Rwanda • 7 Day • Adventure Expedition

Rwanda Gorilla Trekking

Book 2027 Expedition

7 Day Rwanda Gorilla Adventure Expedition

An unforgettable journey to photograph one of the world's rarest wildlife encounters.

Hidden amongst the mist-covered forests of Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda is home to the critically endangered mountain gorilla. With fewer than 1,100 individuals remaining in the wild, this is one of the most extraordinary wildlife experiences on Earth.

Join internationally award-winning wildlife photographer Scott Portelli on an intimate adventure expedition into the heart of Rwanda, where you'll spend two unforgettable mornings trekking through lush rainforest in search of habituated mountain gorilla families. Once found, you'll have the rare privilege of spending up to one hour observing and photographing these remarkable primates in their natural habitat.

Beyond the gorillas, the journey includes the opportunity to photograph playful Golden Monkeys, explore the breathtaking landscapes of the Virunga Volcanoes, visit Kigali and gain a deeper understanding of Rwanda's inspiring conservation story. Throughout the expedition, Scott will provide personalised photography guidance, helping you make the most of every encounter and refine your wildlife photography skills.

Designed for photographers, wildlife enthusiasts and adventurous travellers alike, this small group expedition combines incredible wildlife encounters, immersive cultural experiences and expert photographic tuition in one of Africa's most remarkable destinations.

This is far more than a wildlife expedition. It's a rare opportunity to stand face-to-face with one of our closest relatives, witness one of the world's greatest conservation success stories, and return home with memories and photographs that will stay with you for a lifetime.

Trip Details

 

  • 2027
    March

    • Day 1 – Arrive in Kigali, transfer to your hotel, meet the group and enjoy a welcome dinner.

    • Day 2 – Explore Kigali, including the Kigali Genocide Memorial, before travelling to Volcanoes National Park for an expedition briefing.

    • Day 3 – Your first Mountain Gorilla Trek, followed by a visit to the Gorilla Veterinary Project and an evening photography review with Scott.

    • Day 4 – A second Mountain Gorilla Trek, with opportunities to photograph a different gorilla family before visiting the Twin Lakes or local markets (time permitting).

    • Day 5 – Choose between an optional third Gorilla Trek, a visit to the Dian Fossey Research Centre, or relax at the lodge. (Additional permit fees apply.)

    • Day 6 – Track the playful Golden Monkeys in Volcanoes National Park before returning to Kigali.

    • Day 7 – Enjoy a leisurely morning before transferring to Kigali International Airport for your onward flight.

  • 7 Day

  • Kigali, Rwanda

  • Maximum 6 Guests

    • Twin Share: £11,340 per person

    • Single Supplement: £12,455 GBP applies for solo travelers. (subject to availability)

  • £1,500 (Non Refundable)

book 2027 Expedition
INQUIRY / DOWNLOAD BROCHURE
  • Close-up portrait of a mountain gorilla in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda.
  • Silverback mountain gorilla in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda.
  • Ruwenzori three-horned chameleon in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda.
  • Golden monkey feeding in the bamboo forests of Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda.
  • Baby mountain gorilla beside its mother in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda.

Expedition Highlights

  • Spend two unforgettable treks with the endangered Mountain Gorillas of Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park.

  • Travel as part of a small group expedition, allowing for personalised guidance and an immersive wildlife experience.

  • Receive expert photography tuition from internationally award-winning wildlife photographer Scott Portelli throughout the journey.

  • Photograph mountain gorillas in their natural rainforest habitat, capturing intimate wildlife encounters in one of Africa's most remarkable environments.

  • Track the playful Golden Monkeys, another rare primate endemic to the Virunga Mountains.

  • Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial and gain a deeper understanding of Rwanda's inspiring history and remarkable recovery.

  • Choose from an optional third Gorilla Trek or a visit to the Dian Fossey Research Centre to further explore the region's rich conservation story.

  • Stay in boutique accommodation on the doorstep of Volcanoes National Park, maximising your time in the field with one of the world's rarest wildlife species.

Guests and local guides during a mountain gorilla trekking experience in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda.

What’s Included

  • Comprehensive pre-departure information

  • Boutique accommodation throughout the expedition (shared twin accommodation)

  • Meals as outlined in the itinerary

  • Meet and greet on arrival at Kigali International Airport

  • Airport transfers as per the itinerary

  • Private English-speaking driver and professional local guide

  • Private 4WD transport throughout the expedition

  • Expert photography guidance

  • All transfers between destinations as outlined in the itinerary

  • National park entrance fees

  • Two Mountain Gorilla trekking permits per person

  • One Golden Monkey trekking permit per person

  • Entry to the Kigali Genocide Memorial

  • Visit to the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund Campus

  • Educational presentation from the Gorilla Doctors conservation team

What’s Not Included

  • International flights

  • Airline fuel surcharges and departure taxes (where applicable)

  • Passport, visa and vaccination costs

  • Comprehensive travel insurance and emergency evacuation cover

  • Early check-in or late check-out at hotels and lodges

  • Optional Dian Fossey Trek

  • Optional third Mountain Gorilla trekking permit

  • Additional tours or activities not listed in the itinerary

  • Personal expenses, including drinks, laundry, gratuities and souvenirs

Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrive in Kigali

Arrive in Rwanda's vibrant capital where you'll be welcomed by your private guide and transferred to your hotel. Meet Scott and your fellow travellers over a welcome dinner and receive an introduction to the incredible week ahead.

Day 2 – Kigali to Volcanoes National Park

Discover Kigali with a visit to the moving Kigali Genocide Memorial before travelling through Rwanda's stunning countryside to Volcanoes National Park. Settle into your lodge and enjoy a pre-trek briefing with Scott to prepare for your first gorilla encounter.

