Rwanda gorillas from Kigali in 8 days (7 nights)

8 days · Rwanda · best 6, 7, 8, 9

Two nights in Kigali start the trip, with time for the city and the genocide memorial before the road north. Four nights at Musanze, the town below the Virunga volcanoes and the gate for Volcanoes National Park, leave room for a gorilla trek, golden monkey tracking and a spare day in case weather moves a permit. The trip then returns to Kigali for a last night close to the airport, so departure day has no mountain drive in it. Akagera, the savannah park in the east, is left off: this version stays in the two places where beds can be held.

The route, stop by stop

1. Kigali, Rwanda · 2 nights

Arrive by fly — International arrival at the capital's airport.

Two nights make the arrival city part of the trip rather than a stopover: a look around town, the genocide memorial, and a full night of sleep before any uphill walking.

2. Musanze, Rwanda · 4 nights

Arrive by drive — North by road from the capital to the town below the Virunga volcanoes.

Four nights at the park gate cover a gorilla permit, golden monkey tracking and a spare day, so one wet or very steep trek does not swallow the whole stay.

3. Kigali, Rwanda · 1 night

Arrive by drive — Back south to the capital on the same road.

A night back in the city keeps the drive down from the mountains off departure day.

Experts who can arrange this trip

• The Safari Vibe, who works in Rwanda.

More trip ideas · Rwanda