Gorillas in the Mist of the Virunga Peaks

Arrive in Kigali, Rwanda’s vibrant capital, and unwind before your mountain adventure begins.
Explore Kigali’s poignant Genocide Memorial and journey through Rwanda’s scenic countryside to Ruhengeri.
Trek through mist-shrouded rainforest for a powerful, once-in-a-lifetime encounter with mountain gorillas.
Enjoy a final morning in Volcanoes National Park before returning to Kigali for your onward journey.
Experience Rwanda’s resilience and natural beauty, where every moment inspires awe and reflection.

Days

55 Years of Expertise in Tailor-Made Travel

ExcellentBased on 5,241 Reviews

55 Years of Expertise in Tailor-Made Travel

ExcellentBased on 5,241 Reviews

Trip Features

Epic Scenery

Showcases landscapes that elevate parts of the journey.

Unique Accommodation

Incorporates distinctive stays that add personality and memorable flair.

Wildlife Encounters

Offers chances to observe animals responsibly in their natural habitats.

Private Guided Experiences

Explore in the company of expert private guides.

Epic Scenery

Showcases landscapes that elevate parts of the journey.

Unique Accommodation

Incorporates distinctive stays that add personality and memorable flair.

Wildlife Encounters

Offers chances to observe animals responsibly in their natural habitats.

Private Guided Experiences

Explore in the company of expert private guides.

Trip Itinerary

At a Glance

DAY

Arrive in Kigali

DAY

Kigali to Ruhengeri

DAY

Full Day Gorilla Trek

DAY

Depart from Kigali

Travel Itinerary

Trip Starts

Trip Stop

Trip Ends

Detailed Itinerary

DAY

Arrive in Kigali

On arrival you will be met and transferred to your chosen accommodations for overnight. The remainder of the day is at your leisure.

Multi Day Tour

Arrive Kigali

Your Accommodation

The Retreat Kigali

Discover a peaceful urban sanctuary at Hemingways Retreat Kigali, Rwanda’s first eco-conscious luxury boutique hotel. Nestled in the leafy Kiyovu neighbourhood, the hotel offers 20 individually styled rooms and suites featuring handcrafted Rwandan design and thoughtful, wellness-focused amenities. Its intimate atmosphere and quiet elegance provide a relaxing base for exploring Kigali’s colourful markets, cultural landmarks, and moving memorials. With a strong commitment to sustainability and the local community, every stay feels both meaningful and restorative. Whether beginning or concluding your Rwandan adventure, Hemingways Retreat Kigali invites you to pause, recharge, and connect with the city, its people, and Rwanda’s inspiring spirit.

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DAY

Kigali to Ruhengeri

After breakfast, check out and depart for Ruhengeri. Enroute, you will have your tour of Kigali and visit to the Genocide Museum. The Kigali City Tour offers you an in-depth view of Kigali, past and present, bringing you the genuine heartbeat of the city. The city, which is inhabited by one million people, is divided into three districts, Gasabo, Kicukiro and Nyarugenge. Founded in 1907 as a German settlement, Kigali did not become the capital until Rwanda's independence in 1962 when it replaced the colonial seat of power in Butare. The Kigali City Tour begins as a historic journey through the city with a guided tour from the first modern building from which the capital city was first founded, to the rapidly growing neighbourhood's that are changing the face of the city. The Genocide Memorial site is a grim reminder of the senseless massacre of innocent's lives in 1994. The memorial is the final resting places for more than 250 000 victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi, a place for remembrance and learning. The Memorial also sheds light on other massacres including Cambodia, the Balkans and the Holocaust. Rwanda's recovery, growth and development is incredible, a true testament to humankind's resilience. After your tour you will be transferred to Ruhengeri with drop off at your lodge.

Multi Day Tour

Kigali to Ruhengeri

Meal

Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

Your Accommodation

Singita Kwitonda Lodge

Set in Rwanda's northwestern reaches, right on the edge of Volcanoes National Park, Singita Kwitonda Lodge's unparalleled position puts life-changing gorilla-trekking experiences within easy reach. In response to its exquisite location, each of the lodge's eight luxurious suites features a private heated plunge pool, in- and outdoor fireplaces and large timber-framed windows that welcome the breathtaking scenery and volcano views inside. Elements like woven ceilings and hand-fired terracotta brickwork crafted by local artisans highlight the authentic East African appeal of this remarkable lodge.

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DAY

Full Day Gorilla Trek

On this day you will depart on you Mountain Gorilla Trekking. A real lifetime experience! Report time at park Head Quarters is 7.00am. There are a total of 80 gorilla permits available each day with a maximum of 8 trekkers visiting any one group. You will be divided into groups according to your level of fitness and allocated a Gorilla family based on their location the previous evening. Each group's Lead Guide briefs the trekkers of the trekking procedures as well as the 'do's and don'ts' while in the presence of gorillas. After the briefing, trekkers return to their respective vehicles for the drive up the mountain to the starting point. Trekking can take from two to six or more hours if the gorillas depending on the gorilla's movements. Afterwards, return to the lodge where the remainder of the day is at your leisure.

