A trip to visit our (long) lost relatives is bringing many Kiwis to Uganda, and especially to Rwanda, often as a side trip from a safari in either Kenya or Tanzania. There are regular inexpensive flights from Nairobi, Arusha or Dar Es Salaam into Kigali and Entebbe, and a mountain gorilla trek can usually be achieved in as little as 3 or 4 days, or up to a week if you are keen to combine with chimpanzee trekking also for the ultimate primate experience.
You do have to plan ahead though – gorilla trekking permits, while expensive at USD$750 currently (payable up front and non-refundable!) are sold out months in advance for popular times of the year like June-August, as numbers of trekkers are strictly controlled.
Our clients often tell us that this one hour spent with the ‘relatives’ is the most mind-blowing moment of their entire time in Africa, and worth every cent. Who knows, you might even get a cuddle from a giant male (it has happened!)- just remember not to look him in the eye!
Rwandan people, despite their tragic recent history, are renowned as being among the friendliest in the world and clients tell us they enjoyed their time in the gracious and leafy capital city of Kigali almost as much as their time with the gorillas. Go on, give it a try!
Experiences in this area
90-Day Grand Africa – Circumnavigating The African Continent
NOV 30, 2024 – FEB 28, 2025 DEPARTS : BARCELONA, SPAIN ARRIVES : BARCELONA, SPAIN Itinerary DATES PORT TIME Nov 30, 2024 Barcelona, Spain VISA REQUIRED FOR SOME DEPARTS 05:00 PM Dec 1, 2024 Palma De Mallorca, Spain VISA REQUIRED FOR SOME ARRIVES 08:00 AM DEPARTS 06:00 … Continue reading →
Rwanda Gorilla Naming Ceremony & Uganda
Experience a special event and remarkable wildlife in Rwanda and Uganda Encounter the culture, history and wildlife of Rwanda and Uganda on a 9-day adventure that’s as moving as it is fun. Take part in an incredibly important gorilla naming … Continue reading →
Chimps & Gorillas of Uganda
Discover Uganda’s emblematic wildlife Uganda is renowned for its abundant wildlife. With landscapes ranging from savannah to lush forests the animal count is high: over 300 mammal species and more than 1,000 types of birds. This trip is a true … Continue reading →
Gorillas & Masai Mara – Camping Reverse
Fantastic Kenyan wildlife and the endangered Mountain gorillas The Masai Mara, a vast grassland teeming with animals, has an astonishing amount and mixture of game, including lions, cheetahs and at certain times of the year, the wildebeest migration. Lake Nakuru … Continue reading →
Gorillas, Game Parks & Beaches
Adventure, wildlife and relaxation in East Africa Discover the astounding diversity of landscapes and wildlife in East Africa. Visit verdant highlands, steamy rainforests, tropical beaches and epic grasslands in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and Zanzibar, enjoying unrivalled opportunity to get close … Continue reading →
Premium Uganda, Rwanda & Kenya
Discover incredible wildlife and resilient culture in Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya Wild dreams come true on a 13-day Premium journey through Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya. Enter the world of rare mountain gorillas in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and spend … Continue reading →
Premium Rwanda & Uganda
Encounter resilience and rare wildlife in Rwanda and Uganda. Come face to face with heartbreaking history and incredible wildlife on a 6-day Premium journey through Rwanda and Uganda. See sombre reminders of Kigali’s devastating past, watch local life play out … Continue reading →
Premium Eastern and Southern Africa
An unforgettable African journey from Kigali to Windhoek Embrace the adventure of a lifetime on a 37-day Premium journey through Africa. Enter the world of rare mountain gorillas in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, take in quintessential East Africa in … Continue reading →
Africa Encompassed Northbound
An immersive tour of Southern Africa including gorillas and game drives Witness vast landscapes, natural wonders, towns rich in cultural traditions and modern cities humming with life on this epic journey through Africa. This 64-day odyssey takes you from cosmopolitan … Continue reading →
Remarkable Rwanda & Gorillas of Uganda
Uncover beauty and tragedy in Rwanda and Uganda. Rwanda is oft-missed destination that every human should visit. Not only will you learn about the devastating events that took place here, you’ll also witness a beautiful country that’s continuously striving to … Continue reading →