Gorilla Safaris

Gorilla Safaris

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Experience Gorilla Safaris

Rwanda is the “Land of a Thousand Hills”, with beautiful green, mountainous landscape in the west and numerous lakes throughout – this is Mountain Gorilla territory – but to the east, you’ll find savannahs where visitors can go on a bush safari. Although Rwanda is a prime gorilla trekking destination, it has so much more to offer than just that. If you want to do Mountain Gorilla trekking, Rwanda is the place – the best place. It’s also one of only two countries in the world where you can track endangered Mountain Gorillas. Coming to visit these majestic mammals in this national park’s lush bamboo forests on the mist-covered volcanoes is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Apart from the gentle gorillas of the Virunga, also look out for the park’s 75 other mammal species – such as the elephant, buffalo and the endangered and endemic Golden Monkey. Visitors can also pay homage to the legendary zoologist and gorilla advocate, Dian Fossey, with a hike to her tomb or a visit to the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund. Since Rwanda is a tea and coffee plantation Mecca (tea is the number one export!), going on a tour where the processes behind these beloved worldwide drinks are explained is a definite on your to-do list. There are dozens of world-class tea and coffee plantations. If you’re looking for something else to do on your trip in Rwanda, never fear – many possibilities exist. From going on East Africa’s only canopy walk—which can be found in the dense rainforests of Nyungwe Forest National Park—to going on a bush safari in Akagera National Park or on a boat safari in Akagera Park’s Lake Ihema – you won’t be able to get bored. Your Grosvenor Tours Incentives Specialist can easily put together an inspired, tailor-made program to meet all your requirements, and exceed your group’s expectations, for incentive groups of all sizes. We will be there to make the best recommendations for you so that your guests have a wonderful experience of this beautiful destination, as befits availability, the size of your group and your budget.

Incentive Highlights

Mountainous landscape and numerous lakes throughout
Savannahs where visitors can go on a safari
One of only two countries in the world where you can track endangered Mountain Gorillas

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What to Do

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Rwanda, the best place to do mountain gorilla trekking

Rwanda is one of only three countries in the world where critically endangered Mountain Gorillas live. Protected within the Volcanoes National Park which is home to the Virunga Mountains, these majestic mammals have settled into the park’s lush bamboo forests, creating a dramatic setting for travelers who want to experience one of the most memorable wildlife experiences this planet has to offer.

Volcanoes National Park – Rwanda’s premier tourist attraction

The Volcanoes National Park is a forested area in the Virunga Mountains that border Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. While the Mountain Gorillas are often at the top of visitors’ lists, the park is also home to 75 other mammal species, including elephant, buffalo and the endangered, endemic Golden Monkey. Visitors can also pay homage to the legendary zoologist and gorilla advocate, Dian Fossey, with a hike to her tomb or a visit to the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund that continues her legacy of research and advocacy for gorillas to this day.

Tea Plantation Tours in Nyungwe National Park

Tea is Rwanda’s largest export, something that is evident in the landscape. Tea leaves cover the mountains and give a dark green contrast to the blue skies, dirt roads and sunshine. Rwanda’s fertile volcanic soils provide for the perfect tea-making environment. Discover how tea is harvested and even get to taste the specialty!

Explore the history and culture of Rwanda

Visit the Genocide Memorial Center in Kigali, or take a trip to the Inema Art Center in Kacyiru and see exhibitions and workshops, take part in traditional dance lessons, watch Intore performances, or shop for souvenirs. There is also the impressive 19th century King’s Palace Museum and the National Art Gallery in Nyanza.

Accommodation in Volcanoes National Park, a way to be in the heart of it all

The Volcanoes National Park—home to 28 resident Mountain Gorilla families—offers a choice of basic to sophisticated accommodation on the edge of five rainforest and bamboo covered volcanoes. From the comfort of Gorilla Mountain View Lodge, the elegant surrounds of Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, and the rustic charm of Virunga Lodge, these lodges provide a good opportunity to rest and relax prior to your up-close and personal Mountain Gorilla experience.

Where to Stay

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Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge

Set in the foothills of the Virunga volcano chain that stretches through north-western Rwanda, Uganda and the DRC, the lodge offers up striking views of the volcanoes and surrounding countryside. The adjacent Volcanoes National Park with its gorilla trekking safaris makes the lodge the perfect base from which to explore this unique pocket of Africa. Enjoy accommodation at Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge in beautifully appointed cottages or suites, which are all stone buildings finished off with Rwandese terracotta tile roofs.

Virunga Lodge

Perched high on a ridge in an area near the Volcanoes National Park, this safari lodge has glorious views of the Virunga Volcanoes and Bulera and Ruhonda twin lakes, making it the ideal location for setting out on Mountain gorilla safaris or merely taking in the beautiful natural surroundings. This lodge depicts the local, organic style of building and rewards guests with eco-luxury comforts. Each of the stone guest “bandas” elegantly fitted with tile roofs and en-suite bathrooms comes with its own terrace lending itself to amazing views of the Virungas and twin lakes.

Gorillas Nest Lodge

In a lush Eucalyptus forest setting in the foothills of the Virunga volcanoes in Rwanda's northern district of Musanze is the beautiful Gorillas Nest Lodge with breathtaking views of green hills and the slopes of the Volcanoes National Park. The lodge offers fine accommodation in the Hanna’s Cottages as well as in its cozy Ranch Rooms. Guests are looked after by friendly and professional staff who will take care of their every need. Enjoy authentic African cuisine or international dishes in a place offering true Rwandan hospitality.

Without the professional, timeous and effortless support from Zelda and her team this historical event would have been impossible and probably sub-standard. I can highly recommend them for your next event – be it big or small.

~ Thea Eiselen, World Federation of Nuclear Medicine And Biology Congress 2010