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

from C$17,675 - C$21,872

55 Years of Expertise in Tailor-Made Travel

ExcellentBased on 5,318 Reviews

55 Years of Expertise in Tailor-Made Travel

ExcellentBased on 5,318 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

Ruhengeri to Kigali

Travel Itinerary

Trip Starts

Trip Stop

Trip Ends

Detailed Itinerary

DAY

Arrive in Kigali

Multi Day Tour

Arrive Kigali

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

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

Multi Day Tour

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.

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

Multi Day Tour

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.

Meal

Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

Your Accommodation

Singita Kwitonda Lodge

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DAY

Ruhengeri to Kigali

Multi Day Tour

Depart 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.

Meal

Breakfast

What to Expect

Explore what moves you.

Mountain gorillas, Virunga Mountains

Singita Kwitonda, Volcanoes National Park

Endangered Golden Monkey

Gorillas live in troops

Know when to go.

Place

Conditions

Daily max temperatureMonthly rainfall

KigaliPartly Cloudy

29°C / 85°F

35mm / 1.4"

Weather data is based on monthly averages.

Popularity rating

ExcellentBased on 5,318 Reviews

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Thank you to Goway for a great and enjoyable 7 day tour in China, for our Canadian group of 14! Very special thanks to the local guides in Shanghai, Xi’an and Beijing ( Richard, Richard and James) who were second to none! Each was a knowledgeable ambassador for their home city, working hard to ensure our enjoyment and comfort, and to showcase the beauty of each area and its current and historical sites. They very kindly and patiently assisted everyone, and especially accommodated 2 of our group who encountered unexpected wellness challenges. The local bus drivers for our group were experts too, keeping us on time and safe on the roads and highways. Hotels were beautiful, welcoming, well located and appointed, quiet, comfortable and clean. Additional travel arrangements by air and high speed train went off without a hitch. KATHLEEN LLOYD

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This was the first time we used Goway Travel and Brooke Theron was absolutely the best to deal with. Our safari in Africa was fabulous and we were able to have all four questions answered before we left. It was a trip to remember and we would recommend both Brooke and Goway to other who are looking for a great experience. Thanks Brooke and Goway.Joyce Robinson

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We decided to go to France for 3 weeks in September and knew we needed help planning the trip (we made this decision in August so a very short time frame. We had traveled with Goway a few years ago and were hoping they could help. Our specialist, Farnaz Bagheri, was fantastic, she listened to what we wanted to do and where we wanted to go. She literally arranged everything with her French partners. The guides and drivers were wonderful the accommodations were excellent. Communication was easy from the first discussion to the time we got home. Farnaz planned for us an exceptional trip in a very short time frame. Promise next trip we will contact Goway much earlier. Thanks againSue Blake

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Our experience was amazing! The booking process went great. We just had to pack our clothes and everything else was taken care of thanks to Goway Travel… Lori Mezzomo!!! Lori was fantastic. Everything from flights to transfers to excursions was perfect! Can’t wait to go back and i would definitely use Goway Travel again!!!Marie Idol

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Maria Spitman provided exemplary service to us! Her expertise, attention to detail, timely replies and kindness were unmatched. We will definitely recommend her to others who we know are considering travel to Asia. Alice Staniforth

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Michael Keon and his crew did a fine job coordinating our trip to Turkey. His contact in Turkey, Mr. Omer was in contact with us almost daily reminding us of our schedule and pick up info. He was terrific. Very informative and insightful guides. And large comfortable vehicles on every trip. Awesome trip. Tom and Sharon Tom and Sharon, Toronto, Canada

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We loved the trip itinerary and everything was organized so well! Lori was always very responsive and answered our questions promptly. Thank you for an amazing trip!Jelena Poprzen

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As a travel advisor, I recently booked a group of clients on a Goway tour in China following their paddleboat competition, and I couldn’t be happier with the experience. Christine and Tanya in the groups department were incredibly helpful and made the entire process seamless. Their support was greatly appreciated! The feedback from my clients was overwhelmingly positive, with particular praise for the local tour guides, who helped make the trip so memorable. Everyone had a wonderful time. Thank you, Christine, Tanya, and the Goway team, for taking such great care of my clients. I would happily recommend Goway and look forward to working with them again!customer

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I wanna start off by saying that Farnaz our agent was excellent!!! she planned the whole experience from start to finish. We did not have to worry about one thing the entire trip. All the hotels were great. Our transfers from hotels to fairies to airports were all available and always on time. The excursions she planned for us were all top-notch. I was a little skeptical, but just finding GOWAY online stumbling across it. But I’m so glad I made the choice to use them. I hope they definitely using the company again and especially our agent Farnaz!!! Thank you do mych for a wonderful experience! Catherine

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Our goal for this trip was a stress free honeymoon where we did not have to think about anything! Goway made that successful. Everything was planned and ready for us. We just had to show up. Brooke recommended fantastic accommodations that were in great locations, clean and comfortable. The tours were took with Thompson's Africa were incredible as well. Brooke was helpful throughout the entire booking process & we wouldn't have had such an incredible experience without her. We really loved our South African holiday and hope to travel there or other locations again with Goway.Taylor

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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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