This 7-day Gorilla & Rainforest Safari offers an unforgettable opportunity to experience Rwanda’s remarkable biodiversity and conservation success firsthand and includes the chance to take part in guided treks to observe these endangered primates in their natural forest habitat.
Guided forest walks are led by experienced trackers and national park staff, with one permit included for a mountain gorilla trek. A second optional permit can be arranged in advance.
Accommodation is provided in well-established lodges offering comfort and service.
This safari is ideal for those wishing to combine a traditional East African wildlife experience with a unique opportunity to view mountain gorillas in the wild. It can be added before or after a stay at Porini Camps in Kenya or included as part of a longer tailor-made itinerary across East Africa.
Begin your journey with an overnight stay at the Kigali Serena Hotel, ideally located for exploring Rwanda’s vibrant capital.
Venture into Nyungwe Forest National Park, one of Africa’s oldest rainforests and a haven for chimpanzees and other primates.
Choose between a guided canopy walk through the treetops or a chimpanzee trek to observe these remarkable primates in the wild.
Travel to Volcanoes National Park for a guided trek to see endangered mountain gorillas in their natural forest habitat.
Take in Rwanda’s scenic highlands and volcanic landscapes before returning to Kigali to complete your safari.
PRICE INCLUDES
Price Includes
Activities in the park: (Gorilla permit US$ 1,500, Chimpanzee permit US$ 150, Colobus monkeys US$ 40& nature walk US$ 25)
Full Board Accommodations.
Transfers in 4×4 vehicle.
Experienced English/ French speaking driver.
Mineral water in the vehicle and during the tracking.
Return flight Kigali – Kamembe
Emergency Helicopter Evacuation.
The rates of Virunga Lodge include: accommodation and meals, house alcoholic drinks (excludes premium drinks), soft drinks, laundry services, any activities at the lodges, and one 30 minute complimentary massage per guest per stay.
Rates of One and Only Nyungwe House include: breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, minibar, non-alcoholic beverages, alcoholic house beverages with meals and two activities per person per day (as defined by the Resort and subject to change without notice).
Price Excludes
International flights.
Tips & gratuities
Visa
Travel Insurance
Any personal items or anything not mentioned in the itinerary
Any optional activities included in the itinerary.
Safari Pricing Guide (PDF)
For more information, view the Safari Pricing Guide (PDF) , a detailed breakdown of the safari rates, inclusions, and key details.
Met on arrival at Kigali airport and transfer to Kigali Serena Hotel for dinner and overnight (D).
Day 2
After breakfast, pick up and transfer to the airport for the flight to Kamembe. Met and transferred to Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel / One and Only Nyungwe House for 3 nights.
After lunch at the lodge take an afternoon nature walk around the local area. Dinner and overnight at Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel or / One and Only Nyungwe House.
(B, L, D).
Day 3
After breakfast, transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park for a half day trek. The Park is a unique habitat for thirteen species of primate including chimpanzees, l’Hoest’s monkeys and owl-faced monkeys. The high altitude rainforest floor boasts some of the most beautiful orchids in the world. Picnic lunch, or return to the lodge for lunch, then take an afternoon walk to a local village. Dinner and overnight at Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel or / One and Only Nyungwe House. (B, L, D).
Day 4
Breakfast at the lodge followed by a choice of either the Nyungwe Canopy Walk or a Chimpanzee Trek (extra cost for either). As you walk under the canopy of majestic trees, a large group of semi-wild Colobus Monkeys can be seen feeding on wild figs and jumping from branch to branch. Picnic lunch or lunch at the lodge. Afternoon at leisure to enjoy the amenities at the lodge. Dinner and overnight at Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel or / One and Only Nyungwe House. (B, L, D).
Day 5
After breakfast, pick up and transfer to the airport for the flight back to Kigali. You will be met and transferred to Mountain Gorilla View Lodge / Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel / Virunga Lodge – near Parc National des Volcans for 2 nights. Lunch at the lodge. An afternoon to relax and enjoy the beautiful surrounding landscape.
