FOR MILESTONE JOURNEYS, HONEYMOONS AND ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME CELEBRATIONS

Gorilla Trekking and Big Five Safari: Rwanda with Tanzania or Victoria Falls, plus Zanzibar or the Seychelles

Begin with the mountain gorillas of Rwanda, continue to a Big Five safari in Tanzania or to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, and, if time allows, finish beside the Indian Ocean in Zanzibar or the Seychelles. This journey is designed for travellers who want wildlife, beautiful lodges and meaningful experiences without feeling rushed from one place to the next.

Five Volcanoes looks after the Rwanda chapter and helps you understand how the wider journey can fit together. For the Tanzania safari, we can introduce you to Kilidove, an independent safari partner based in Arusha.

Rwanda lodge and trekking support • Independent Tanzania partner in Arusha • Private journey planning • Optional Zanzibar or Seychelles extension

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda combined with a Big Five safari and beach extension

WRITTEN & REVIEWED BY

Florian Goppold, Head of Marketing & Sales at Five Volcanoes

Florian works on the ground in Rwanda and has trekked to the gorillas in Volcanoes National Park himself. He photographs and films the treks for Five Volcanoes and checks this page against what our guests experience on site.

Permit details are confirmed by Odile, our Reservations Coordinator in Kigali, who is in daily contact with the Rwanda Development Board.

FACT CHECK

Last reviewed: November 2026

Permit prices: official Rwanda Development Board (RDB) rates. Source: rdb.rw and visitrwanda.com

Hotel and package prices: Five Volcanoes rates 2026/27

Found something outdated? Tell us and we correct it.

A journey for travellers who want more than a checklist

This combination is especially well suited to milestone birthdays, anniversaries, honeymoons and once‒in‒a‒lifetime journeys where comfort, pace and memorable settings matter as much as the wildlife.

MILESTONE CELEBRATIONS

A meaningful birthday or anniversary journey built around the experiences that matter most to you.

SMART LUXURY

Beautiful lodges, warm service, excellent food and atmosphere, without requiring every stay to be the most expensive option.

A SLOWER PACE

Fewer one‒night stops, more time to enjoy each lodge and a route that does not feel like a race.

SEAMLESS PRIVATE TRAVEL

Private transfers and guides where available, with commercial flights preferred when the route and schedules allow.

How many nights do you need for gorilla trekking, safari and beach?each?

9 TO 10 NIGHTS

Gorillas and Northern Tanzania

For travellers prioritising Rwanda's gorillas, Tarangire and Ngorongoro within a focused journey. The precise number of nights depends on flight schedules and confirmed trekking dates.

11 TO 13 NIGHTS

Gorillas, Safari and Zanzibar or the Seychelles

A more complete rhythm with Rwanda, a Tanzania safari and several restorative nights beside the Indian Ocean, in Zanzibar or the Seychelles.

12 TO 14 PLUS NIGHTS

Gorillas, Victoria Falls or the Slower Celebration Journey

For travellers adding Victoria Falls and a Zimbabwe safari, and for milestone trips and couples who prefer longer lodge stays, fewer moves and more time to enjoy each destination.

These are planning frameworks, not fixed itineraries. The final route depends on confirmed permits, seasonal conditions, airline schedules and partner availability.

Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel near Volcanoes National Park, the Rwanda base for gorilla trekking

Begin with gorilla trekking in Rwanda

Arrive in Kigali, with an optional first night at The Governor's Residence, then travel by private transfer toward Musanze. Five Volcanoes is a full-board boutique base approximately 15 minutes from the Volcanoes National Park headquarters under normal conditions, with practical permit-date coordination, early breakfast and trek-day timing, and quiet post-trek recovery.

An optional Golden Monkey experience pairs naturally with gorilla trekking. On the 3‒Night Signature Journey, the Golden Monkey Permit is complimentary when booked directly and confirmed under the offer conditions, subject to Rwanda Development Board availability. See how Rwanda gorilla permits work and the best time to visit Rwanda.

How do you travel from Rwanda to Tanzania, Zanzibar, Victoria Falls or the Seychelles?

RwandAir currently operates direct flights from Kigali to Kilimanjaro and to Zanzibar, which makes Rwanda a practical beginning for a wider African journey. Victoria Falls and the Seychelles are usually reached with one connection, for example via Nairobi.

