A lifetime experience

It’s hard to find the words to describe the sensation of looking into the eyes of a wild mountain gorilla standing so close you could touch it. Thrilling, mesmerizing, magical, awesome are just a few of the sensations.

Rwanda is one of only three countries in the world where the critically endangered mountain gorillas live. Rwanda provides the perfect backdrop for this lifetime experience. Protected within the Volcanoes National Park (PNV), with its majestic Virunga Mountain Range, these majestic mammals have settled into the park’s lush bamboo forests providing a dramatic setting for travellers who want to experience one of the most memorable wildlife experiences this planet has to offer.

The Virunga Mountains that straddle the borders of Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, are home to around 480 mountain gorillas, more than half of the world’s entire population (the rest live in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda). The most popular times for gorilla tracking are during the drier months, between December and February, and from about June to mid-September.

Rwanda is home to 10 different habituated gorilla groups. Hikes up to the Gorillas in their habitat last anywhere up to 4 hours depending on the family allocated to your group, and those aged over 14 years old are welcome to join. You will meet your guides at 0645 on the morning of your hike at the park HQ where they will brief you on specific protocols and rules for visiting the gorillas. There, you will embark on your journey to visit the gorillas, along with porters to help along your hike.

After your Gorilla experience, why not refresh yourself along Rwanda's Lake Kivu coastline. Land of a Thousand Hills - Rwanda's dynamic landscape is one of its main attractions. Watch the mist rise over the hills and cascade into the beautiful Lake at Kivu. You may be surprised to learn that Rwanda has beaches - Rubavu (also known as Gisenyi) is a waterfront town located on the shores of Lake Kivu, one Africa's great bodies of water. At only an hour away from Volcanoes National Park, Rubavu is a great way to unwind after trekking adventures. Rubavu marks the beginning of the Congo Nile Trail, which extends 227 km to Rusizi, and has plenty of biking and hiking trails to fulfil those who crave the some more adventure. Rubavu is also known for its agro tourism experiences, with many tea and coffee plantations nearby.

As well as these wonderful Gorilla expereinces, be sure to include the Golden Monkeys at PNV, the Chimpanzees at Cyangugu, a stay on Lake Kivu, and a cultural experience at Butare.

To enable a short most affordable Gorilla 'express tour' experience STV can offer treks from as little as 1 day - many flights arrive in the early hours of the morning into Kigali, so we can have you picked up and driven 2 hours to PNV HQ to embark on your trek - returning to the airport late afternoon for an onwards flight. We do however of course recommend staying a lot longer ~ especially with so many other things to see in Rwanda. We also offer a 1 night/2 day trek, with the same itinerary as above but no need for such an early start. Transfer from the airport to the Park HQ anytime during day 1, check in to your lodge for the night and commence your trek with the 0645 Park HQ brief. Afternoon drop off back at Kigali airport.

The experience

Many of us have seen the movie Gorillas in the Mist – but traditionally Gorilla trekking has only been available at almost unreachable prices. Not anymore. STV can now offer remarkable short duration trips giving our travel industry friends an exclusive and once in a lifetime opportunity to witness these amazing creatures. The perfect extension to our Tanzania trips.

There are 10 groups of Gorillas in the PNV (Rwanda side). Each group has between 10-20 Gorillas. There is a maximum number of 8 visitors per trek per day, meaning a maximum number of 80 visitors per day. This is to protect the Gorillas and enable them to live happily undisturbed. The Gorillas are used to the occasional onlooker and are very content. There is no danger to visitors or the Gorillas.