After an early breakfast and as the first light of dawn breaks through the curtain of mist clinging to the summits of Karisimbi, Bisoke, Sabyniyo, Gahinga and Muhabura, we make our way into the Parc National des Volcans in search of Mountain Gorillas. Afternoon at leisure – optional excursions available (payable locally).
Breakfast at the lodge. You may have time to take optional excursions from the lodge (payable locally and depending on your onward flight times). Later take the scenic transfer back to Kigali and drop-off at Kigali Airport (B).
Important Note: Once purchased, gorilla permits are non-refundable.
Child Policy: children below 15 years are not allowed to go for Gorilla trekking.
* Please note that a supplement of $38 per person applies for taking the Chimpanzee Trek instead of the Nyungwe Canopy Walk due to the extra cost of the official permit.
Met on arrival at Kigali airport and transfer to Kigali Serena Hotel for dinner and overnight (D).
Day 2
After breakfast, pick up and transfer to the airport for the flight to Kamembe. Met and transferred to Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel / One and Only Nyungwe House for 3 nights.
After lunch at the lodge take an afternoon nature walk around the local area. Dinner and overnight at Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel or / One and Only Nyungwe House.
(B, L, D).
Day 3
After breakfast, transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park for a half day trek. The Park is a unique habitat for thirteen species of primate including chimpanzees, l’Hoest’s monkeys and owl-faced monkeys. The high altitude rainforest floor boasts some of the most beautiful orchids in the world. Picnic lunch, or return to the lodge for lunch, then take an afternoon walk to a local village. Dinner and overnight at Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel or / One and Only Nyungwe House. (B, L, D).
Day 4
Breakfast at the lodge followed by a choice of either the Nyungwe Canopy Walk or a Chimpanzee Trek (extra cost for either). As you walk under the canopy of majestic trees, a large group of semi-wild Colobus Monkeys can be seen feeding on wild figs and jumping from branch to branch. Picnic lunch or lunch at the lodge. Afternoon at leisure to enjoy the amenities at the lodge. Dinner and overnight at Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel or / One and Only Nyungwe House. (B, L, D).
Day 5
After breakfast, pick up and transfer to the airport for the flight back to Kigali. You will be met and transferred to Mountain Gorilla View Lodge / Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel / Virunga Lodge – near Parc National des Volcans for 2 nights. Lunch at the lodge. An afternoon to relax and enjoy the beautiful surrounding landscape.
After an early breakfast and as the first light of dawn breaks through the curtain of mist clinging to the summits of Karisimbi, Bisoke, Sabyniyo, Gahinga and Muhabura, we make our way into the Parc National des Volcans in search of Mountain Gorillas. Afternoon at leisure – optional excursions available (payable locally).
Breakfast at the lodge. You may have time to take optional excursions from the lodge (payable locally and depending on your onward flight times). Later take the scenic transfer back to Kigali and drop-off at Kigali Airport (B).
Important Note: Once purchased, gorilla permits are non-refundable.
Child Policy: children below 15 years are not allowed to go for Gorilla trekking.
* Please note that a supplement of $38 per person applies for taking the Chimpanzee Trek instead of the Nyungwe Canopy Walk due to the extra cost of the official permit.
Our experienced Safari Consultants—based in Nairobi and around the world—are here to guide you every step of the way. From expert advice to seamless planning, we’ll take care of every detail to create a safari that’s perfectly tailored to you.
Get in touch today, and a dedicated Safari Specialist in your time zone will start crafting your personalised safari to Africa.
Kenya
North America & Canada
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Head Office in Nairobi
We have an experienced team of Safari Consultants based in Kenya.
Hello, I’m Rick, based in Ontario, Canada, with over 15 years in the travel industry and a passport filled with stamps from over 70 countries. My heart was captured by Africa during my first visit to Kenya, and since then, I’ve journeyed back repeatedly, exploring the diverse landscapes and wildlife of Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa. Whether you’re dreaming of a “once in a lifetime” vacation or you’re a seasoned safari traveler, I’m here to assist in planning your perfect African adventure.
