Rwanda: Gorilla Trekking & Volcanoes
Encounter majestic gorillas in their natural habitat, kayak on beautiful Lake Kivu and learn how to make traditional banana beer
What's included
- Max 14 travellers per group
- Exclusively for people in their 30s & 40s
- Accommodation in twin rooms
About your trip
Breathtaking equatorial landscapes, unique wildlife treks and immersive local experiences combine to make this Rwandan adventure extra special.
Known as the ‘Land of a Thousand Hills’, this small but stunningly beautiful country has some of the best primate experiences in Africa. We’re talking close encounters with endangered mountain gorillas and rare golden monkeys on the slopes of the Virungas volcanoes, and hacking through the steamy Nyungwe rainforest in search of black-and-white colobus monkeys.
Over nine days, you’ll embrace rural village life, learning to make banana beer and discovering where some of the world’s best coffee comes from. You’ll kayak to uninhabited islands, hike to hidden waterfalls and sip sunset cocktails from a houseboat on beautiful Lake Kivu – all alongside a group of like-minded solo travellers.
NOTE: due to the limited number of gorilla and golden monkey tracking permits available, we strongly advise booking early for this adventure, especially if you’re planning to travel in the peak seasons of July, August and Christmas.
- Touch down in Kigali, one of Africa’s greenest and most progressive cities, where a private Flash Pack transfer will escort you to your first hotel
- Meet your fellow Pack Leader and group and get to know each other over a special welcome dinner, the lights of the city twinkling across the valley beneath you
- Immerse yourself in rural village life, trying your hand at traditional crafts, farming and carrying loads on your head in true African style
- Share a simple home-cooked lunch with the villagers, while you listen to stories about their lives and ancestors
- Reflect on the beauty and rigour of Rwandan culture as you continue through the rolling green hills to your overnight stop in Huye (Batare)
- Travel to Nyungwe Forest National Park, one of the most biodiverse places in Africa; the rolling tea plantations and terraced hills giving way to ancient rainforest
- Set off in search of black-and-white colobus monkeys, often seen in troops of up to 200 – a spectacular sight as they jump from tree to tree.
- Enjoy a picnic lunch overlooking the forest before your exhilarating treetop canopy walk suspended 70 metres above a ravine
- Prepare for your kayaking adventure on Lake Kivu, ringed by beautiful mountains; it’s the only African Great Lake that contains no hippos or crocodiles
- Set off across the deep turquoise water and paddle around an an uninhabited island before a picnic lunch with your group
- Hike to the newly discovered Ndambarare waterfall, deep in the valley and cradled by cliffs
- Enjoy a picnic on the Kumbya Peninsula, a pristine natural habitat home to sea otters, vervet monkeys and over a hundred species of bird
- Hike through rice fields and native forest to board your houseboat; sip cocktails and watch villagers going about their daily lives as you cruise across the lake
- Arrive at your lakeside resort and enjoy dinner with your group overlooking the tranquil water
- Transfer by motorboat across the bay to Munini Island, an emerald hill jutting out of the water known for its large colonies of fruit bats
- Stop off at a coffee plantation, where you’ll see how the beans are processed from crop to cup before sampling a delicious brew
- Enjoy lunch on the terrace before transferring to a speedboat for your journey to the legendary Virunga volcanoes
- Hike through bamboo forests to spot rare golden monkeys – endemic to the Virungas
- Visit the excellent Ellen DeGeneres Campus (20 USD donation) – a world-class visitor center full of interactive displays on conservation
- Finish your day with a banana beer workshop, peeling, kneading, fermenting and of course tasting the exotic beverage
- Rise early and trek into the forest to encounter Rwanda’s majestic mountain gorillas – an experience like no other
- Observe the gentle, human-like nature of a family group, from the playful mischief of the youngsters to the authority of the imposing silverback
- Feeling profoundly privileged, return to Kigali for your final farewell dinner, raising a toast to the incredible adventures you’ve shared
- Bid farewell to your new Flash Pack friends and make your own way to the airport for your onward flight home, leaving with memories of some astounding moments and personal firsts
- You’ll return home with the ultimate bragging rights, of course, but also a deep sense of pride at the effort you made to immerse yourself in Rwanda’s beauty. A jewel in Africa’s crown you’ll urge everyone to experience for themselves
Our favourite hotels
Here's a taste of the hotels we sometimes use on this adventure. The hotels you'll stay in for your departure will be shared with you one month before you go.
