Overview
“When you realize the value of all life, you dwell less on what is past and concentrate more on the preservation of the future”
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Scheduled Itinerary
Tour Dates
Tour Price
Fitness: Demanding
Tour Leader
Highlights
Highlights
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Enjoy up to 3 gorilla treks in Volcanoes National Park and Mgahinga National Park
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Visit the Gahinga Batwa Village and learn about the Batwa’s culture and traditions
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Visit the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund
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Go Golden Monkey tracking in Volcanoes National Park and Mgahinga National Park
Specialist Tour Leader
Either Craig, Ian, Peter or John will be the Tour Leader for this safari.
We will reveal the name of the individual closer to the trip’s departure date:
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Craig Sholley
Craig's passion for African wildlife and conservation began in 1973 as a Peace Corps volunteer in Zaire (now DR Congo). As an L.S.B. Leakey grant researcher in the late 1970s, Craig studied mountain gorillas with Dian Fossey and, in 1987, became Director of Rwanda's Mountain Gorilla Project, of which African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) was a sponsor. He has worked and travelled extensively, providing conservation expertise, leading tours and photographing throughout Africa. Craig has acted as Scientific Advisor for the award-winning IMAX film, "Mountain Gorilla," and with National Geographic, he surveyed the conservation status of mountain gorillas in Rwanda, Uganda and Zaire in the aftermath of the civil war in Rwanda. Craig’s direct involvement with AWF began as a Senior Associate and member of its Board of Trustees. Operating as a full-time employee of AWF since 2001, he now serves as Senior Vice President. He has also served on the Board of the Ecotourism Society.
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Ian Redmond
Ian is a tropical field biologist and conservationist, known for his work with great apes and elephants. For more than 35 years he has supported mountain gorillas, through research, filming and conservation work. Ian first travelled to Africa in 1976 where he joined Dian Fossey, studying and protecting the mountain gorillas of Rwanda and Zaire (now DR Congo). In 1978, he introduced David Attenborough to the gorillas for the BBCs ‘Life on Earth’ series, and has advised in the making of more than 100 documentaries. Ian has been a conservation advisor for organisations including the Born Free Foundation, the Gorilla Organization, the Orangutan Foundation, and International Fund for Animal Welfare. He established and chairs the Ape Alliance, the African Ele-Fund and the UK Rhino Group. Ian was Chief Consultant and Envoy for the UNEP/UNESCO Great Apes Survival Partnership and continues advising on matters pertaining to apes and environmental issues.
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Peter Veit
Peter is a conservationist and Director of the Land and Resource Rights initiative with the World Resources Institute (WRI) in Washington. For more than 35 years, Peter has worked on environment and development issues, in 70+ countries. Early in his career, Peter studied animal behavior and wildlife conservation at the University of California, Santa Cruz. This work inspired him to study wildlife in Africa. In 1978, Peter met Dian Fossey whilst she was visiting family in the US, after which he was invited to study the behavior of mountain gorillas at the Karisoke Research Center in the Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. Peter lived in the park and worked with the mountain gorillas for more than 2 years from 1979 to 1981, serving as the director of the Karisoke Center whilst Dian moved back to the US to teach at Cornell University in New York. Peter has worked for WRI for more than 30 years, specialising in the links between natural resource management, human rights and democratic governance.
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John Fowler
John holds a BS in Zoology from the University of Georgia and an MS in Technology and Science Policy from Georgia Tech. After completing an undergraduate study program in Kenya, John got the rare opportunity that would become, “A Forest in the Clouds: My Year Among the Mountain Gorillas in the Remote Enclave of Dian Fossey”— his memoir of life and work in the Virunga Volcanos of Rwanda with National Geographic’s famous gorilla behaviourist. John also appeared in the pages of Fossey’s own, “Gorillas in the Mist” well as Farley Mowat’s story, “Woman in the Mists”. Upon his return from Africa, John began a 21-year career in zoos in the U.S. and Australia, and met fellow zookeeper, Janet, who would become his wife. His zoo work included leading tours to Africa, South America, Australia and New Zealand. Now retired from zoo work, John is a research coordinator in human behavioural healthcare. In addition to writing, John is an artist in nature-based abstract painting.
Itinerary
DAY 1:
Kigali
Meet your Travulous guide in Kigali, at either the airport or your hotel. Set off for Mount Gahinga Lodge and cross the border into Uganda.
As Uganda’s smallest park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is located at an altitude range of 2,227m to 4,127m. Home to one habituated gorilla group, the park was declared a game sanctuary in 1930 and gazetted as a national park in 1991.
