Africa is huge, mysterious and contains a mesmerising array of animals that are truly wild. But the Mountain gorilla only found in Africa's dense mountainous forests is the only one creature that holds a particular fascination. This magnificent beast is the real king of the jungle and is among the closest animals to humans on a genetic level. Indeed, it is surpassed in this respect only by bonobos and chimpanzees. Mountain gorillas are the largest species of primates that are ground dwelling and predominantly herbivores. Their social groups are complex and their behaviour is highly sophisticated and truly remarkable to witness. Gorilla trekking is today on every international traveller's "bucket list" and to be in the presence of these critically endangered species is a dream come true for many and is often regarded as one of the most thrilling and meaningful wildlife encounters on earth. It's the ultimate experience, very humbling and truly transformational.
To see these impressive primates in their natural habitats, our Mountain gorilla safari will be the perfect way to personally witness the wonders associated with them.
Securing permission to run gorilla safaris is a long and difficult process. As a reputable safari company, we believe in non-invasive, selective form of tourism that involves creating a magnificent holiday experience around permitted trekking into the gorillas’ habitat. Access is heavily regulated to interfere as little as possible with the gorillas’ natural way of life. We use specially trained local guides to make sure all gorilla treks are authorized, safely regulated and within boundaries set by various wildlife foundations and government agencies. Africa Safari Classics supports preservation of gorilla habitats and operate sanctioned, carefully planned gorilla treks to see one of nature’s most eminent animals in its natural home.
Hiking through misty bamboo forests to track the endangered mountain gorillas who roam freely in this habitat is an encounter that will create memories to stay with you forever.
Witnessing these impressive creatures is today within very easy each from different parts of the world. Kenya Airways, Rwanda Air and Uganda Airlines have daily flights from Nairobi to Kigali, Rwanda's Capital City.
WHAT DO OUR CLIENTS SAY ABOUT THIS EXPERIENCE?
Travel Review by Frances Kay White & Jeffrey White, February 2023
Organized, caring, detail oriented, fantastic, enthusiastic, connected just sensational!
This was a trip of a lifetime! We felt spoiled rotten with the customer care we received from Africa Safari Classics. Maurice planned and executed our itinerary with excellence. We had local guides that helped us with flights, transfers, hotel/camp check ins, tours, and anything we needed so we never felt like we had to know everything. So nice!!
The safari guides knew everything about anything we asked - the animals (SO MANY!), topography, the local people, geography, schools, you name it.
They found all the animals we wanted to see and more - so many birds and trees to learn about too. We were blown away by their knowledge.
We visited Kenya Amboseli (visited a local village which was so moving) and Maasai Mara (do the hot air balloon!) then flew to Rwanda and did gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park and visited the genocide museum. The country is so beautiful and clean. The people are proud they have healed from past horrors. Everywhere we went the people were so happy.
Tanzania was our final stop where we visited the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Parks.
We loved the difference this country offered from the other two. Maurice checked in with us daily to make sure all our needs were met. He chose a variety of accommodations so we could have different experiences in lodgings. They were all AMAZING!
Thank you Maurice to you and your team of drivers and safari guides! We could not have asked for a more perfect trip!! VERY happy we chose you!
Bishop's House in Musanze is set a few minutes from the Headquarters of Volcanoes National Park. It's a tranquil elegant "colonial manor" house set amidst very beautiful, manicured gardens. The nearby mountains and dense jungles of northern Rwanda are home to the endangered mountain gorillas, making it the perfect base from which to discover these incredible and majestic great apes. As a colonial-style boutique lodge, Bishops's House provides indulgent comfort and is the most perfect choice for travellers seeking luxurious accommodation with perfect location. Accommodation here is superb and of the highest quality and style. The Main Restaurant serves full or continental breakfast, lavish lunches and six-course dinners. All meals are thoughtfully flavoured and beautifully presented with the Resident Chef specializing in international-style cuisine with local African influence. Vegetarian options are always available and other special dietary requests can be catered for with advance notice. Guest accommodation consists of nine rooms, all positioned within the house itself which also contains all communal spaces. The main feature of every room is its antique four-poster bed with immaculately carved wooden headboard. The communal areas at The Bishop’s House include its comfortable guest lounge, a cosy fireplace and a pleasant patio, where you can relax and soak up some sunshine. Wellness and Spa treatments here that every weary body would appreciate include wide range of deep tissue massages. Staff comprise of a very friendly team of professionals.