Airline routes, frequencies and timings can change, so the exact routing must be checked for the confirmed travel dates. Between Northern Tanzania and Zanzibar, routing varies and Kilidove confirms the best current option. If you prefer to avoid small aircraft, tell us: commercial flights and road transfers can be prioritised where practical, but this cannot be guaranteed for every route.

KIGALI TO KILIMANJARO

RwandAir currently flies direct, in around 1 hour 45 minutes. The practical gateway for Arusha and a Big Five safari on Tanzania's Northern Circuit.

KIGALI TO ZANZIBAR

RwandAir currently offers a direct connection for travellers combining gorilla trekking, safari and Zanzibar, subject to the travel-date schedule.

KIGALI TO VICTORIA FALLS

Usually via Nairobi with Kenya Airways to Victoria Falls Airport in Zimbabwe, or via Lusaka with an onward flight to Livingstone on the Zambian side of the falls.

KIGALI TO THE SEYCHELLES

Usually via Nairobi, connecting with Kenya Airways to Mahé, the main island and international gateway of the Seychelles.

Continue with a privately guided Big Five safari in Tanzania

For the Tanzania portion, Five Volcanoes introduces you to Kilidove Tours, an independent safari company based in Arusha. Kilidove prepares and contracts the Tanzania itinerary, accommodation, private vehicle, guide, park arrangements and Tanzania pricing. Your contact stays the same: one person coordinates your enquiry from Rwanda to Tanzania.

TARANGIRE

Elephants, baobabs and a quieter beginning to the Northern Circuit.

NGORONGORO

A concentrated wildlife experience within the crater landscape.

SERENGETI

Open plains, predators and seasonal wildlife movements for travellers with sufficient time.

ARUSHA

The practical gateway for Northern Tanzania and the operating base of the independent Tanzania partner.

Plan gorillas and a Tanzania safari in one enquiry: use the form below or message us on WhatsApp.

Wildlife is wild and unpredictable. No Big Five sightings, Great Migration locations or particular animals can be guaranteed.

Big Five safari in Tanzania with Kilidove Tours after gorilla trekking in Rwanda

Or head south: Victoria Falls and a Zimbabwe safari

For a different second chapter, continue from Rwanda to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. Our partner Mutsviri Game Lodge is a luxury safari lodge inside Zambezi National Park near Victoria Falls, combining the falls with a Victoria Falls safari and time on the Zambezi. Your contact stays the same: one person coordinates the Rwanda and Victoria Falls chapters, with two separate bookings.

VICTORIA FALLS

Walk the rainforest paths opposite the falls. Spray and water levels change with the season.

ZAMBEZI RIVER

Sunset cruises and quieter river time above the falls.

MUTSVIRI GAME LODGE

A luxury safari lodge inside Zambezi National Park, close to Victoria Falls. Visit the lodge

GETTING THERE

Usually via Nairobi to Victoria Falls Airport, or via Lusaka to Livingstone, subject to current airline schedules.

Plan gorillas and Victoria Falls in one enquiry: use the form below or message us on WhatsApp.

You will always be told which company is responsible for each confirmed service. Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed.

Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, an onward journey after gorilla trekking in Rwanda

Mutsviri Game Lodge in Zambezi National Park near Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

OPTIONAL FINAL CHAPTER

Safari and Zanzibar: finish with time to exhale by the Indian Ocean

After early trekking mornings and safari drives, Zanzibar can provide a gentler final chapter: warm‒water swimming, unhurried meals and several nights in one place. It is particularly appealing for couples, birthdays, anniversaries and honeymoon journeys.

Zanzibar is entirely optional and the simplest beach finish to combine with Rwanda and Tanzania, with RwandAir currently flying direct from Kigali. The right number of nights depends on the total trip length and whether you value beach time more than adding another safari area.

OR A MORE SECLUDED ISLAND FINISH

Safari and Seychelles honeymoon: gorillas, wildlife and island time

For honeymoons and milestone journeys, the Seychelles offer a quieter, more secluded island finish, with granite-framed beaches and clear water. Our partner La Cigale Estate is a private beachfront estate on Praslin, ideal for a few unhurried nights after gorillas and safari. Your contact stays the same: one person coordinates the Rwanda and Seychelles chapters.

