Gorillas In Africa’s Midst
10 Days
Visiting: Rwanda
From:
$8744 (USD)Tour Overview
Central Africa has long held a fascination for the intrepid and the curious. Here, amongst the impenetrable landscapes of Conrad’s ‘Heart of Darkness’, history and mountains lie shrouded in the mists of time. These jungles echo to the calls of great apes and karyenda drummers in a land forged by the violent upheavals of colonial war, civil strife and volcanic explosion.
This remarkable trip takes us across some of the most beautiful and emotive landscapes on the African continent, travelling through Rwanda and Eastern Congo as we go in search of the largest gorillas on earth, towering volcanoes in the Virunga Mountains and a people whose lives and traditions have withstood imperialism and some of the bloodiest conflicts of the last century.
Beginning in Kigali, we travel south-west into the magnificent primary montane rainforest of Nyungwe National Park and then onwards to explore the expansive waters of Lake Kivu. Along the way we’ll have a chance to visit the lowland gorillas of DR Congo’s Kahuzi-Biega National Park, climb to the summit of a dormant volcano and meet a cast of fascinating and inspiring characters who will provide a truly unique insight into this incredible part of the continent.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Tour Starts In Kigali (Rwanda)
Accommodation: Hotel Chez Lando or similar
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
The tour starts this morning in the Rwandan capital, Kigali. Located in the geographical centre of the country, this lively city began life as a German colonial outpost at the turn of the last century. Today it is the country’s political, economic and cultural centre, and sprawls across the hills and valleys that lie at the foot of Mount Kigali. After freshening up at our hotel we’ll head out to visit the multi-cultural neighbourhood of Nyamirambo. Our tour of this lively district will be hosted by the Nyamirambo Women’s Centre during which we’ll have the chance to meet some of the people who make up this fascinating community. We’ll enjoy a home lunch as well as a walking tour of the neighbourhood, including a visit to the Nyamirambo Women’s Centre itself. This organisation was set up to support women’s health and employment, as well as providing skills and training to women through various educational programmes. In the afternoon we’ll enjoy a guided tour of this city to discover some of its colonial beginnings, as well as visiting a memorial for the peacekeepers who lost their lives and the infamous Hôtel des Mille
Collines (Hotel Rwanda). Tonight we’ll enjoy our first group meal and take the chance to discuss the exciting trip ahead!
Day 2: Kigali - Nyungwe National Park
Accommodation: Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning we’ll pay a visit to the Kigali Memorial Centre at Gisozi, the country’s most important reminder of the genocide, built on the site where up to 250,000 victims were believed to have been buried in mass graves. Around mid-morning we’ll leave the Rwandan capital for Nyungwe National Park, stopping on route to visit the former Mwami's Palace and the 19th century seat of Rwanda's feudal monarchy. We’ll also visit the National Museum in Huye, regarded as one of the finest ethnographic museums in all of East Africa, providing a rich insight into Rwandan culture and history. From here we’ll continue to the primary montane rainforest of Nyungwe National Park in the south-west of the country. Set amongst the high ridges of the Albertine Rift, part of the series of ranges that run from western Uganda through to the Lendu Plateau of the eastern Congo, the Nyungwe Forest covers nearly a thousand square kilometres and is one of the largest mountainous rainforests left in Africa.
Day 3: Nyungwe Np - Chimp Trek
Accommodation: Nyungwe Top View Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Early this morning we will head out for a trek in Nyungwe Forest in the hope of spotting some chimpanzees. On this trek you may be treated to the sight of chimps jumping in the tree canopies above your head, whilst enjoying the hooting and screams of them communicating with each other. Sightings cannot be guaranteed due to the fast paced nature of the chimps, but the sounds of nature around you will provide a memorable experience and will be considered a highlight of the tour. In the afternoon we return to our hotel to spend some time at leisure and enjoy our surrounding. Additional activities such as tea plantation visits or additional nature walks can be arranged and paid for locally.
Day 4: Nyungwe Np - Bukavu (Dr Congo)
Accommodation: Orchids' Safari Club or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning we experience the extraordinary canopy walk, taking us above the trees up to 90 metres above the forest floor, hoping to catch sight of some of the 13 different species of primates or some of the nearly 300 species of birds that make this park their home. We will then return to the hotel before driving west to the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo at Bukavu. On arrival John Kahekwa will meet us to assist with border formalities before continuing to our hotel. After lunch we’ll visit a number of projects supported by John’s Pole Pole Foundation (POPOF), an Earthshot finalist, in and around Bukavu. We'll spend some time at a local school, visit a tree planting project and learn about the spirulina growing project which helps to provide invaluable nutrition supplements to the local communities.
