Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda: A True Bucket List Experience
Last November, I had the opportunity to go gorilla trekking in Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park, and I still have a hard time putting the experience into words.
I've been on several safaris and have seen the Big Five from the comfort of a Land Rover - something I will never tire of - but this was completely different.
This wasn't watching wildlife from a distance. It felt like we had stepped directly into their world.
The Trek: With expert trackers leading the way and porters close behind to help with our gear (and keep us from face-planting in the mud), we trekked through farmland, dense bamboo forest and mountainous terrain in search of the Igisha family, a troop of 25 mountain gorillas.
And then suddenly, there they were.
We spent one unforgettable hour just a few feet away, watching mothers cradle their babies, young gorillas tumble and play, and an enormous silverback quietly keep watch over his family.
It was absolutely incredible.
The trek itself can take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours depending on where the gorillas have moved that day. Once you find them, however, you have one hour with the family - and trust me, it goes very quickly.
Singita Kwitonda Lodge, located right on the edge of Volcanoes National Park, and wow is this place amazing.
Each freestanding villa has an indoor-outdoor shower, fireplace and private plunge pool with views of the volcanoes. Rooms 5–9 are the ones to request.
And Singita makes the actual trekking experience incredibly easy. The evening before, they outfit you with everything you nee - boots, waterproof layers, gloves - so you really just have to show up.
One of my favorite touches? A hot water bottle tucked into your bed every night. After a day trekking through the mountains, you'll appreciate it.
Don't Just Come for the Gorillas: I recommend staying at least three nights, although I could have easily spent five or six.
Beyond gorilla trekking, there's golden monkey trekking, the Dian Fossey hike, yoga, spa treatments and plenty of time to simply enjoy this incredible lodge.
Rwanda also isn't somewhere I recommend planning at the last minute. Gorilla permits need to be secured well in advance, and the logistics require some thought.
Bottom Line:
If gorilla trekking has been sitting on your bucket list, GO.
It is one of the most extraordinary wildlife experiences I've ever had and completely different from a traditional African safari.
And staying at Singita Kwitonda makes an already incredible experience that much better.