Singita Kwitonda Lodge is named after a famous Silverback gorilla and is set within a landscape of wetlands and lush meadows bordering the world-renowned Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. This park is home to five of the eight extinct volcanoes that make up the Virunga Mountains where more than one third of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas find refuge. Kwitonda Lodge offers sublime and uninterrupted views of the Sabyinyo, Gahinga and Muhabura volcanoes and its strategic position puts life changing gorilla trekking experiences within very easy reach. The lodge comprises of luxurious suites with each featuring wellness and spa treatment area, in and outdoor fireplaces and uninterrupted views of breathtaking scenery of the nearby forests and volcanoes. All the suites are equipped king-size double beds, rest areas, dressing rooms, private terrace, heated plunge pool and a cosy fireplace to keep you warm in the evenings as you savour the natural beauty of the surrounding spectacular landscapes. Bathrooms are spacious with en suite bathtubs, indoor and outdoor showers. At Kwitonda you will indulge in warm fires, restful spaces, healthy food, massages and warm baths in the most relaxing environment of the African wilderness. For your dining experience, Kwitonda provides delicious mouth-watering Rwandese cuisine using ingredients from lodge’s kitchen garden. Meal times are flexible depending on the timing of your gorilla trek. So, if you’re looking for a lodge that truly offers guests a nurturing space to contemplate encounters with the "real king of the jungle" then Kwitonda is your perfect choice.
One&Only Gorilla’s Nest is surrounded by swaying eucalyptus trees and reawakens the wild spirit of adventure to discover the incredible and endangered mountain gorilla and experience the story of Rwanda. This stunning lodge is a celebration of African craftsmanship inspired by Rwandan Rainforest and is surrounded by five of the Virunga Mountains' eight volcanoes. Be a guest at One&Only Gorilla’s Nest and actualize your lifetime dream as you make a personal encounter with the rare and majestic mountain gorillas who roam freely in their own natural habitat here. This pristine lodge comprises of individual free-standing lodges and suites sitting suspended over sprawling gardens. All the multi-level Silverback suites come with private pools and a dining terrace for barbecues and views out across the volcanic landscape. All the rooms are set amidst lofty trees providing guests with uninterrupted views of the nearby volcanoes and forests. Cuisine at One&Only is impressive in all aspects and made from local produce and consistently cuts above the rest. All the fruits and vegetables come either from the Chef’s garden or sourced from the local farming community. Menu change daily depending on seasonality and stock of local suppliers. Regular barbecues to sample local traditional delicacies are major highlight. The world class kitchen team will make sure that all your culinary desires are surpassed beyond your expectations. For your health and wellness, One&Only Spa offers treatment and relaxation rooms with an open-air plunge pool surrounded by the eucalyptus tree forest and a complete fitness centre.
Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge is set on the slopes of the volcano Sabyinyo in a very remote location at the foothills of the mighty Virunga Volcanoes. This charming lodge is strategically tucked away in an incredible forested ecosystem and is the ideal base from which to explore and discover these volcanoes and trek Africa's magnificent mountain gorilla's through the forests. The location offers easy and convenient accessibility to the Park Headquarters where the gorilla trekking adventure begins. The lodge lies hidden amongst the foothills of the surrounding spectacular mountain ranges in the midst of dense tropical rainforest and offers breathtaking views from every angle. Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge was Rwanda's first ever community owned lodge and acts as a support business for the local community and the environment. While mountain gorilla trekking is the main draw in this area, other exciting activities arranged from here include birdwatching, nature walks, cultural visits to the local villages and markets and mountain-bike excursions. Accommodation at Sabyinyo comprises of six charming stone cottage luxurious suites with king-size beds. Each elegant cottage features large sitting areas, fireplaces, stylish en-suite bathrooms and a sheltered veranda with cinematic views over the volcanoes. All cottages are standalone and decorated in a homely style and their seclusion adds to the ample and individual privacy here. Scrumptious menus can be savored in the cozy dining room or al fresco on the outside deck providing endless views of spectacular scenery.