In this inspiring travel story, North South Travel’s adventure specialist Anne Bird recounts her once-in-a-lifetime journey to Rwanda — a country known for its breathtaking landscapes, rich culture, and conservation success. From Kigali’s poignant Genocide Memorial to the misty trails of Volcanoes National Park, Anne shares the powerful impact of encountering endangered mountain gorillas in the wild. Highlights include the exclusive gorilla trekking experience, the internationally celebrated Kwita Izina gorilla naming ceremony, and the seamless luxury touches curated by Tourism Rwanda and North South Travel. More than a wildlife adventure, the trip reflects Rwanda’s resilience and showcases how responsible tourism supports conservation and local communities. Whether you’re dreaming of a gorilla trek, a Big Five safari, or a Zanzibar beach escape, North South Travel can craft a personalized, meaningful adventure that leaves a lasting impact — on both the traveler and the planet.
A Journey to the Heart of Rwanda
When you dream about bucket-list wildlife experiences, few compare to standing face-to-face with a mountain gorilla in the wild. For our adventure travel specialist Anne Bird, that dream became reality on an unforgettable journey to Rwanda — the Land of a Thousand Hills, a country of remarkable beauty, resilience, and conservation leadership.
In Anne’s Words
From the moment we landed in Kigali, every detail was handled seamlessly — personalized service, curated experiences, and of course, the highlight: a guided trek into Volcanoes National Park to meet the endangered mountain gorillas.
Kigali: The Gateway to the Wild
We began in Kigali, Rwanda’s capital — a city that blends modernity with deep cultural heritage. North South Travel arranged a private guide for our visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a powerful and essential experience that gave context to Rwanda’s extraordinary transformation.
Later, we checked into the elegant Radisson Blu Hotel — a modern, luxury property. One thing to note: the breakfast was phenomenal!
The next morning, we were driven through the lush countryside to Musanze, the gateway to Volcanoes National Park. The highlight of our visit was an annual festival called Kwita Izina, an international event focused on the naming ceremony of new baby gorillas born among the endangered mountain gorillas. This ceremony is one of the most important events of the year, attracting international celebrities, monarchs, members of the United Nations, and wildlife conservationists.
Volcanoes National Park: Into the Mist
Nestled among the mist-shrouded Virunga volcanoes, this national park is home to one-third of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. Tourism Rwanda ensured we had permits well in advance — they are limited to just 96 per day, making this one of the world’s most exclusive wildlife encounters.
Early in the morning, we joined a small, intimate trekking group and set off with our expert ranger guides. The forest was alive with birdsong and damp with dew. It was a rigorous hike, and our guides cleared a path through the dense jungle with machetes, rewarding us with a sudden clearing in the jungle.
The Encounter: Eye to Eye with Gentle Giants
We encountered a troop of gorillas, including the majestic Silverback and his family. A silverback sat confidently nearby, his eyes calm and wise. Juveniles tumbled in the vines. To our surprise, one juvenile came toward us, did a little twirl, then beat his chest to communicate his presence. We watched in silence — no more than five meters away. For one precious hour, we were guests in their world.
The Importance of Tourism in Rwanda
This isn’t just an adventure holiday — it’s travel that gives back. Gorilla trekking supports rangers, helps preserve a critically endangered species, and empowers local communities. There are many other wildlife experiences available, including tracking chimpanzees and golden monkeys.
Final Reflections
Our Rwanda gorilla trekking experience wasn’t just a vacation — it was a top-tier, number-one bucket list wildlife experience. Tourism Rwanda made every moment seamless, safe, and deeply meaningful.
If you're searching for a journey that touches your heart and supports the planet, a Gorilla trek in Rwanda is an incredible life experience.
Whether you want to combine Gorilla Trekking with a Big Five safari in East Africa, or a beach escape in Zanzibar, we specialize in tailor-made luxury travel with a meaningful impact on local communities.
📩 Contact Anne Bird, Our Adventure Travel Specialist, to help you craft your Rwanda experience.