Zanzibar or the Seychelles? Zanzibar is closer and simpler to combine with Rwanda and Tanzania. The Seychelles are usually reached with one connection via Nairobi and suit travellers who want a more remote island setting and are happy to add travel time. Plan gorillas and the Seychelles in one enquiry below, or message us on WhatsApp.

WHATSAPP US

Seychelles beach on Praslin for a safari and Seychelles honeymoon after gorilla trekking

Morning at La Cigale Estate, a private beachfront estate on Praslin, Seychelles

Luxury should feel personal, not exhausting

A special journey is not defined only by star ratings. It may mean a fireplace after a misty trek, a beautiful view at sunrise, an intimate dinner, enough time to unpack, or a lodge where the team remembers why you are travelling. Tell us whether this is a birthday, anniversary or honeymoon, how many nights feel comfortable and whether you would rather enjoy fewer places more deeply than change lodges every day.

ROMANTIC ATMOSPHERE

Fireplaces, private moments, beautiful views and memorable dining where available.

LONGER LODGE STAYS

Prioritise two or three‒night stays instead of moving every night.

PRIVATE GUIDING

Private vehicles and guides for the Tanzania safari when confirmed by the partner.

COMFORT PREFERENCES

Commercial flights, road transfers, dietary needs and any concerns about small aircraft.

Clear responsibilities across the journey

FIVE VOLCANOES — RWANDA

Five Volcanoes accommodation

Gorilla Permit included in your package

Private vehicle and driver in Rwanda, included

Trek-day preparation

Rwanda itinerary support

Rwanda proposal and pricing

KILIDOVE — TANZANIA

Tanzania itinerary

Safari lodge recommendations

Private guide and vehicle

Park arrangements

Tanzania booking and contracting

Tanzania proposal and pricing

Optional Tanzania-to-Zanzibar planning

AIRLINES AND TRAVELLER

International and regional flights unless explicitly agreed otherwise

Passports and visas

Travel insurance

Medical advice and requirements

Personal expenses

One contact for the whole journey: you speak to the same person whether you add Kilidove Tours in Tanzania, Mutsviri Game Lodge at Victoria Falls or La Cigale Estate in the Seychelles. You will always be told which company is responsible for each confirmed service, and Five Volcanoes does not operate or contract services outside Rwanda.

What does a gorilla trekking and Tanzania safari cost?

There is no single price. The total depends on the factors below, which is why each specialist prices the part it is responsible for.

WHAT SHAPES THE TOTAL

Confirmed Gorilla Permit price

Travel season

Room category

Number of nights

Private guiding

Selected Tanzania parks

AND ALSO

Road versus flight routing

Zanzibar accommodation

International and regional flights

Special‒occasion arrangements

Five Volcanoes prepares the Rwanda proposal. Kilidove prepares the Tanzania proposal. This transparent structure allows each specialist to price and confirm the services it is responsible for.

MILESTONE TRAVEL

Planning a milestone birthday, anniversary or honeymoon?

Tell us why this journey matters. We can shape the Rwanda chapter around the emotional centre of the trip and share your priorities with the Tanzania partner, so the wider journey feels considered rather than assembled from unrelated bookings. Any special touches such as upgrades, celebrations or dinners are only ever offered when they have been confirmed, never promised in advance.

WHICH JOURNEY IS RIGHT FOR YOU?

Which gorilla trekking package should you choose?

All three journeys include your official gorilla permit, Full Board at Five Volcanoes and a private vehicle with driver. The difference is time: how many treks you do and how much rest you get between them. Prices are per person, two guests sharing, Standard Room, Low Season.

ESSENTIAL

2 nights · Essential Stay

From USD 2,435 per person

Best for: travellers short on time who want the gorilla trek with a lodge 15 minutes from park headquarters.

Not ideal if: you also want Golden Monkey trekking, a Dian Fossey hike or a slower pace. There is little room if your trek day has to move.

What you get: gorilla permit, Full Board, private vehicle and driver from Kigali.

RECOMMENDED

3 nights · Signature Journey

From USD 2,815 per person

Best for: most travellers: gorillas and golden monkeys on separate mornings, without rushing.

Not ideal if: you only have two nights, or someone in your group is under 12 (Golden Monkey minimum age).

What you get: gorilla permit, Golden Monkey permit (USD 100 per person) when you book direct, Full Board, private vehicle and driver.

