy within you.
About this Safari
– Explore the vibrant city of Kigali; discovering the art, history, and culture of Rwanda
– Trek endangered mountain gorillas, experience the vibrant golden monkeys, view an array of 200 bird species or explore 62 million-year-old caves in the world-renowned Volcanoes National Park
– This can be a safari on its own or an extension to another East African safari
Total Cost of Tour – 2026
16 Jan – 28 Feb – $ 9,475
01 Mar – 31 May & 01 Nov – 14 Dec – $ 8,377
01 – 15 Jan, 01 Jun – 31 Oct & 15 – 31 Dec – $ 10,504
Rates
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1 – 2: The Retreat by Heaven, Rwanda
Arrive Kigali, transfer to The Retreat by Heaven – 2 nights. A passion project of Josh Ruxin and his wife Alissa, The Retreat pairs chic, natural design and…
Day 3 – 5: Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Volcanoes National Park
Drive to Volcanoes National Park – 3 nights. Set on the edge of the Volcanoes National Park in a lush green property of 11 hectares, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge enjoys fabulous and…
Day 6: Departure
Drive to Kigali International Airport – depart. Sadly, the end of your safari; other plans can be made to go to…
This is a condensed overview of the journey.
Request the full itineraryInclusions & Notes
Details of Costs
This cost includes:
- Bed & breakfast accommodation at Hemingways Retreat Kigali
- Full board accommodation at Wilderness Sabyinyo
- Purified water and coffee/tea in the room at Hemingways Retreat Kigali
- Soft drinks, beer, house wines and selected spirits at Wilderness Sabyinyo
- Park fees, conservancy fees, SACOLA Community Development Levy and all trekking permits
- Full-day Kigali City Tour including lunch on Day 2
- One golden monkey experience and one gorilla trekking experience at Volcanoes National Park
- One 30 minute welcome massage per person (subject to availability) at Hemingways Retreat Kigali
- One 30 minute on-site cultural activity: cocktail making / banana wine making demonstration/ local culinary demonstration or neighbourhood walk (subject to availability – pre booking required) at Hemingways Retreat Kigali
- Use of gym, swimming pool, hot tub, sauna and yoga terrace at Hemingways Retreat Kigali
- Laundry at Wilderness Sabyinyo
- Airport transfers & all road transfers mentioned in private transfers including snacks in vehicle
- Meet and assist on arrival and departure at Kigali International Airport
- Akagera Aviation & AMREF Flying Doctors Membership
- Processing and payment of one single entry visa per person
- Use of customised safari concierge app
- VIP welcome at Kigali International Airport
- All statutory charges
This cost does not include:
- Additional meals and drinks at Hemingways Retreat Kigali
- Champagne, luxury spirits and select wines at Wilderness Sabyinyo
- Additional activities not mentioned in inclusions
- Spa treatments
- International flights and additional visa fees
- All statutory increases beyond our control
- Laundry at The Retreat by Heaven
- Gratuities and items of a personal nature
- Any other extras
Notes
- Gorilla trekking is permitted for children aged 15 years and older
- Golden monkey experience is permitted for children aged 12 years and older
- Gorilla and Golden Monkey trekking begins at 07:00 am and guests are required to arrive at the park office at 06:40 am
Tour Accommodation
Map
Best Months to Visit
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Questions about this Volcanoes National Park extension
Where do we stay over the six days?
Two nights at The Retreat by Heaven in Kigali, a passion project of Josh Ruxin and his wife Alissa that pairs chic, natural design with a city base, then three nights at Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, set on eleven hectares of lush green grounds on the edge of Volcanoes National Park. Day six is the drive back to Kigali International Airport.
What is included besides the gorilla trek?
One golden monkey experience alongside one gorilla trekking experience in Volcanoes National Park, and a full-day Kigali city tour with lunch on day two. Park fees, conservancy fees, the SACOLA Community Development Levy and all trekking permits are covered, as are a 30-minute welcome massage and a 30-minute cultural activity at the Kigali property, both subject to availability.
Is there anything to do beyond primates?
Volcanoes National Park has around 200 bird species and 62-million-year-old caves to explore, and Kigali itself repays a day spent on its art, history and culture. Use of the gym, swimming pool, hot tub, sauna and yoga terrace at the Kigali property is included, so the trip has some room for rest either side of the trek.
What are the age limits and start times?
Gorilla trekking is permitted for children aged 15 and older, and the golden monkey experience for children aged 12 and older. Both begin at 07:00, with guests required to arrive at the park office by 06:40. Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge sits close to the park boundary, which makes those early starts less punishing than they sound.
How much does it cost and when is it cheapest?
From US$8,377 per person sharing for 1 March to 31 May and 1 November to 14 December. The band from 16 January to 28 February is US$9,475, and 1 to 15 January, 1 June to 31 October and 15 to 31 December are US$10,504. One single entry visa per person, private road transfers, airport meet and assist and medical evacuation membership are included.