Journeys: Wild Encounters in Rwanda
From AUD $8624 Was AUD $11499
Small Group
Demanding
Rating
(3 reviews)
Journeys: Wild Encounters in Rwanda
8 days
Small Group
Moderate
Demanding
English
Experience Overview
Embark on an unforgettable expedition to track mountain gorillas and golden monkeys, in the rainforest of Rwanda. Visit a research centre set up by Dr.
Embark on an unforgettable expedition to track mountain gorillas and golden monkeys, in the rainforest of Rwanda. Visit a research centre set up by Dr. Dian Fossey, who spent 18 years studying gorillas in the Virunga Mountains with support from National Geographic, and get up close to these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. Set out in search of the “big five”—lions, leopards, elephants, and Cape buffalo—while on safari in Akagera National Park, while learning about the incredible conservation efforts that brought this onetime battleground back from disaster.
Highlights
- Observe endangered mountain gorillas and golden monkeys
- Discuss gorilla conservation efforts with a researcher at the Karisoke Research Centre
- Spend time in Kigali’s bustling Nyamirambo neighbourhood
- Track the “big five” on safari in Akagera National Park
Trip Details
8 days
4x4 safari vehicle, walking, hiking, boat.
Small Group
English
Kigali, Rwanda
Kigali, Rwanda
Moderate
National Geographic Journey
Demanding
Itinerary
Day 1: Kigali
If you arrive early, take some time to explore the city, known for its pleasant, friendly atmosphere. Kigali also has some interesting and historic sites outside of the city. If you want more time to explore, we recommend booking a pre-night.
Day 2: Kigali/Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park borders Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda. Five of the eight volcanoes in the Virunga Mountains can be found here. The volcanoes and highlands of the park are covered in lush rainforest and bamboo (a favourite snack of the gorillas). While the most famous resident is the mountain gorilla, there's plenty of other wildlife roaming around: buffaloes, bushbucks, golden monkeys, hyenas, numerous bird species, and some elephants call this place home.
Day 3: Volcanoes National Park
Day 4: Volcanoes National Park
Approximately 800 mountain gorillas exist globally in the wild today. They are found in Rwanda, DRC, and Uganda. In DRC and Rwanda, gorillas live in similar ecosystems/areas. The gorilla species found in these three areas are called highland gorillas.
In Rwanda there are ten habituated gorilla families that are open to visits – the visit to a gorilla family is done once per day, with a maximum 8 trekkers per group and the duration of a visit is limited to one (1) hour with the gorilla family. The time spent with them is limited due to conservation considerations and to minimize impact on the day-to-day life of the gorilla family you are visiting. It is important to be well prepared for the trek — you never know if your total trek will be short or long. The total duration of a trek can vary and be anything between 4 and 9 hrs in length depending on the location of the gorillas, which are constantly moving. You will mainly walk where there are no paths apart from the occasional buffalo or elephant trail.
Touching the gorillas is not allowed (although in some cases they may touch you). Making loud noises or sudden movements is also not allowed. You should attempt to keep a distance of 7m from the gorillas, however the gorillas themselves are unaware of this and will often get very close, in which case you should try to slowly move away. At all times you must abide by the instructions of the trackers and rangers.
Please note that porters are available at approx. $10USD per person. The porters are all hired from local villages and not only can carry your day pack, but assist you with a welcome hand over difficult spots. Regardless of your fitness level, we highly recommend hiring a porter as some tracks can be very muddy and elevation can affect even the most fit person. It also provides employment and supports the local community.
Day 5: Volcanoes National Park/Akagera National Park
Akagera National Park offers a remarkable conservation story and is home to the Big Five, zebras, giraffes, elephants and hundreds of bird species. Running directly along the boarder with Tanzania, the park covers 1,122 km2 (433 sq mi) and offers a variety of landscapes including highlands, savannah plains, swamps, wetlands and lakes.
Day 6: Akagera National Park
Day 7: Akagera National Park to Kigali
Day 8: Kigali
- Flights to and from origin and destinations
- Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
- Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
- Recommended gratuities/tipping
- Optional activities/tours
- Personal expenses
- Travel insurance
- Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.
When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We willdo our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.
You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.
Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.
This tour requires an Average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.
Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.
If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling. (Note: I assume each tour has a different description depending on level of fitness required).
If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.
Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.
- It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
- Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
- Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.
From
AUD $11499
Duration: 8 days
Trip Type: Small Group
Activity Level: Demanding
Embark on an unforgettable expedition to track mountain gorillas and golden monkeys, in the rainforest of Rwanda. Visit a research centre set up by Dr.
Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 12 Oct 2025
Customer Reviews
07/31/2024
This was a trip of a lifetime. The attention to detail was outstanding. Our guides were excellent and very knowledgeable and the lodges were first class.
07/30/2023
What an amazing experience! I could not have asked for a better driver (Calvin) and CEO (Johannes)! Johannes was well organized, punctual, and on point with communication. The sites, the safaris (worth every early morning start), would not have been the same without Johannes' passion, knowledge, and diplomacy. The cheetah conservation talk was a definite highlight along with the walk in Soweto. The accommodations were great and felt like many efforts were made to make sure I had access to gluten-free food. My one suggestion (and maybe I missed this as I came late to the Welcome meeting) would be to have more optional group dinners in Cape town.
Tour Operator
G Adventures, founded in 1990 by Bruce Poon Tip, is a global adventure travel company specializing in small-group tours that emphasize authentic, sustainable, and culturally immersive experiences. Originally launched as GAP Adventures (“Great Adventure People”), the company pioneered the concept of community-driven travel by offering affordable trips that connect travelers with local communities while minimizing environmental impact. Today, G Adventures operates in more than 100 countries, offering a wide range of itineraries across themes such as active adventures, wildlife, wellness, family, and National Geographic–partnered tours, while maintaining a strong commitment to responsible tourism and social enterprise through its Planeterra Foundation.
In Business Since 1990
07/31/2024
This was a trip of a lifetime. The attention to detail was outstanding. Our guides were excellent and very knowledgeable and the lodges were first class.
07/30/2023
What an amazing experience! I could not have asked for a better driver (Calvin) and CEO (Johannes)! Johannes was well organized, punctual, and on point with communication. The sites, the safaris (worth every early morning start), would not have been the same without Johannes' passion, knowledge, and diplomacy. The cheetah conservation talk was a definite highlight along with the walk in Soweto. The accommodations were great and felt like many efforts were made to make sure I had access to gluten-free food. My one suggestion (and maybe I missed this as I came late to the Welcome meeting) would be to have more optional group dinners in Cape town.
06/12/2024
The trip was fabulous and our guide, Jaym, not notch. The experience was enhanced not only by the beautiful lodgings, delicious cuisine, expert drivers and trackers, but also by the expertise and passion of Jaym. He was knowledgeable, friendly and very personable, sharing stories and his love of nature with us.
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