SLOW

4 nights · Slow Volcanoes Journey

From USD 3,295 per person

Best for: couples, photographers, travellers aged 50 and over and anyone who prefers a slower pace.

Not ideal if: your time or budget is tight. The 3-night journey covers the same two treks.

What you get: gorilla trek, a full rest day with pool, sauna and gardens, Golden Monkey trekking, Full Board, private vehicle and driver.

OUR RECOMMENDATION

First gorilla trek and three nights to spare? Choose the 3-night Signature Journey. You trek with the gorillas, add Golden Monkey trekking on another morning, and keep room in your plan if your trek day has to move.

Celebrating, travelling as a family or as a group? Our Honeymoon & Anniversary Journey, Family & Multigenerational Journey and the private Volcano Manor are quoted on request. Gorilla trekking minimum age is 15, Golden Monkey trekking 12, set by the Rwanda Development Board.

Price calculator · 2026/27

What will your gorilla trekking trip cost?

Choose your nights, room, season and group. You see the package price per person and for your whole group, with the gorilla permit, Full Board and a private driver included.

Nights at Five Volcanoes

Room

Season

Low Season: 1 March to 31 May and 1 October to 15 December. High Season: all other dates.

Guests

Package prices: solo in its own room, or two guests sharing one room. Travelling as three or with children? Choose 3 guests and Florian sends you a personal quote.

Your gorilla permit rate

Promotional permit rates set by the Rwanda Development Board: valid until 31 December 2026 and not from June to October 2026. Proof of citizenship or residency is required.

Your estimate

USD 2,815per person

Total for your groupUSD 5,630

Gorilla permit, Full Board and a private vehicle with driver for every day.
Golden Monkey permit included when you book direct.

Send this estimate to Florian on WhatsApp

Estimate based on published 2026/27 rates. Your written proposal confirms the exact price for your dates before any payment. Honeymoon Cottage, Family Suite, Triple Deluxe Room and Volcano Manor are quoted on request.

Travelling in 2028? Lock in today's prices.

Our 2028 rates are not released yet. Confirm your booking with us by 31 December 2026 and we guarantee today's prices for your 2028 stay: room, transport, activities and your gorilla permit. We will not raise them.

Gorilla permit prices are set by the Rwanda Development Board and may rise from 2027. When you book with us now, we reserve your permit at today's price and secure your date while it is still available.

Your room moves to new dates free of charge, subject to availability. Moving a gorilla permit carries a fee of USD 300 per permit.
Cancellations 60 or more days before arrival carry no fee.

Secure my 2028 dates

What changed in 2026

Rwanda Development Board promotional permit rates: USD 200 per permit for Rwandan and East African citizens and USD 500 for African citizens and foreign residents in Africa, valid until 31 December 2026.
New price calculator: package prices per person for 2, 3 and 4 nights, with your permit rate included.
2028 price guarantee: confirm with us by 31 December 2026 and keep today's prices for your 2028 stay.

Last updated: 14 November 2026

How we price

Package prices are our public 2026/27 website rates, per person with two sharing. They include the gorilla permit at the official Rwanda Development Board price, Full Board and a private driver. You book direct with us, with no commission and no DMC mark-up.

See the full cost breakdown

WHAT OUR GUESTS SAY

Planned by one team in Rwanda. Reviewed by our guests.

Real words from real guests, from the first enquiry to the gorilla trek and the airport drop-off.

4.7 / 5

TRIPADVISOR RATING

333

TRIPADVISOR REVIEWS

No. 3 of 13

HOTELS IN KINIGI

2026

TRAVELLERS' CHOICE AWARD

GUEST REVIEW

“Exceptional service from the first message to the airport drop-off”

“Florian, the Sales Manager, contacted me within 30 minutes. He listened carefully, answered every question and prepared a clear proposal with the total cost, room photos, transfers and permit process.”

“Five Volcanoes is ideal for travellers who want trustworthy permit coordination, transparent pricing, excellent food, attention to mobility needs and one reliable team handling everything from the first enquiry to the airport transfer.”

Eva G.

GUEST REVIEW

“An absolute standout experience”

“From the outset, Florian made the planning and booking process effortless, while Odile ensured all on-the-ground logistics and daily details ran without a hitch.”

“The highlight—the mountain gorilla trek itself—was nothing short of extraordinary and exceeded all expectations.”