Multi Day Tour

Gorilla Trek

Meal

Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

Your Accommodation

Singita Kwitonda Lodge

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DAY

Depart from Kigali

Time this morning for a second trek (optional and at additional cost) or why not take an optional excursions. This afternoon, you will depart back to Kigali Airport in time for your onward flight later this evening.

Multi Day Tour

Depart Kigali

Meal

Breakfast

What to Expect

Explore what moves you.

Mountain gorillas in the Virunga Mountains

Singita Kwitonda, Volcanoes National Park

Endangered Golden Monkey, Virunga Mountains

Gorillas live in troops

Know when to go.

Place

Conditions

Daily max temperatureMonthly rainfall

KigaliMostly Sunny

30°C / 86°F

7mm / 0.3"

Weather data is based on monthly averages.

Popularity rating

ExcellentBased on 5,241 Reviews

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We used Goway to put together an itinerary for East Africa , and Zanzibar . Everything was great and went smoothly Dawn

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I can't tell you enough how much I love to work with Callie. She is a life saver and I love how attentive she is. Every time I give her an itinerary for a client- she really knocks it out of the park with the proposal. If there are any issues- she is on it right away. Her work ethic is outstanding.Michelle Labarca

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I had the pleasure of working with Amelia on a booking for a family of 4 to Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka. She executed everything perfectly, was attentive to needs and the family was over the top happy with their vacation. She was quick to answer questions and provide helpful feedback. Highly recommended!Jessie Williams

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We were trying to navigate Swiss Travel Center to book a 10 day train trip through Switzerland. It was exactly what we wanted but navigating their site was extremely difficult for us. Goway Travel picked up on our plight and put us in contact with Jacqueline Fagooli, one of their agents. From there on everything was so smooth. Their efficiency, communication, and thoroughness were beyond our expectations. The trip was fabulous and kudos to Jacqueline and Goway for their help in making it so.Carolyn McCormack

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The destination specialist I've worked with (Kim Rawlings) has provided exceptional service. She is very knowledgeable of her region and everything they have to offer. She is very prompt in her communication and follow-up. She listens and is very attentive to my client's needs and wants. Kim's personality makes one feel like they've known each other for years. If GoWay had a customer service model, Kim is it.T. Jackson, Tribe Trek Travel

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We had a wonderful and amazing two weeks in North-West Scotland. Shoutout to Jacqueline at Goway Toronto and the driver/guides with Rabbie's minibus tours (Stefan and Willie). Well-chosen hotels and no worries with dietary requirements; every detail was taken care of. Thank you! Ben Daube

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Katie was professional, extremely responsive, and very welcoming to work with! We appreciate the recommendations, thoughtful edits, and the expertise. Would definitely recommend Goway travel and working with their team.Parking.com Customer

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Such thoughtful and sincere communication with my advisor Katie! Even though the trip didn’t come into fruition as expected, she still remained committed to adjusting around our itinerary every step of the way. I’m very thankful for the opportunity she gave us as well as just general ideas for the trip.Jenna

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Working with Isabella on a families trip to Ireland! The itinerary was 2 weeks, self drive with many excursions and a family wedding in the middle of it all! She was amazing from start to finish! She answered every question my clients had! She gave the best recommendations! So many details and planning went into this amazing trip! If i could give 10 stars I would! She would call me to make sure everything looked great! Thank you Isabella at Goway! You are the BEST and made this so easy for everyone! ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Christine Amling

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I just returned from escorting 34 people to China with four stops. We had hotels, local guides and extensive daily sightseeing. We had flights and we had high speed rail. There were numerous components that could have gone wrong but did not. I would like to highly recommend local guide Yoyo in Shanghai as well as Kevin in Xian. Two of the best guides I have ever had anywhere in the world. Suzette Castro and her team at the Goway Group Department did an excellent job helping me put this together. I was demanding, they were totally cooperative. It went well. I will be back. Amy Fink, CTC at Blue Ribbon Travel ArrangementsAmy in San Bruno, CA

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What do the experts say?

Elise Umulisa

Destination Specialist

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Globetrotters should try to experience The Gorilla Naming Ceremony : Culturally, the naming of an infant is a big affair, and Rwanda has adopted the same cultural event with the New-born Mountain Gorillas, as way to highlight the need to protect these gentle giants that were on the verge of being hunted to extinction.

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Elise Umulisa

Destination Specialist

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Rwanda is always a surprise; especially for a 1st time visitor to Africa. The beautiful landscape (hills, mountains and rivers), is accentuated by the clean and organised infrastructure. Being a small country with shorter drives between parks, Rwanda offers superb photography experiences.

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Jodi Hartnell

Destination Specialist

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I love Rwanda’s stunning natural beauty, peaceful atmosphere, vibrant culture, and the unforgettable experience of meeting mountain gorillas in their lush habitat.

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