African Overland Tours
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Customer Service
Worldwide
African Overland Tours
Length
8 days
Tour SKU
ACE2608
Starts
Kigali
Comfort Level
Premier
Ends
Kigali
Age Range
15+ Years and older
Tour Type
Accommodated
Operated in
English Guided
Group Size
Max 6
Destinations
Explore the rainforest of Rwanda in search of mountain gorillas and golden monkeys on an unforgettable expedition. Meet Gorillas in their natural habitat at a research center established by Dian Fossey, who spent 18 years studying gorillas in the Virunga Mountains with National Geographic’s support. Take a safari in Akagera National Park in search of the “big five” lions, leopards, elephants, and Cape buffalo, while learning about the remarkable conservation efforts that have restored this once-devastated area.
You are welcome to arrive at any time. Transfers are included. Spend some time exploring the city if you arrive early. It’s a pleasant, friendly place to be. Aside from the city limits, Kigali has some interesting and historical sites. We recommend booking a pre-night if you want more time to explore.
Hotel des Mille Collines or similar
Experience the Kigali Genocide Memorial and learn about this somber chapter of Rwanda’s history. Enjoy a local lunch at the Nyamirambo Women’s Centre before taking a walk in the vibrant Nyamirambo neighbourhood. Upon arrival at Volcanoes National Park in the afternoon, we will settle into our lodge offering stunning views of the peaks.
Volcanoes National Park is bordered by Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda. Among the eight volcanoes in the Virunga Mountains, five are found here. Forest and bamboo cover the park’s volcanoes and highlands (a favourite snack of gorillas). Mountain gorillas are the most famous residents here, but buffaloes, bushbucks, golden monkeys, hyenas, numerous bird species, and elephants live here as well.
Mountain Gorilla View Lodge or similar
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Kigali Genocide Memorial Visit (2 hours), Nyamirambo Women’s Centre, Local Lunch
Kigali – Volcanoes National Park
130 km
3 hours
With a park ranger, trek through lush, jungle-covered hills in search of a unique and endangered species — the golden monkey. Explore this playful, curious creature’s natural habitat, followed by a visit to Dian Fossey’s Karisoke Research Center founded by National Geographic Grantee Ellen Degeneres. Enjoy immersive activities, such as a 360-degree theatre and replica of Dian Fossey’s original cabin, before meeting with some of the organization’s gorilla experts. You’ll have the chance to ask them questions about their experiences working for the world’s largest gorilla conservation organization.
Mountain Gorilla View Lodge or similar
Breakfast, Lunch, Golden Monkey Trek(3-5 hours), Mountain Gorilla Conservation Sundowner Experience
Golden Monkey Trek (3-5 hours), Mountain Gorilla Conservation Sundowner Experience
Proper hiking attire must be worn.
Join a park ranger on an unforgettable trek through the jungle to search for mountain gorillas. Depending on where the gorillas are located, these treks can vary in length and difficulty. We’ll return to our lodge for lunch, then visit a local village to see how rural life is lived. There are approximately 800 mountain gorillas in the wild today. Rwanda, DRC, and Uganda are home to these animals. In DRC and Rwanda, gorillas live in similar ecosystems/areas. Those gorilla species are known as highland gorillas. Gorilla family visits in Rwanda are conducted once a day, with a maximum of eight 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. You never know how long your trek will be, so it’s important to be well prepared. Depending on the location of the gorillas, which are constantly moving, the duration of a trek can vary between 4 and 9 hours. Apart from the occasional buffalo or elephant trail, you will mainly walk where there are no paths. You are not allowed to touch the gorillas (although they may touch you in some cases). Loud noises and sudden movements are also prohibited. In general, you should keep a distance of 7m from the gorillas, but they are unaware of this and may get very close to you; if this happens, slowly move away. Follow the instructions of the trackers and rangers at all times. There is an approximate charge for porters of $10USD per person. In addition to carrying your day pack, the porters can provide you with a welcome hand over difficult spots. Even the fittest of people can be affected by some tracks’ mud and elevation if they don’t hire a porter. In addition, it provides employment and supports the local economy.
Mountain Gorilla View Lodge (or similar)
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Gorilla Trekking, Iby’iwacu Village Visi
Volcanoes National Park – Kigali
After lunch, head east to the Akagera National Park. This part of Rwanda was once devastated by armed conflict, and many years of neglect and misuse followed. Wildlife returned to park savannas, forested hills, and wetlands due to dedicated work by the local communities. Here you can get a behind-the-scenes look at this fascinating conservation success story. Afterwards, stay at our comfortable lodge overlooking beautiful Lake Ihema. There are zebras, giraffes, elephants, zebras, giraffes, and hundreds of bird species in Akagera National Park. There are highlands, savannah plains, swamps, wetlands and lakes within the park, which runs along the Tanzanian border.
Mantis Akagera Game Lodge or similar
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Akagera National Park – Conservation and Community
Volcanoes National Park – Parc National de l’ Akagera
240 km
5½ – 6 hours
Safari drives in the early morning offer the chance to see lions, buffalo, hyenas, and antelopes grazing freely. Take a dip in the pool or relax at the lodge after lunch. Take a boat ride along Lake Ihema in the afternoon to search for hippos and crocodiles. Observe elephants and buffalo gathered at the lakeshore for water, as well as other wildlife. The area is home to many birds, including herons, shoebill storks, fish eagles, and kingfishers.
Mantis Akagera Game Lodge or similar
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Akagera National Park Morning Safari Drive, Wildlife Cruise on Lake Ihema
In the early hours of the morning, when animals are most active, we will head out for our final safari drive. Giraffes, gazelles, impalas, baboons, Butchel’s zebras, leopards, and lions can be seen here. In the afternoon, we will travel overland back to Kigali through the northern edge of the park.
Hotel des Mille Collines or similar
Breakfast
Akagera NP Morning Safari Drive
Parc National de l’ Akagera – Kigali
110 km
Your tour comes to an end today.
Breakfast
Chat to our experts to help you plan your dream trip.
Absolutely! Mountain passes like Sani require 4x4. Even main routes can be rough—adventure-ready vehicles are a must.
Lemurs, chameleons, fossa, and hundreds of endemic birds and reptiles! National parks offer the best sightings.
Yes. Overland operators often adjust itineraries for safety, weather, or unforeseen local events. Routes may change abruptly—operators stay connected with campsite managers and local contacts to respond quickly
Yes, especially where yours and the group’s safety is concerned.
Our Africa overland operators make every effort to follow the intended route of the tour with changes rarely made, due to unforeseen circumstances which are beyond their and our control.
In some instances, a particular highlight or city may be unsafe (due to political or natural reasons) in which case your itinerary will be changed to ensure your safety.
Know that we are in daily contact with local campsite managers and operators, and always have an ear to the ground.
Any services booked in addition to your tour (i.e. flights, transfer, accommodation, day tours etc.) must be covered by your comprehensive travel insurance.
Yes! Bargaining is expected in souks—start at 1/3 of the asking price and smile. It’s part of the fun.
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R126,399
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15 Day Kigali to Nairobi Adventure Tour
Discover the rainforests of Rwanda in search of golden monkeys and mountain gorillas. National Geographic supported Dian Fossey's 18-year research on gorillas in the Virunga Mountains with the support of the center. Discover how this once-devastated place has been restored through remarkable conservation efforts as you go on a safari in Akagera National Park.
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