EYE TO EYE WITH MOUNTAIN GORILLAS
Luxury Rwanda Holidays from the UK
Mountain
GORILLAS
~9 hrs
DIRECT TO KIGALI
ATOL
PROTECTED
Why Rwanda
40+
HAND-VETTED RESORTS
The Land of a Thousand Hills
Rwanda, the land of a thousand hills, offers one of the most profound wildlife encounters on earth — trekking through misty mountain forest to sit, for a precious hour, among a family of wild mountain gorillas. Add golden monkeys, the rainforest of Nyungwe, the shores of Lake Kivu and a clean, green, welcoming capital in Kigali, and it is far more than a single experience.
At HighStreet Holidays we don't simply book Rwanda — we secure the gorilla permits, time the trek and route the wider trip, with the lodges, guides and transfers handled.
With access to a carefully vetted portfolio, from forest lodges by the Volcanoes park to Lake Kivu retreats, we build a Rwanda journey around the encounter of a lifetime.
An hour among wild mountain gorillas changes people. Of all the wildlife encounters on earth, this is the one our clients never stop talking about.
Signature Experiences
Moments That Linger
Rwanda is about a few extraordinary encounters. These are the experiences our clients come home remembering.
Gorilla Trekking
The reason most people come — a guided trek through the Volcanoes National Park to spend a precious, permitted hour with a family of wild mountain gorillas.
Golden Monkeys
A second trek in the Volcanoes park to find the rare, playful golden monkeys — a wonderful, less strenuous complement to the gorillas.
Nyungwe Forest
Ancient montane rainforest, chimpanzee trekking and a thrilling canopy walkway high above the trees — Rwanda's wild, green south-west.
Lake Kivu
One of Africa's great lakes — calm, swimmable waters, terraced hills and lakeside lodges, the perfect place to relax after the treks.
Kigali
A clean, safe and welcoming capital, with a moving Genocide Memorial, a lively arts and coffee scene, and an easy gateway to the rest of the country.
Akagera
Rwanda's revived savannah park, now home to the Big Five — a classic game-drive safari to add to the forest and gorilla experiences.
Featured Properties
Where You'll Stay
Every lodge, camp and hotel we feature has been carefully vetted by our specialists — the addresses our clients return to, year after year.
Recommended Packages
Curated for Every Occasion
Every package includes return flights from your nearest UK airport (lowest fares ex-London), private transfers, daily breakfast and selected experiences — tailored by your specialist.
Most Popular
7 Nights
Rwanda Gorilla Trek
- Kigali arrival (KGL) - private transfer to Volcanoes National Park (~2.5 hrs)
- 1 night Kigali boutique hotel | 4 nights lodge near Volcanoes NP
- 2 gorilla trekking permits included ($1,500 each)
- 2 nights Lake Kivu resort (relaxation after trekking)
- Full board on trek | 2 gorilla treks with trackers | golden monkey trek option
- Return flights from London airports
Signature Journey
7 Nights
Bisate Lodge Gorilla Experience
- Kigali arrival - helicopter or private transfer to Bisate
- 4 nights Bisate Lodge (Wilderness, iconic spherical villas, reforestation project)
- 3 nights Magashi Camp (Akagera, Big Five plains safari)
- Fully inclusive | 2 gorilla permits + 1 golden monkey permit included
- 2 gorilla treks | golden monkey trek | Akagera Big Five game drives + boat safari
- Return flights from London airports + internal flights
Ultra Luxury
7 Nights
Singita Kwitonda & Nyungwe
- Kigali arrival - helicopter transfer to Volcanoes National Park
- 4 nights Singita Kwitonda Lodge or One&Only Gorilla's Nest (Volcanoes NP)
- 3 nights One&Only Nyungwe House (ancient rainforest, chimpanzee trekking)
- Fully inclusive | 2 gorilla permits + chimpanzee permit included
- Private gorilla treks | chimpanzee trek | canopy walk | private guide throughout
- Return flights from London airports + internal transfers, premium cabin upgrade available
Looking for something different? Enquire below or call us on 020 3322 7866 and we'll curate a Rwanda journey around you.
Best Time to Visit
When to Go
LONG DRY SEASON
June to September
The driest months and the prime time for gorilla trekking, with firmer forest trails. The most popular window; permits and lodges should be secured well ahead.
SHORT DRY SEASON
December to February
A second drier window, also excellent for trekking, with green hills and slightly fewer trekkers — a fine alternative to the mid-year peak.
GREEN SEASON
March to May & October-November
The rains bring lush forest and the best value, though trails are muddier underfoot. Trekking continues year-round; good waterproof boots are essential.
YEAR-ROUND TREKKING
Every month
Gorilla trekking runs all year — the dry seasons are easier underfoot, but a sighting is near-certain in any month with the expert trackers.
Sample Itinerary
A 6-Night Rwanda Journey
Every itinerary we create is bespoke — this is simply one way a perfect trip unfolds.
1
DAY 1 — ARRIVAL
UK to Kigali
Your flight reaches Kigali — around 9 hours direct, or via a hub. A night in the clean, welcoming capital.
2
DAY 2 — TO THE VOLCANOES
Volcanoes National Park
A scenic drive to the foothills of the Virunga volcanoes and your forest lodge, ready for the trek.
3
DAY 3 — THE GORILLAS
Gorilla Trek
The trek of a lifetime — through misty forest to a permitted hour among a family of wild mountain gorillas. A second trek for golden monkeys, if you wish.
4
DAYS 4-5 — THE LAKE
Lake Kivu
Down to the calm shores of Lake Kivu to relax — swimming, boat trips and lakeside lodges after the exertion of the trek.
5
DAY 6 — DEPARTURE
Homeward
Back to Kigali for your flight home — or extend into Tanzania or Kenya for a classic safari.
Akagera Rwanda
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Tell Us About Your Trip
Fill in the form below. Your specialist will be in touch within 2 hours — or first thing the following morning if you're enquiring out of hours.
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Tell us about your stay
Dates, party size, accommodation and budget.
Destination
Dates & party
Date flexibility
Adults
2
Children
0
Budget & accommodation
Budget per person (flights + hotel)
£4,500
£500£50,000+
Accommodation
Flights
Practical Information
Practical Information
Getting There
- Direct flights from London to Kigali — around 9 hours (RwandAir), or via a hub
- Connections from major regional UK airports
- Kigali is a clean, well-connected gateway
- Rwanda is 1-2 hours ahead of the UK
Entry Requirements
- UK passport holders get a visa on arrival without prior application (online application also available); the standard tourist visa is around US$50 for 30 days
- Commonwealth visitors may qualify for free entry — we confirm at the time
- A gorilla-trekking permit must be bought in advance
- Passport valid 6 months
Health & Safety
- Antimalarial precautions are recommended — see a travel clinic 6-8 weeks before travel
- A yellow-fever certificate is required for entry to Rwanda
- A reasonable level of fitness helps for the gorilla trek
- Comprehensive travel insurance with medical evacuation cover is essential
Currency & Local Notes
- The currency is the Rwandan Franc (RWF); cards in Kigali and lodges, cash and US Dollars useful elsewhere
- Gorilla permits are limited and sell out — book early
- English and French are widely spoken
- Rwanda is notably clean and safe