Day 3 – First Mountain Gorilla Trek

Venture into the misty rainforest in search of one of the park's habituated mountain gorilla families. Spend an unforgettable hour observing and photographing these remarkable primates before visiting the Gorilla Doctors to learn about the conservation work helping protect the species.

Day 4 – Second Mountain Gorilla Trek

Return to the forest for a second gorilla trek, offering another opportunity to photograph a different family and capture unique behaviours. Later, unwind at the lodge or, if time permits, visit the picturesque Twin Lakes of Burera and Ruhondo or explore the local markets of Musanze.

Day 5 – Optional Gorilla Trek or Dian Fossey Experience

Choose to embark on an optional third Mountain Gorilla Trek, hike to the historic Dian Fossey Research Centre, or simply relax at the lodge and enjoy the spectacular surroundings. (Optional activities incur additional permit fees.)

Day 6 – Golden Monkey Trek

Track the endangered Golden Monkeys through the bamboo forests of Volcanoes National Park before returning to Kigali, travelling through Rwanda's breathtaking "Land of a Thousand Hills."

Day 7 – Departure

Enjoy a leisurely morning before transferring to Kigali International Airport for your onward journey, taking home unforgettable memories and an extraordinary collection of wildlife photographs.

Gorilla sculpture at the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund in Rwanda.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Cancellation Period

    Cancellation of a booking or part thereof will incur the following fees based on the notice period prior to any tour. Once travel has commenced, no refunds will be made for any unused services and clients will be responsible for their travel arrangements and insurance.

    A deposit for any tour is made upon booking to secure your place on the tour, this is non-refundable. By paying the invoice for deposit you accept these terms and conditions.

    If a cancellation is made less than 1 month (30 Days) prior to the tour date, we will not reimburse the cost of the tour.

    If a cancellation is made within 1-2 months (60 Days) prior to the tour date, we will reimburse the cost of the tour up to 10% minus the deposit which is non refundable upon booking the tour and any admin fees incurred.

    If a cancellation is made within 3 months (90 Days) prior to the tour date we will reimburse the cost of the tour up to 15% minus the deposit which is non refundable upon booking the tour and any admin fees incurred.

    If a cancellation is made within 3 – 6 months (180 Days) prior to the tour date we will reimburse the cost of the tour up to 20% minus the deposit which is non refundable upon booking the tour and any admin fees incurred.

    Cancellations made by the organiser to a tour will be reimbursed in full (Not including the deposit which is Non-refundable).

    Note: If the booking has been rescheduled and the cancellation is requested, this will be considered a new booking and subject to our standard terms and conditions.If for any reason weather or operational cancellation of a single day occurs during the tour, there is no refund provided if the circumstances are out of the control of the organiser.

    Itinerary Disclaimer

    The itineraries on our websites are correct at time of publishing and may differ slightly depending on changes to local operations, foreign policy and laws, availability of resources, flight schedules, and supplier cost. In the case of any changes, the organiser will endeavour to provide an alternative option to continue your itinerary.

    Insurance Policy

    Travel insurance is NOT included in the cost of your tour. We strongly recommend that passengers arrange their own travel insurance. Insurance is required before arriving at your destination to ensure you are covered for unforeseen situations that may arise to cause loss of luggage, cancellation of flights and tours or medical emergencies.

    Scott Portelli and affiliates are not responsible for loss or damage of any equipment whilst participating in these activities. Appropriate travel insurance should be arranged prior to visiting your destination.

    Release Forms/Waivers

    While the organiser makes every effort to safeguard our clients, we cannot be held responsible for personal injury or loss due to events beyond our control.  Wildlife tourism carries inherent risk as you are interacting with wild animals and a signed release form is required from all participants before tour departure. This is signed on the first day of departure or prior to arriving at your destination on each separate tour. Guests are encourage to download this liability waiver and return back to us prior to your tour.

    Foreign Currency

    As of October 2023, all general tour costs are quoted in $USD as suppliers and operations in the region move to a more stable currency for services rendered. Current exemptions are Norway (quoted in Euros), Falkland Islands (quoted in GBP Pounds), and Australia (Australian Dollars).

    For local currency, please notice that Tongan Pa’anga is still the currency used while visiting the Tongan islands and will be the only accepted form of currency for tourist in Tonga.  For other destinations, please check which local currency will be required. NOTE: Tour prices are subject to change year on year and will be reflected in the tour itinerary prior to each season.

    Visas for Tonga

    Please review the visa requirements for your country here

    Visas for Norway

    Norway’s visa requirements vary according to the traveller’s country of origin, the purpose of traveling and the period of stay. Please review the visa requirements for your country here

    Visas for Australia

    Please review the visa requirements for your country here

Designed by Scott Portelli

Scott Portelli photographing mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda.

Every expedition reflects more than three decades of experience exploring and photographing some of the world's most remote environments.

Internationally recognised wildlife photographer, filmmaker and expedition specialist Scott Portelli has spent more than a decade working throughout Antarctica and the Sub-Antarctic, developing an intimate understanding of the region's wildlife, landscapes and seasonal conditions.

His experience has shaped every aspect of this journey, from the itinerary and timing to the wildlife encounters and photographic opportunities, creating an experience that goes beyond simply visiting these extraordinary places.

Whether Scott is leading the expedition himself or working alongside a trusted expedition team, guests can expect the same commitment to immersive wildlife experiences, responsible travel and exceptional photographic opportunities that define the Scott Portelli brand.

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