Day 5: Gorilla Tracking In Kahuzi-Biega National Park (Group A) / Visit Lwiro (Group B):
Accommodation: Orchids' Safari Club or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
One of the last refuges of the rare Eastern Lowland Gorilla, Kahuzi-Biega National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site situated some 50 kilometres west of Bukavu. Dominated by two extinct volcanoes, the primary forests of Kahuzi-Biega are believed to hold fewer than 300 of these magnificent animals. This morning we head to the Tshivanga area of the park, to track a family of Grauer’s gorillas, a lowland species endemic to the eastern Congo and the largest of the world’s four gorilla species. Travelling in groups of between 5 and 30 members the dominant males can weigh in at over 500 pounds (nearly 230 kg), but the continued unrest in the DR Congo, coupled with illegal mining and hunting has decimated their numbers to the point of extinction. Observing wild gorillas up close is something that even the most jaded of travellers tend to rank among their all-time favourite travel experiences and will undoubtedly linger in the memory long after the sun-tan has faded! If we do have to split the group, group A will go gorilla tracking while group B will take a drive out to the Lwiro area of the park for a nature walk and to visit a set of waterfalls. Later group B will pay a visit to the Centre Intégral d’Education de Lwiro, an establishment aimed at educating locals and visitors alike on the natural and anthropological history of the area, before continuing to the Lwiro Primate Sanctuary - which is currently home to 72 chimpanzees and 92 monkeys from 11 species. The visit will offer the opportunity to learn more about the work the sanctuary does to improve the lives of orphaned primates, many of whom are affected by poaching and human encroachment on their natural habitats.
Day 6: Visit Lwiro (Group A) / Gorilla Tracking (Group B) - Tour Of Bukavu
Accommodation: Orchids' Safari Club or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Returning to Kahuzi-Biega NP this morning, group B will go gorilla tracking while group A take a drive out to the Lwiro area of the park for a nature walk. Later that afternoon we’ll head out together to explore some of the colonial past of this scenic town. The lake front is particularly pretty with some old colonial mansions along the shoreline.
Day 7: Bukavu - Kinunu (Rwanda)
Accommodation: Rushel Kivu Resort or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast we will say goodbye to Bukavu and head back across the border into Rwanda. We make our way north along the edge of Lake Kivu, stopping in Kibuye for lunch, before continuing to our hotel for the night in Kinunu. We have the opportunity to enjoy a leisurely afternoon at this beautiful setting on the lakeshore, with options to swim, canoe to Bugarura Island, trek in the surrounding villages on the Congo-Nile Trail, or search for the famous Singing Fishermen at sunset.
Day 8: Kinunu - Volcanoes Np
Accommodation: Hotel Gorillas Volcanoes or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we take a boat transfer along Lake Kivu to Rubavu on the northern edge of the lake. Travelling along the clear waters of Africa's 6th largest lake gives us a different perspective of the surrounding lush hills and the daily life that exists both on water and along its shores. Today we will also spend some time learning more about the coffee production process 'from crop to cup' and its importance to the local population during a visit to a coffee plantation and the Nkora washing station, the largest of its kind in Rwanda. From Rubavu we transfer inland to Musanze, the gateway town to Volcanoes National Park. We should have some time for some exploration of the town this evening before dinner.
Day 9: Volcanoes National Park - Mount Bisoke
Accommodation: Hotel Gorillas Volcanoes or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Early this morning, we will report to Volcanoes National Park headquarters and after a short briefing head to the start point of the Mount Bisoke hike. The trail starts gently through farmland in the foothills, but soon starts to rise as you trek through thicker vegetation, narrow trails, and along some steep sections before reaching the summit at 3711m. Along the way, we will be rewarded with views of crater lakes and the surrounding lush hills. The volcano's hills are the habitat of a number of wild animals including buffaloes, Golden monkeys and gorillas, and whilst sightings cannot be guaranteed, we do have a good chance to see some wildlife on the way. In total our hike this morning should take around 5-7 hours. After freshening up at the hotel, this afternoon we can visit the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, a purpose-built, state-of-the-art home for research, education and conservation programs.
Day 10: Musanze - Kigali (Tour Ends)
Accommodation: Hotel Chez Lando or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning we will have the chance to experience life in a rural Rwandan household by joining the Azizi Life community and gain a greater insight into the lives of the local Rwandans by helping the women with agricultural activities, learning how to weave some of their traditional handicrafts and sharing a midday meal.