Mythos Boutique Hotel, Kigali
A stylish hotel nestled in a quiet residential area of Kigali, overlooking the Kimihurara Valley. Rooms are smart with all mod cons and there’s a tempting pool in the tropical gardens. The restaurant draws inspiration from Greek and traditional Rwandan cuisine – perfect for sunset cocktails with a view.
Mantis Kivu Marina Bay Hotel, Cyangugu
An upscale hilltop resort overlooking Lake Kivu. Interiors are comfortable and spacious, with a touch of vibrant Rwandan design, while the large outdoor pool area is the perfect spot for sundowners with a view after exploring nearby Nyungwe National Park.
Ingagi Park View Lodge, Kinigi
This boutique eco-lodge, close to the entrance of Volcanoes National Park, offers 12 terracotta bungalows nestled in 5 hectares of exotic gardens. Enjoy elegant meals and creative cocktails in the conical thatched buildings, plus a panoramic view of the mountains.
Important notes
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Which airport should I fly into and out of (include airport code)?
Fly into and out of Kigali International Airport (KGL).
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What time should I arrive (in time for the welcome meeting)?
Please try to arrive before 3 pm on Day 1, although we will arrange an airport transfer for you at whichever time you arrive. The welcome meeting is at 5 pm, starting at the hotel in Kigali.
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What time should I leave on the final day?
There are no planned activities on Day 9, so you are free to depart at your own leisure.
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Do you include airport transfers?
If you arrive on Day 1 of your adventure, or you book pre-tour accommodation with us, your airport arrival transfer will be included. If you book alternative pre-tour accommodation or are arriving by another mode of transport you must arrange your own arrival transfer.
Arrival transfers are private to Flash Pack and will be in groups depending on flight times. Sometimes this means waiting in the airport for a short while until other flights have arrived.
We don’t offer a departure transfer as Flashpackers leave at different times of the day and many stay for extra nights. We will offer you support with finding a local taxi.
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Are all activities included in the trip cost?
All activities mentioned in the itinerary are included, except for the Ellen DeGeneres Campus on Day 8, where there is a 20 USD donation. Your money will go towards supporting this world-class research and education centre which continues Dian Fossey’s legacy and work of saving gorillas from extinction.
In Nyanza, on Day 2, there is the option to visit the King’s Palace and Royal Cows. The long-horned Inyambo cattle are descended from the king’s herd, while the reconstructed palace is beautifully crafted thatched dwelling shaped like a beehive. The entrance fee for this is 12 USD.
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Are tips included?
Please note that tips are not included in the cost of this adventure. Suggested amounts per person are:
- Pack Leader: 10 USD per day
- Drivers: 5 USD per day
- National park guide: 5 USD per day
- Ranger: 2-3 USD per day
- Hotel/lodge staff: 5 USD per day
Some Pack Leaders will collect a tipping kitty at the welcome meeting to take care of local tips. However, all tips are at your discretion depending on what you feel comfortable with.
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Do I need a visa?
Up-to-date visa and entry information can be found using our official partner, Sherpa, who can help you arrange a visa if needed.
You can also find essential travel advice – including security and local laws, as well as passport and visa information – on the government website of your home country:
- UK residents: review the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Travel Advice before your adventure.
- US residents: consult the US Department of State Travel Advice for important travel information.