After checking in at your accommodation, spend the remainder of the afternoon enjoying the property’s facilities, including the terrace which boasts stunning views of the Virunga Volcanoes. Listen to after-dinner talks by your Tour Leader, who lived and worked with Dian Fossey at the original Karisoke Research Center.
Meals: Lunch and dinner included, breakfast at own arrangement.
Overnight: Volcanoes Mount Gahinga Lodge (or similar)
Kigali pre-tour accommodation options: Enquire for details
DAY 2:
Mgahinga National Park
After an early breakfast, we set off gorilla tracking accompanied by your Tour Leader. Although the hike can be physically demanding, the beauty of the forest and its inhabitants is a fascinating and very rewarding experience.
Gorilla tracking does not present a serious physical challenge to a reasonably fit adult, regardless of age, although the altitude and terrain can sometimes be demanding. Gorilla tracking in Mgahinga National Park can take from 1 to 3 hours, with the guides stopping frequently for people to rest. Once the gorilla family has been found, your visit with these great apes lasts for one magical hour.
After the trek, return to your accommodation for a late lunch and spend the rest of your afternoon at leisure.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Overnight: Volcanoes Mount Gahinga Lodge (or similar)
DAY 3:
Mgahinga National Park
After breakfast, we visit the Gahinga Batwa Village to experience the culture and history of one of Africa’s oldest tribes.
Participate in a visit to their new village, community centre and the Batwa Heritage Trail. You will learn about their traditional life as hunter-gatherers in the forest and their use of medicinal plants. Enjoy seeing the Batwa Dance Group perform their traditional dance and visit the Batwa Vocational Center.
Return to your accommodation for lunch, after which we drive back across the border into Rwanda and towards Musanze, the base for gorilla tracking at Volcanoes National Park.
Check in to your accommodation in time for dinner. Spend the evening relaxing at your accommodation.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Overnight: Wilderness Sabyinyo (or similar)
DAY 4:
Volcanoes National Park
After an early breakfast, we transfer to Volcanoes National Park headquarters for a briefing by park staff, before meeting the rangers who will guide you to your assigned gorilla family. With 12 fully habituated gorilla families living in the Volcanoes National Park, only 96 gorilla permits are issued to tourists per day. Advance booking is essential.
Gorilla tracking does not present a serious physical challenge to a reasonably fit adult, regardless of age, although the altitude and terrain can sometimes be demanding. Gorilla tracking can take from 2 to 6 hours, with the guides stopping frequently for people to rest.
After the trek, return to your accommodation for lunch and spend the rest of your afternoon at leisure, or take an optional tour of the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Overnight: Wilderness Sabyinyo (or similar)
DAY 5:
Volcanoes National Park
Today you can choose optional activities including participating in a second gorilla trek, going in search of golden monkeys who are endemic to the high-altitude forests of Volcanoes National Park, or visiting the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund.
You may also be interested in hiking to Dian Fossey's original Karisoke Research Camp in Volcanoes National Park, located between two volcanoes, Mt. Karisimbi and Mt. Bisoke. Dian's original camp set-up consisted of a tent, converted over time to small cabins. Today the cabins lie in ruins, but by listening to the stories of your Tour Leader, you will gain a good understanding for what it must have been like for Dian all those years ago, when setting up camp to study and protect the endangered mountain gorillas. You will also see Dian's grave, and that of her favourite gorilla Digit.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Overnight: Wilderness Sabyinyo (or similar)
DAY 6:
Departure
Enjoy breakfast at your accommodation before departing for Kigali International Airport and your onward travel arrangements.
Time permitting, consider visiting optional Kigali highlights including Caplaki Craft Village for some last-minute souvenir shopping, Umusambi Village which is a beautiful nature reserve home to over 50 endangered Grey Crowned Cranes, or Kigali Genocide Memorial which is a moving testimony to this country’s past.
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch included, dinner at own arrangement.
Kigali post-tour accommodation options: Enquire for details
Extension tours: Enquire for details
Dates & Prices
TOUR DATES 2025:
06 - 11 July
14 - 19 December
Enquire for itinerary extension tours, and pre and post tour accommodation and transfer options in Kigali
TOUR PRICE 2025:
$10,150 per person sharing*
Enquire for Single Room Supplement
*For Tour Operator and Agent pricing, please sign into our Agent Portal to access this information
TOUR DATES & PRICE 2026:
Enquire for details
PRICING NOTE:
East Africa offers a wide range of places to stay, from high-end deluxe accommodations, to less expensive quality properties. Please contact us if you would like to explore changing the accommodation options, to suit your budget.
