Private • Rwanda
5 Days Fly-in Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari
Volcanoes, old-growth forest, and a silverback at arm's length
Overview
About this journey
- Region
- Northern Province
- Duration
- 5 days
- Departures
- All year round
- Party size
- Up to 6
Experience the ultimate luxury wildlife adventure on this 5-Day Fly-in Rwanda Safari, combining scenic flights, unforgettable gorilla trekking, golden monkey tracking, and authentic cultural experiences. This exclusive safari allows you to explore the breathtaking landscapes of Rwanda while maximizing your time in Volcanoes National Park, home to the endangered mountain gorillas and the rare golden monkeys. Enjoy the convenience of flying between destinations, reducing travel time and giving you more opportunities to immerse yourself in Rwanda's incredible wildlife, nature, and culture.
Safari Highlights
Scenic flights within Rwanda
Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Second gorilla trekking experience or golden monkey tracking
Cultural visit and community experience
Kigali city tour and historical sites
Luxury safari experience with expert guides
Opportunity to explore the Virunga Mountain ecosystem
Highlights
What you'll experience
Two Gorilla Treks in the Virungas
Back-to-back permit days mean you meet different gorilla families on different terrain — one group close to the bamboo zone, another higher on Sabyinyo where the air thins and the canopy opens. Our guide Janvier says the second trek always surprises guests most.
Golden Monkey Morning
Parc National des Volcans holds one of the only habituated groups of golden monkeys in the world. They move fast through bamboo, flashing copper and black, and an hour with them feels like chasing light through a green room.
Crater Lake Walk at Bishoke
A steady walk through hagenia-hypericum forest brings you to the emerald crater lake on Mount Bisoke — the kind of place that stops conversation entirely. Duikers move quietly at the tree line; bishops and sunbirds work the sedges.
Fly-in from Kigali
A 40-minute charter flight replaces a three-hour road transfer and drops you directly above the volcanoes. You see Ruhengeri spread below, the cones of Karisimbi and Mikeno rising into cloud — the landscape tells you where you are before the wheels even touch.
Kigali Genocide Memorial & City Walk
The first afternoon in Kigali is unhurried — a visit to the Genocide Memorial, then a walk through Nyamirambo district where local coffee roasters work outdoors and tailors run their machines at open doors. Rwanda asks you to understand it before it shows you its forest.
Why choose us
Why choose a Private Journey?
This itinerary keeps things deliberately small: two gorilla permits per morning, a private charter, no more than six guests sharing a vehicle. Here is what that means in practice.
Two Permits, Two Groups
Most Rwanda gorilla itineraries offer a single trek. Booking two back-to-back days means you meet different families on different terrain — and the second morning, when nerves have settled, is often the one guests never stop talking about.
Fly-in Both Ways
The charter replaces six hours of road travel and puts you inside the national park landscape before you have even unpacked. It also means you keep both mornings in the field rather than burning them on a highway.
Guides Who Know the Forest
Janvier and his colleagues have tracked these gorilla groups for years. They know when a silverback is restless, which trails the Amahoro group prefers after rain, and where golden monkeys sleep — and they share that knowledge freely.
Itinerary
Your day-by-day journey
Day 1
Arrival in Kigali – Welcome to Rwanda
Upon your arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your professional safari representative from Arrive Africa Safaris. After a brief introduction and safari briefing, you will be transferred to your hotel in Kigali. Depending on your arrival time, you may enjoy a guided exploration of Kigali, Rwanda's vibrant capital city. Visit some of the city's important landmarks, including the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a significant historical site that shares the story of Rwanda's past and its remarkable journey of recovery and reconciliation. Relax at your hotel and prepare for your exciting fly-in safari adventure ahead.
Accommodation: Kigali Hotel
Meal Plan: Dinner
Meals · Dinner
Day 2
Kigali – Scenic Flight to Volcanoes National Park
After breakfast, enjoy a morning city tour of Kigali before beginning your journey to Volcanoes National Park. Take a scenic flight to the northern region of Rwanda, home to the magnificent Virunga Mountains and the endangered mountain gorillas. The aerial journey offers spectacular views of Rwanda's rolling hills, forests, lakes, and countryside. Upon arrival near Volcanoes National Park, transfer to your lodge and settle into your accommodation surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery. Depending on your arrival time, you may choose to enjoy optional activities such as:
A community cultural visit
A guided nature walk
Exploring the scenic surroundings of the Virunga Mountains Spend the evening relaxing at your lodge as you prepare for your first gorilla trekking experience.