- Australian residents: check the Smart Traveler website for up-to-date travel advice.
- Residents of other countries: refer to the travel advice provided by your own government or local consulate.
Please be aware that passport and visa requirements can change before departure, so it’s important to stay updated with the latest information.
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What vaccinations and medication will I need?
While we are not medical professionals and cannot offer personalised medical advice, we want to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable adventure. Here are some tips to help you prepare.
1. Consult with a healthcare professional
We recommend scheduling an appointment with your travel nurse or doctor at least eight weeks before your adventure. This will give you ample time to receive any necessary vaccines or medications.
2. Up-to-date medical advice
- UK residents: visit the NHS Fit For Travel website for the latest medical advice.
- US residents: check the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for specialised health information.
- Australian residents: refer to the Smart Traveler Health website for current medical advice.
3. Government travel advice
- UK residents: review the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Travel Advice before your adventure.
- US residents: consult the US Department of State Travel Advice for important travel information.
- Australian residents: check the Smart Traveler website for up-to-date travel advice.
4. Medication tips
If you take prescription medication, ensure you bring enough to last the entire adventure, plus a few extra days in case of travel delays. Carry a copy of your prescription with you in case you need to visit a clinic while abroad.
We hope this information will help you prepare for a safe and healthy adventure.
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How much should I budget per day for extras?
Most meals are included in this trip. However, we recommend budgeting around 50 USD per day for extra drinks or souvenir shopping.
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Will we visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial?
We don’t include the Genocide Memorial as part of this itinerary, but we highly recommend arriving a day or two early so you can visit this intensely powerful and moving exhibit before your Flash Pack trip begins.
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What level of fitness do I need for this trip?
A moderate fitness level is required for this trip to take part in activities, such as hiking and kayaking.
- The most challenging hike is the gorilla tracking on Day 8, however this can be adapted according to the fitness level of the group.
- On Day 4, the kayak excursion is 8 kilometres. If you don’t wish to take part in the kayaking, your Pack Leader will arrange for you to do a guided walk along the lakeshore, re-joining your group for the picnic lunch.
We recommend having a read-through of the itinerary above, and getting in touch if you have specific questions on fitness.
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Why is this trip so expensive?
Permits to track mountain gorillas cost up to 1500 USD in Rwanda. The number of permits is limited to reduce their interaction with big crowds. The high cost of the permit fees goes directly into conservation initiatives to protect this endangered species.
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Can I still go gorilla trekking if I'm sick?
If you are feeling sick – especially with flu, cold, pneumonia, diarrhoea or fever – you should not take part in the gorilla trekking or go into the national park.
There are only about 1060 mountain gorillas surviving in the wild and they are prone to many human contagious diseases. It’s vital that we help protect this endangered species by taking every possible precaution.
More information is available on the national park website: www.volcanoesnationalpark.org/advice/do-not-visit-gorillas-while-sick.
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Is Rwanda safe to visit?
Despite its turbulent past, Rwanda is one of the safest countries in Africa with very low crime rates and a stable political environment. However, we recommend taking the usual sensible precautions, such as not leaving valuables lying around and taking care when walking at night in Kigali.
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I have a food allergy. Can my dietary requirements be met?
If you have a severe food allergy, please get in touch to discuss your dietary requirements, as it may not be possible to meet your needs in Rwanda.
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What standard of hotel should I expect?
The hotels we use on this adventure have been carefully selected for their character and offer a high standard of comfort. However, one of the hotels is a more functional stopover, with fairly basic facilities but a wonderful level of service.
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Will this itinerary change?
Please be aware that the itinerary, activities, and hotels are subject to change. These changes are rare but can happen with little notice due to availability, poor weather, seasonal changes, or other circumstances beyond our control – but we’ll always do our best to ensure it has little impact on your experience. From time to time, we may also make changes to your itinerary to try out new ideas and keep things fresh and exciting which we will always try to communicate to you.
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