A truly once in a lifetime experience. Spending time with some of the last remaining mountain gorillas is a real treat, ideal for a honeymoon safari, anniversary celebration or family safari (as long as everyone is over the age of 15!). Only a short drive from Kigali, Volcanoes National Park provides slightly easier gorilla tracking than in neighbouring Uganda. One of the more rewarding safari experiences as you track the gorillas on foot for up to 8hrs through the forested slopes of the Virunga Volcanoes.
When?
You can track the gorillas year round although the wetter months of March – May and October – November do make it slightly more slippery underfoot. Our favourite months are February and September when you are out of the peak holiday season and the weather is still good.
Where to Stay?
Virunga Lodge has to be our personal favourite with our MD adding to the finishing touches to some of the build when he worked for the property’s owners. Located at 2,300m and views over the chain of Virunga Volcanoes this is a stunning location.
Best National Park?
Volcanoes National Park is THE place to go for a mountain gorilla safari. Within easy reach of Kigali (the capital and main international flight hub of Rwanda) with a short 3hr drive, you can be on the doorstep of the gorillas within only a few hours of arriving in the country. Volcanoes National Park provides slightly easier tracking of gorillas than in Uganda with slightly less dense undergrowth and, not always, less steep terrain!