In the afternoon we transfer back to Kigali where there will be an opportunity to freshen up at the hotel before our farewell dinner. Those on the suggested group flights will be transferred to the airport.
What's Included
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MEALS
9 x Breakfasts10 x Lunches10 x Dinners
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TRANSPORT
On this tour we’ll use minibuses, motorboats and 4WD vehicles.
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GROUP SIZE
Maximum: 12
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CARBON CONTRIBUTIONS
Contributions to climate and community projects for all bookings
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EXPERT TEAM
The full services of a Wild Frontiers Tour Leader with local guides where appropriate
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ACCOMMODATION
All accommodation as outlined in the itinerary
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ENTRANCE FEES
All entrance fees for sights mentioned in the itinerary
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FITNESS RATING
Moderate
What's Not Included
We believe in a completely transparent approach to pricing with no hidden extras. As such, please note that the following are not included in the cost of the tour.
Visas & Travel Insurance: Visas will always be tour
ationality dependent but travel insurance is mandatory
Tips: Always optional but some guidance will be given in the pre-departure information documents
International Flights: Please ask us for an obligation-free quote for flights which originate in the UK
Airport Transfers: We include complimentary transfers if arriving/departing on the suggested group flights
Beverages & any costs of a personal nature: This will include items such as laundry and souvenirs
Responsible Travel
With local people, culture and eco-systems in mind, responsible travel and sustainable tourism are at the core of Wild Frontiers. We believe that a successful trip not only delivers a unique and unsurpassable journey for our travellers but also benefits the people and places we visit.
When designing our tours, we actively seek out experiences that have a positive impact on the communities and precious environments we visit - from supporting social enterprises; resting our heads in rural homestays; and eating at locally owned restaurants; to helping fund conservation projects that protect wildlife and their habitats.
Visit the Responsible Travel area of our website to read more, including the work of the Wild Frontiers Foundation through which we fundraise to aid community empowerment and education projects.
Visas
VISAS
Visas are necessary for many of the destinations we travel to and while we aim to provide you with the most up-to-date information, requirements frequently change and as such for the latest advice we advise that you check with the relevant embassies or contact a reputable visa agency. More details can be found here - https://www.wildfrontierstravel.com/visa
For this tour UK passport holders currently require a multiple entry visa for Rwanda, and single entry visa for DR Congo. Wild Frontiers will assist with obtaining the DR Congo visa on your behalf.
Passports should ideally be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the end of your tour.
Non-UK passport holders or non-UK residents should contact the relevant embassies for individual requirements.
Further details will be sent out to you on booking, however ensuring that correct and valid visas are obtained remains the sole responsibility of the clients.
VACCINATIONS & ADDITIONAL TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is a mandatory requirement for all travellers to DRC and also Rwanda (if travelling from a country where it is present)
For all destinations, please make sure you are up-to-date with any standard vaccinations (e.g. MMR, Hepatitis A, Tetanus) as recommended by your local health care provider.
Malaria is present throughout and precautions are essential.
For the most up-to-date information on all vaccination requirements and the most suitable anti-malarial tablets, we strongly suggest that you seek advice from your local travel centre or consult an official travel health website such as www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk or www.travelhealthpro.org.uk
Covid Testing: No mandatory testing is currently required for vaccinated or unvaccinated travellers.
If necessary further details will be sent out to you upon booking, however ensuring that correct and valid visas & vaccinations are obtained remains the sole responsibility of the client.
Key Aspects to Consider
Anyone in a reasonable state of health, with an open mind and a sense of adventure should be able to cope with this tour. However please bear in mind that DR Congo in particular is an unpredictable country and that some of the scenes you may encounter along the way will make this a challenging trip even for the most experienced traveller.
Please be advised that on this trip vegetarians can be catered for but the selection and variety may be limited.
The trek to see the Eastern gorillas can be moderately challenging (given the fact that gorillas tend to move about!) so please bear this in mind. Tracking times can vary from about 2 hours to several hours and although lowland gorilla tracking in this part of DR Congo is typically not as strenuous as tracking the mountain gorillas of Rwanda & Uganda, you should come prepared for a moderately challenging trek through virgin rainforest.
The climb of Mount Bisoke should take between 5-7 hours (depending upon your level of fitness) and is described as ‘challenging’ in places. Please note the weather can turn with little or no warning. In places the terrain is steep and can be slippery making this a difficult climb in places. If you feel unsteady on your feet you should bring trekking poles with you, which will be helpful when descending from the crater lake at the summit.
