Stand three feet from a Silverback, and you’ll find it exceeds any expectations you may have had. Every. Last. One. Observing gorillas is an utterly amazing experience and dare we say it, lifechanging.
A female mountain gorilla with a baby in Rwanda
Singita Rwanda Kwitonda Lodge
Imagine trekking with your guide through a dense jungle when you hear a faint rustle in the trees up ahead. Leaves begin to sway, and your heart skips a beat. Suddenly, a large Silverback gorilla and his troop appear in front of you. To say the moment is thrilling is an understatement. You linger for the next hour, watching some of the world’s last remaining and protected gorillas as they eat, groom and nap without fear in their natural habitat.
"This was perhaps one of the greatest experiences of my life"
You’ll trek the gorillas with a small group, spending an hour each day with two different families. You’ll be amongst silverbacks and females with their infants in the Rwandan wild. You won’t be afraid because they are so like humans and they behave as if you’re not even there.
After a morning with the gorillas, you’ll spend the rest of the day relaxing or perhaps exploring a local community or if you’re up for a drive, go to where chimpanzees and golden monkeys can be found.
Things You Should Know
- Gorilla trekking is a wonderful adventure for families. (Note: children must be at least 15 years old.)
- It transcends traditional game-viewing, making it a wonderful add-on to any African safari (Rwanda is only a one-hour flight from Nairobi)
- Contrary to what you might expect, there are no mosquitos, no bugs, or snakes
- The climbing is easy and completely captivating. There are walks of varying difficulties so you can choose what’s right for you
- The heavy rainy season is in March and April, so steer clear of those months
Where to Stay
- One of our favorite spots to stay is the newly opened Singita Kwitonda Lodge, a luxury property sitting on 178 gorgeous acres at the edge of Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park
- It’s home to a third of the world’s endangered mountain gorillas
- There are eight private suites and one private villa, each with spectacular views and all the creature comforts of home
- The lodge offers wellness treatments, indoor and outdoor heated plunge pools, a wine cellar, a media room, fireplaces, and complimentary Wi-Fi
Amazing accommodations and wildlife encounters you’ll be thinking about for years to come.
Who could ask for more?
Mary-Jean up close with the gorillas
Mary-Jean up close with a gorilla