Gorilla trekking is primarily based in Rwanda’s Volcanoes national park in the Virunga mountains located in northwestern region of the country. Defining it as a luxury safari excursion in Rwanda is due to the high-end wilderness journey that combines exclusive trekking experience, 5- star accommodations, private guides, private helicopter transfers, premium gorilla permits. The above points positions gorilla trekking encounters as an exclusive, luxury and premium experience to high- end travelers in Rwanda.

Overview.

• Private helicopter transfers: This is an ultra-luxury option for travelers who prefer to dodge the 2 to 3hours drive from Kigali up to Volcanoes National Park. To make it short, a 25-minute helicopter flight takes you over Rwanda’s a thousand hills, dropping you directly near Volcanoes’ park headquarters and luxury safari lodges. Flights are operated through Akagera Aviation from Kigali International Airport to Musanze Airfield or directly to private lodge helipads. Safari lodges like One&Only gorilla lodge and Singita Kwitonda lodge have their own helipads where visitors land directly inside the lodge while other lodges like Wilderness Bisate lodge, Sabyinyo Silverback lodge among others, helicopters land at Musanze airstrip which is a short 4×4 vehicle transfer to the specific safari lodge.
• 5- star accommodations: Rwanda is one of the few African countries with 5- star safari lodges in several regions. The country has several luxury gorilla lodges ranging from high- end to ultra luxury based in Volcanoes national park which are mainly for luxury travelers. Ultra luxury gorilla safari lodges in Volcanoes include; One & Only gorilla’s nest, Wilderness Bisate lodge, Singita Kwitonda lodge, Kataza house. These are the leading super luxury gorilla lodges in Rwanda characterized by total privacy, luxury amenities, wellness spas, private helipads, private plunge pools among others. High- end luxury gorilla lodges range from 3 to 4- star categories and they include; Virunga lodge, Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, Sabyinyo Silverback lodge, Amakoro Songa lodge among others. Expect total privacy, deluxe villas, luxury facilities, stunning views of Virunga mountains, wellness spas among others mainly for big spenders.
• Premium gorilla permits: In all African countries which offer the gorilla trekking experience, Rwanda has the most expensive gorilla permit which cost $ 1500 per person for international visitors. Apart from the standard gorilla permit of $ 1500, low season 30% discount of $ 1,050 (visiting Akagera or Nyungwe national parks in November- May for 3+ days) plus the 15% discounts of $ 1,275 for international conference attendees staying pre- or post-event, the country introduced new packages basically for high- end travelers which include: $ 15,000 for those book an entire gorilla family for a private group with a dedicated guide, $ 30,000 for a minimum total of three visitors for 3 consecutive days.
• Exclusive trekking experience: Rwanda offers exclusive gorilla trekking experiences to high- end travelers in the country. Luxury gorilla trekkers from 1 up to 8 guests are allowed to hire an entire fully habituated gorilla family making a complete private trekking experience. From this luxury option, expect personal trekking pace, a dedicated team of park rangers/guides and total privacy in the lush Bamboo forests of Volcanoes national park. For the exclusive gorilla trekking, fees and bookings are different from the standard gorilla trekking, for example the gorilla permit costs $ 15,000 for those who book the entire gorilla family.