Overview

This Rwanda extension blends culture, adventure, and conservation in the foothills of the Virungas.

We depart Kigali in the morning, driving north through Rwanda’s rolling hills toward Musanze (approx. 2.5 hours). Along the way, the landscape transforms into lush countryside framed by the dramatic volcanic peaks. We visit the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village, where we gain insight into traditional Rwandan life, music, dance, and community conservation initiatives. In the afternoon, we enjoy a peaceful canoeing experience on the Mukungwa River, gliding past rural scenery and terraced hills before settling in for the night at Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, nestled near Volcanoes National Park.

The following day brings the unforgettable highlight — mountain gorilla tracking in Volcanoes National Park. Trekking through bamboo forest and mist-covered slopes, we experience a rare and intimate hour with a habituated gorilla family — a profoundly moving wildlife encounter. After the trek, we visit the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund for lunch and a deeper understanding of ongoing gorilla conservation efforts, before driving back to Kigali in the afternoon, carrying memories of one of Africa’s most extraordinary experiences.