Ann’s Unforgettable Gorilla Encounter in Rwanda
For Ann and Bruce, seeing the mountain gorillas wasn’t just a dream — it had been on their bucket list for years. When the day finally came, it was more magical, more moving, and more unforgettable than they ever imagined.
“We Saw It All!” – Ann’s Unforgettable Gorilla Encounter in Rwanda
Every morning starts early here — and we mean early. Our alarm went off at 5:30 AM, just in time for a quick breakfast at 6. By 6:30, we were on our way to the park gate, joining around 150 other travelers from all over the world, all buzzing with anticipation.
At the gate, rangers greet you, assess your fitness level, and assign you to one of 22 habituated gorilla families. Some treks are short and gentle, others take you deep into the jungle. Every group is different — and that’s part of the adventure.
We were lucky: our guide already knew us from the day before and helped choose a family that matched our energy level. From there, our driver brought us to the trailhead… and that’s when the real adventure began.
Pro tip? Don’t forget to hire a porter.
It’s not just about convenience. These amazing locals carry your backpack, help you navigate tricky sections of the trail, and—most importantly—benefit directly from your visit.
It’s a simple but powerful way to support the local community, and trust us: worth every penny.
And then… the moment we’d waited for.
We saw it all: silverbacks, playful juveniles, curious young males, even mothers still nursing their babies. The forest was alive. The gorillas were so active that day — moving, playing, feeding, interacting. It’s hard to put into words, but it truly felt like a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
When we returned to the hotel around 10:30, the team at Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel was already waiting for us — with warm towels, big smiles, and ready hands to help us out of our muddy boots. That level of care? Priceless.
And here’s the best part:
We loved it so much, we did it again.
Two treks. Two days. Double the magic.
If seeing mountain gorillas is on your bucket list — make it happen.
And when you do, come home to Five Volcanoes. You’ll be treated like family from start to finish.