Hi, I’m Rae, based on the West Coast of Canada, on beautiful Vancouver Island. I’m a passionate traveler who has explored nearly 30 countries, but it was a solo journey to Africa that truly transformed my perspective. From the moment I arrived in Botswana, I felt an undeniable connection to the continent and was inspired to spend more time experiencing its extraordinary wildlife, breathtaking landscapes, and rich cultures. My solo travels have since taken me through Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mauritius, South Africa, Uganda, Namibia, and Kenya, where I experienced Gamewatchers Safaris and Porini Camps firsthand. It was during these immersive and unforgettable journeys that my passion for Africa evolved into a clear vision: to join the Gamewatchers team and help others discover the magic of safari. I’d love to connect and plan your wildest dreams!.
Greetings, I’m Julie Roggow, and I come to you with over two decades of immersion in the world of travel. My journey into the heart of safari adventures began as I traversed Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, capturing the essence of these mesmerizing landscapes through my lens. Among these remarkable destinations, Kenya and the Porini safari camps hold a special place in my heart. Their unique blend of wilderness and conservation resonates deeply with me. My passion for travel is matched only by my dedication to sharing that passion with others. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or embarking on your very first safari, I’m here to ensure that planning your safari vacation is an enjoyable and seamless experience.
Feel free to reach out to me by email at julie@gamewatchers.com or through our toll-free telephone line at +1-877-710-3014. Let’s embark on an unforgettable safari journey together, where the wild beauty of Africa awaits to enchant and inspire you.
UK & Europe
Tom Mees
Jambo, I’m Tommy Mees, most people call me Tom.
My connection with Africa began through years of travelling across the continent. I later spent more than twelve years managing safari camps and lodges while supporting conservation initiatives including beekeeping and tree-planting projects.
Having travelled extensively throughout Eastern and Southern Africa, I developed a deep appreciation for authentic wilderness experiences and the conservation-focused approach of the Porini Camps. I am originally from Belgium and now based in Spain, though my heart has always remained in Africa.
Alongside my safari background, I am also a professional photographer and enjoy helping travellers experience and capture the extraordinary wildlife, landscapes and cultures that make Africa so special.
If you are considering an African safari, feel free to contact me at tom@gamewatchers.com
South America
Andrea Landaeta
Hola, I’m Andrea and my love affair with the captivating world of safaris began during my teenage years when I embarked on my very first safari in Kenya. There, amidst the awe-inspiring wildlife and expansive plains, I found my true passion. Over the years, Kenya has called me back time and time again, leading me to explore its myriad camps, conservancies, and renowned parks. More recently, I’ve had the privilege of staying at all the Porini Camps, where the spotlight shines on wildlife conservation—a cause close to my heart as I traverse the globe. While Kenya holds a special place in my wanderlust-filled heart, Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda have also woven their magic into my soul.
If you’re eager to embark on your own safari adventure or share your passion for conservation, please feel free to contact me at andrea@saririterra.com
Australia
Kristy Thomson
Hello, I’m Kristy, your Australian-based Safari Advisor with Gamewatchers Safaris and Porini Camps. My background in ecology and conservation management, combined with a deep passion for nature and the great outdoors, led me to Kenya where I instantly fell in love with its spectacular wildlife and warm-hearted people. Having spent significant time at our Porini Camps and explored other camps we offer, I bring intricate knowledge to help craft your ultimate wildlife safari adventure. Whether you’re seeking the thrill of the savannah or the serenity of the wilderness, I’m here to make your safari dreams a reality.
Hello, I’m Pranay Chandra, a veteran of the Indian Armed Forces whose profound passion for nature and wildlife led me to the world of wildlife photography. My lens has captured the essence of the wild, earning recognition in esteemed competitions like the Sanctuary Asia annual wildlife awards and the Natural History Museum’s Wildlife Photographer of the Year awards. Beyond photography, I’ve dedicated myself to conservation efforts, collaborating with Ecological Task Forces and supporting WWF India’s training initiatives in tiger reserves. In the realm of education, I’ve partnered with CEC, New Delhi, to create informative video programs on Human-Wildlife Conflicts. I’ve ventured to Kenya, embracing the splendours of Africa while staying at Porini camps and other renowned lodges.