Travelling Solo and single supplements
As a company approximately 70% of our clients are solo travellers, so it’s very unlikely you’ll be alone!
Our prices are typically based on twin-share accommodation but single supplements are not compulsory for any Wild Frontiers tour. If you prefer not to pay a single supplement we’ll pair you with someone else of the same sex for you to share with throughout the tri
On this trip, if you do opt to pay for a single supplement then please note that it will cover you for all nights of the tour except the guesthouse in Nyungwe National Park and at Rushel Kivu Resort due to the limited rooms available here. If we can’t get you a single room at these locations then a reduction in the cost of a single supplement will be applied accordingly.
Please note that paying a single supplement entitles you to lone occupancy of a single room. In many cases these rooms will be of the same size as a double/twin room, but in some cases they may be smaller.
Insurance
Insurance that provides cover for emergency repatriation in case of a medical emergency is compulsory for all tours. You should be aware that due to some of the geographical areas visited and some of the activities included on certain of our trips some standard insurance policies may not always provide adequate cover. As such we strongly recommend that you purchase a policy that adequately covers your trip. Please see the Insurance section for more details.
Check out our Q&As
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
We have a complete Covid-19 hub here: https://www.wildfrontierstravel.com/en_GB/covid-hub
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 70% of passengers on our group tours are solo adventurers. Unlike many tour operators, we don’t believe in charging solo travellers a premium, so if you are happy to share a room with a fellow traveller of the same sex, you will pay exactly the same as a couple..Occasionally you may even end up with your own room. You can travel as a single traveller on any of our holidays, from our escorte
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 2002
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Do I need to be double-vaccinated against Covid-19 to travel with you?
In most cases, yes. Not only are many destinations making double-vaccination a requirement of entry to the country and/or access to restaurants, museums etc., but additionally on all our group tours for the foreseeable future, for everyone’s peace of mind, we are asking that all clients be double vaccinated.
Reviews from Travellers on this Tour
Dates & Availability
Saturday - Monday
Aug 16, 2025 - Aug 25, 2025Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
Wild Frontiers allows you to make 2 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 90 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
Wild Frontiers requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of wild frontiers charges.
Up to 71 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 51 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Wild Frontiers' COVID Promise
You will have the right to transfer without any transfer fee, from any of our trips at ANY time if your trip is not Covid Viable (see below).*
We will not ask you to pay your final balance if your trip is not yet Covid Viable.
If your trip is not Covid Viable, by 30 days prior to departure at the latest, we will cancel your holiday and you can either transfer your funds to another departure or have a refund.**
We will only consider a trip Covid Viable*** if pre-departure it meets all of the following criteria:
There is no national lockdown or ban on foreign travel for the period when your trip is due to depart.
Destinations on the tour must not be on the UK’s Red List. ****
No destinations visited on the tour have in place any significant COVID-19 restrictions for travellers.
Tourist visas (if required) are available.
There is reliable airline access to/from the start/end of the trip.
Following an assessment by both Wild Frontiers and our local partners we are confident that your trip is able to run in both a safe and enjoyable manner.*****
** If you were originally booked to travel before 30 April 2020 and transferred to a later date, or if you have a tailor-made booking, there may be some irrecoverable costs which we cannot refund. Please speak to us and we will be able to advise you if this is the case for your booking.
***Since our HQ is in London, Covid Viable status for our Group Tours will be assessed on UK-based travellers. However we are fully aware that many of our clients live in the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and beyond. As such, when we deem a trip to now be Covid Viable, everyone booked will have a chance to review their own personal situation before deciding whether or not to remain booked on the trip. Anyone wishing to, will have the option to transfer without fees to another trip at this time. For tailor made bookings, we may also able to consider additional countries’ travel advice when deciding if a trip is Viable. Please discuss this with us at the time of booking.
**** This relates to bookings from UK clients only. We may operate trips to destinations which the British FCDO advise against travel for Covid reasons. If this is the case, anyone wishing to will have the option to cancel with a refund or transfer to another trip. In some cases we may choose to offer a tour to a Red destination but these will be at both clients’ and Wild Frontiers’ discretion and will be subject to alternative conditions to be discussed on an ad hoc basis.
*****If a destination, that we have deemed to be Covid Viable, subsequently fails any aspect of the criteria for two consecutive weeks, you will have the right under our Covid Promise to transfer without any fees.