Guest, 4-day gorilla trekking trip

Read every review: Tripadvisor · Google. Tripadvisor figures as of November 2026.

BEFORE YOU BOOK

Your 5 biggest questions about gorilla trekking in Rwanda

These are the questions guests ask us most. Straight answers, no small print.

1. Will I get a gorilla permit for my dates?

Permits are limited each day, and the best dates go first. When you book direct, we secure your gorilla permit for you and confirm it together with your stay. Send Florian your dates and he checks availability for you.

2. How do I get from Kigali to the lodge?

A private vehicle and driver from Kigali is included in every package. You do not book a taxi, a tour or a transfer on the side. Your driver brings you to Five Volcanoes, takes you to the park on trek day and drives you back.

3. Am I fit enough? What about age and children?

The minimum age for gorilla trekking is 15 and for Golden Monkey trekking 12, set by the Rwanda Development Board. Tell Florian about your age, fitness and any health concerns. He plans your days around them, with a rest day when you want one.

4. What does the whole trip cost?

One package price covers your gorilla permit, your stay, Full Board and your private vehicle and driver from Kigali. Packages start from USD 2,435 per person, two guests sharing. Use the calculator on this page for your dates and group size. International flights are not included.

5. Why book direct with Five Volcanoes?

You deal with the team on the ground, not a call centre. Florian answers you personally and plans your trip with the lodge. When a higher room category is free on your dates, direct guests get a complimentary upgrade.

FREE ADVICE · NO OBLIGATION

Plan your gorilla trek directly with Florian

Ask your questions before you book: travel dates, permits, which journey fits you and the full cost. Florian advises you personally. Free, with no obligation to book.

Chat with Florian on WhatsApp

Prefer email? Write to marketing@fivevolcanoesrwanda.com

PLAN YOUR NEXT STEP

Everything you need to plan your gorilla trek in Rwanda

Prices, permits, preparation and where to stay. Every guide is written and checked by the Five Volcanoes team in Rwanda.

PERSONAL PLANNING SUPPORT

Plan Your Rwanda Gorilla Journey

Tell us your preferred travel dates, number of guests and what matters most for this journey. We will personally review room availability, official permit timing, private transfers and the itinerary around your priorities.

Whether you are planning a milestone birthday, anniversary, honeymoon or a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife journey, this first inquiry helps us understand the pace, comfort and experiences that would make the trip feel right for you.

This is an inquiry only - not a confirmed booking. No payment is required at this stage.

Your details are handled confidentially.
We reply personally with suitable room options, logistics and practical next steps.
Official permits remain subject to Rwanda Development Board availability and confirmation.

Five Volcanoes can assist with practical coordination around accommodation, transfers and requested trekking dates. Official permits are issued through the Rwanda Development Board process and cannot be guaranteed until officially confirmed.

Download Your Complimentary Gorilla Trekking Guide

First name *

Last name *

Email address *

Phone or WhatsApp *

Country of residence *

Arrival and departure *

Number of guests *

What is the occasion for your trip?

Tell us what matters most for this trip

What would you like help with?

How soon are you planning to make a decision?

No payment is required at this stage.

Gorilla trekking, safari and beach: frequently asked questions

Can you combine gorilla trekking and a Big Five safari in Tanzania?

How many nights do you need for Rwanda and Tanzania?

Can I add Zanzibar or the Seychelles after gorilla trekking and safari?

Are there direct flights from Kigali to Zanzibar?

Can I fly from Kigali to Kilimanjaro?

Can the itinerary avoid bush flights and small aircraft?

Who books and operates the Tanzania safari?

Can Five Volcanoes arrange a Rwanda Gorilla Permit?

Which Tanzania parks work best after gorilla trekking?

How do you get from Rwanda to Victoria Falls?

What does a Rwanda and Tanzania journey cost?

Can the trip be planned for a birthday or anniversary?

Zanzibar or the Seychelles: which is better after a safari?

Can I combine gorilla trekking with a Victoria Falls safari?

PLAN YOUR JOURNEY

Tell us what would make this journey unforgettable

Tell us what matters most for this trip, for example whether you are celebrating something special, how many nights feel right, and whether you would like help with permits, transfers, or planning the journey.

The Five Volcanoes team reviews your Rwanda priorities first, then explains the next step and introduces the independent partner for the Tanzania part of the journey.