INCLUDES:
Accommodation based on double occupancy | Meals as per itinerary | House beverages in national park properties | Daily vehicle transfers, as specified, on a shared basis | English speaking driver-guide(s) | Exclusive access to Specialist Tour Leader-Conservationist | Activities, as specified: Visit to Gahinga Batwa Village; Performance by Batwa Dance Group; Visit Batwa Vocational Center; Performance by Intore Dance Troupe; Dinner with a local historian, and genocide survivor | Entrance / admission fees, as specified | Departure transfers based on 2 people sharing | Emergency evacuation cover
EXCLUDES:
All flights: international, domestic or regional, unless otherwise specified | Airport or departure taxes | Personal travel and health insurance | Any visas or travel permits required | Single room supplements | Late check out at properties | All drinks, unless otherwise specified | Premium and import brands | Meals not mentioned in the itinerary | Private vehicle transfers | Tips, donations and gratuities | Expenditure of a personal nature | Audio Tour of Kigali Genocide Memorial $15pp | Activity permits at Volcanoes National Park (VNP) and Mgahinga National Park (MNP): VNP Gorilla permit $1500pp; MNP Gorilla permit $800pp; Golden Monkeys $100pp; Visit to Ellen Degeneres Campus | Entrance to Umusambi village $17pp | Porterage | Optional excursions and activities | Pre- and post-tour hotel bookings (enquire for details) | Itinerary extension tours (enquire for details) | Arrival transfers | Any Covid testing requirements required
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General Information
Rwanda Climate
Rwanda has a year-round tropical highland climate. Temperatures vary by location and altitude, with little variation throughout the year. Rain is commonplace in Rwanda. The driest months are June to mid-September and the wettest from mid-February to May and mid-September to mid-December.
The dry season sees cloud cover and light rainfall. Roads and paths tend to be easier to navigate during this period.
Language & Currency
The official languages of Rwanda are Kinyarwanda, French, English and Swahili. Generally all Rwandans speak Kinyarwanda. French, English and Swahili is widely spoken in tourist areas, with varying degrees of fluency.
The local currency is the Rwandan franc, which divides into 100 centimes. US dollars are widely accepted; local currency is best for tipping and small purchases. Very few places accept credit cards outside of the major hotels in Kigali.
Access to cash machines is available in most major towns, and exchanging currency can be done in banks and foreign exchange bureaus.
Health
At least 6-8 weeks before departure, please visit your local health care provider or travel clinic for any vaccination requirements and to discuss any other potential health risks, such as malaria (where applicable). All travellers should ensure they have a comprehensive travel insurance policy in place.
Visas
All foreign nationals require a visa for entry to Rwanda. Please check with your local Rwandan Embassy or our travel team for further information. Tourist visas can be obtained, on arrival, for all travellers at all ports of entry. Visitors from the African Union, the Commonwealth of Nations and Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie are waived visa fees for visits up to 30 days.
For travellers of other nationalities, a visa fee is payable. The Rwandan government has introduced an online ‘e-visa’ application system for obtaining tourist visas in advance of travel. Travellers who choose to arrange their visa prior to arrival should carry a printed copy of their visa to present to immigration officials.
For any questions on Rwanda, contact our travel team, who will happily assist you with any information you may require.
Uganda Climate
Uganda is tropically warm all year round, with temperature fluctuations mainly determined by altitude and the presence of lakes. Rain showers are commonplace, with the dry seasons being December to March and June to August. In the south, April is the rainiest month, and the rains can stretch into May.
Although the dry months are more popular for gorilla trekking and birding, you might see more during the wetter months as this is the peak breeding season for wildlife.
Language & Currency
English and Kiswahili are the official languages of Uganda. There are over 40 languages spoken throughout Uganda, with Luganda being the most geographically spread language.
The local currency is the Ugandan shilling. US dollars are widely accepted; local currency is best for tipping and small purchases. Larger hotels in tourist areas may accept credit cards; however, surcharges are commonplace.
Access to cash machines is available in most towns, and exchanging currency can be done in banks and foreign exchange bureaus.
Health
At least 6-8 weeks before departure, please visit your local health care provider or travel clinic for any vaccination requirements and to discuss any other potential health risks, such as malaria (where applicable). All travellers should ensure they have a comprehensive travel insurance policy in place.
Visas
Most foreign nationals require a visa for entry to Uganda. Tourist visas can no longer be obtained, on arrival, at any port of entry.
The Ugandan government has introduced an online e-visa application system for obtaining tourist visas in advance of travel. Travellers should carry a printed copy of their visa to present to immigration officials.
For any questions on Uganda, contact our travel team, who will happily assist you with any information you may require.