Luxury gorilla trekking in Rwanda was one of the unforgettable days of our trip in Africa. This trip is one of Africa’s most exclusive wildlife experiences. Set in Volcanoes National Park, this adventure combined unforgettable encounters with endangered mountain gorillas, world-class luxury lodges, private guides, gourmet dining and exceptional hospitality. Rwanda has positioned itself as a premium gorilla trekking destination, offering outstanding conservation excellent infrastructure and easy access from Kigali.
I and my partner have always dreamed of doing gorilla trekking so when we booked with Wild Gorilla Tours, life was surreal. As tourists we felt incredibly safe and welcomed with Jackie, she was super knowledgeable and happy to share lots of description and reasoning with All our questions to help us learn and understand the Rwanda culture since we wanted a luxury trip.
Apart from gorilla trek, we also did a cultural village visit, golden monkey trek, Dian Fossey museum and women’s center. All suggested and planned with Jackie.
Why we chose Rwanda for our luxury gorilla trekking?
We chose Rwanda because, Rwanda is renowned for its exclusive gorilla trekking experiences with limited daily visitors.
Rwanda has excellent roads and short 2 – 3 hour drive from Kigali International Airport to the park.
Rwanda has a luxury eco-lodge with personalized service.
Rwanda has conservation standards that protect mountain gorillas.
The Gorilla Trekking Experience
We did two gorilla treks, which means we visited two different gorilla families. Words cannot describe the experience. To be among these amazing animals, to watch their interactions and family relationships, it is something that we will never forget!
Our trekking day began early with registration and a briefing by experienced park rangers. We were assigned to habituated gorilla family of 8 people and according to fitness level and gorilla location. The treks are led by trained mountain guides who know the gorilla families well – they can even tell the gorillas apart, identifying each one by name. We hired porters to carry our gear and assist on our treks, which we highly recommend; they make trekking through the jungle so much easier
We managed to hike for about 2 hours depending on where the gorillas where last found. Once located, we were allowed only one hour to observe and watch them play, sleep, breast feed, jump from tree to tree why taking unforgettable photos and videos in their natural habitat.
Singita Kwitonda Lodge
We slept at Singita Kwitonda Lodge Rwanda, it is situated in the picturesque Volcanoes National Park, home to the world-famous mountain gorillas. The lodge’s location offers guests the rare opportunity to embark on gorilla trekking and golden monkey expeditions.
The lodge is comprised of suites and villas, each offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, as well as any wild animals that happen to call the park home. Each suite is equipped with plush bedding, spacious bathrooms, and private terraces, including a well-stocked mini-bar.
The dining was truly a culinary experience. The chefs create unique and delicious meals using fresh, locally sourced ingredients, offering a taste of Rwanda’s vibrant flavors; the sommelier ensures the wines are of exceptional quality and offers excellent pairing advice. I and my partner sat in the main dining area, in front of a warm fireplace for most of our meals. One of our best experiences was sitting at the bar in front of the kitchen, watching the chefs at work.
The lodge offers a variety of activities in addition to the gorilla/golden monkey trekking; we visited their garden, where they grow the produce used in the kitchen; planted a tree to help maintain the environment; learned to throw a pot on the potter’s wheel; and, learned to play Rwandan drums! And, if you simply want to relax, the lodge offers great spa services.
We also chose to trek the golden monkeys and it was well worth it. They are incredibly cute and very fun to watch. Observing them in their natural environment provided the opportunity to learn a little about monkey culture – so much more educational than simply reading a book.
Singita provides a jeep and driver for each guest group, who transports you to and from all excursions. Our driver, Emmanuel, was exceptional! His knowledge about Singita, Rwanda and the local culture was impressive; we learned so much. Our travel time was very well spent!
The staff at Singita Rwanda is Five Star! The managers, Charlotte and Max, and our personal concierge, Debi, took such good care of us, we didn’t want to leave! Dona, my drum teacher, is lovely! The entire staff was friendly, attentive, and helpful; they made us feel not only welcome, but at home.
Luxury gorilla trekking directly supports mountain gorillas, anti-poaching efforts, Ranger training, local community development habitat protection. The high permit fee helps fund conservation programs and community initiatives that have contributed to the ecovry of mountain gorilla populations.
Where you are planning a luxury honeymoon, a wildlife photography expedition, a family adventure, or your first African safari, Rwanda offers world class experiences in a compact, welcoming and beautiful preserved destination. A gorilla trekking holiday in Rwanda is not simply a vacation. It is an opportunity to witness one of the world’s greatest wildlife encounters while supporting the conservation of one our planet’s most remarkable species.