Accommodation: Lodge near Volcanoes National Park
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Meals · Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3
First Gorilla Trekking Experience in Volcanoes National Park
Today is the highlight of your Rwanda safari as you embark on an unforgettable gorilla trekking adventure. After an early breakfast, transfer to the Volcanoes National Park headquarters for a briefing by experienced park rangers. You will learn about gorilla trekking guidelines, safety procedures, and the conservation efforts protecting these endangered primates.
Accompanied by skilled trackers and guides, enter the lush rainforest slopes of the Virunga Mountains in search of a habituated gorilla family. The trek may take several hours depending on the location of the gorillas, but the reward is a once-in-a-lifetime encounter. When you finally meet these gentle giants, you will spend one magical hour observing their behavior, watching them feed, play, groom, and interact within their family group. After this incredible experience, return to your lodge for relaxation and reflection on this unforgettable wildlife encounter.
Accommodation: Lodge near Volcanoes National Park
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Meals · Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4
Second Gorilla Trekking Experience
For travelers seeking a deeper connection with these incredible animals, a second gorilla trek provides another opportunity to visit a different gorilla family and observe their unique personalities and behaviors.
Option 2: Golden Monkey Tracking
Alternatively, embark on a golden monkey tracking adventure. These rare and playful primates are only found within the Virunga Mountain region. Watch as they jump through bamboo forests, feed, and interact in their natural environment. In the afternoon, enjoy a cultural experience at a nearby village where you will learn about traditional Rwandan lifestyles, customs, and community practices. Enjoy local performances, interact with residents, and gain insight into the rich heritage of Rwanda. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Lodge near Volcanoes National Park
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Meals · Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5
Return to Kigali – Departure
After breakfast, bid farewell to the beautiful landscapes of Volcanoes National Park and begin your return journey to Kigali. Enjoy a relaxed morning before your departure. Upon arrival in Kigali, you may have time for some last-minute shopping at local craft markets, where you can purchase handmade souvenirs, traditional artwork, and gifts. Your guide will then transfer you to Kigali International Airport for your onward flight, marking the end of your unforgettable 5-Day Fly-in Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari.
Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch
Safari Includes
Airport transfers
Scenic domestic flights as per itinerary
Transportation in a comfortable safari vehicle
Professional English-speaking driver-guide
Gorilla trekking permit
Golden monkey tracking permit (if selected)
Park entrance fees
Cultural village visit
Four nights' accommodation
Meals as indicated
Bottled drinking water during the safari
Safari Excludes
International flights
Rwanda visa (where applicable)
Travel insurance
Alcoholic and soft drinks
Tips and gratuities
Personal expenses such as laundry, souvenirs, and telephone calls
Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
End of Your 5 Days Fly-in Rwanda Safari
Meals · Breakfast, Lunch
Inclusions
What is and isn't included
Included
- Return charter flights Kigali–Musanze–Kigali (shared aircraft, private group)
- Two mountain gorilla trekking permits per person
- One golden monkey trekking permit per person
- Bisoke crater lake climbing fee
- All accommodation (4 nights) on a full-board basis
- All ground transportation in a private 4WD vehicle
- English-speaking naturalist guide throughout
- Rwanda Development Board ranger fees
- Twin Lakes boat excursion (Day 4)
- Musanze market walk with local guide
- Comprehensive pre-departure information pack
- Airport meet-and-greet in Kigali on arrival and departure
Not included
- International flights to and from the region
- Entry visas and any transit visas
- Travel and medical insurance, which is mandatory
- Alcoholic drinks and premium beverages
- Laundry, telephone and other items of a personal nature
- Tips and gratuities for your guide, drivers and lodge staff
- Optional activities not listed in the day-by-day itinerary
Pricing
Available all year round
A private itinerary with no fixed departure dates. Rates are per person in USD.
Journey Details
Essential information
Minimum Age
15 years (Rwanda Development Board regulation for gorilla trekking)
Safari Duffel
Soft-sided bags only for the charter flight; 15 kg hold luggage per person recommended
First Group Event
Arrival transfer and welcome briefing in Kigali, Day 1 evening
Last Group Event
Departure transfer to Kigali International Airport, Day 5 afternoon
Guaranteed Departures
All listed dates operate with a minimum of 2 guests. Private charters and permits are secured on booking confirmation.
Alternate Sightseeing
If a gorilla family moves into steep or unsafe terrain on trek day, the Rwanda Development Board may redirect your group to an alternative habituated family at no additional cost.