The Majestic Mountain Gorillas of Rwanda

A Once-in-a-lifetime Encounter in Rwanda

There are wildlife encounters - and then there are gorilla encounters. Few experiences in the natural world compare to the moment you find yourself standing just metres from a mountain gorilla family in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park.

For guests at Hemingways Retreat Kigali, this once-in-a-lifetime adventure is closer than you might think. Just a short journey from the city, Retreat Kigali is the perfect base from which to prepare for, and reflect on, an experience that will stay with you forever.

Why Mountain Gorillas Are So Special

Mountain gorillas are among the rarest primates on Earth, with fewer than 1,100 individuals left in the wild. They live only in the misty highlands of Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

What makes encounters so extraordinary is not just their rarity, but their humanity. Watching a silverback protectively guard his family, or seeing infants tumble over each other in play, is to witness behaviour that feels both familiar and wild. The depth of connection is something that photographs can capture only in part -  the rest must be felt in the moment.

The Gorilla Trekking Experience in Rwanda

Trekking to see gorillas is as much about the journey as the destination. The day begins at dawn, with guides briefing you before leading small groups into the rainforest of Volcanoes National Park.

• The trek: Depending on where the gorillas are, hikes can last from one to several hours, winding through bamboo forests and lush jungle.
  
• The encounter: Once the family is found, visitors spend a precious hour in their company, observing them in silence and awe.
  
• The impact: It is humbling, often emotional, and unlike any other safari.
  

Strict conservation rules limit the number of visitors each day, ensuring the gorillas are never overwhelmed. Groups are small, and contact is respectful, a balance between access and protection.

Conservation Success in Rwanda

The fact that gorilla trekking exists at all is a conservation triumph. Decades ago, the future of the species looked bleak. Today, thanks to strict protection, dedicated rangers, and community support, mountain gorilla numbers are slowly increasing.

Tourism plays a direct role in this success. A portion of every trekking permit goes back into conservation and local communities, funding schools, healthcare, and livelihood projects. By visiting, guests become part of a model that links wildlife protection with human well-being — ensuring both thrive together.

Preparing for Your Mountain Gorilla Trek

For guests staying at Hemingways Retreat Kigali, preparation is simple and seamless:

• Timing: Gorilla trekking is possible year-round, though drier months (June–September, December–February) make for easier hiking conditions.
  
• Permits: These must be arranged in advance, as numbers are limited and demand is high.
  
• Fitness: While treks vary in difficulty, a reasonable level of fitness helps. The guides set a pace that suits the group.
  
• What to bring: Good walking boots, lightweight rain gear, gloves for the vegetation, and a camera with a quiet shutter.
  

Retreat Kigali provides the calm and comfort guests need before and after the trek — from peaceful suites to a wellness-focused atmosphere that balances the excitement of the adventure.

Beyond the Mountain Gorillas: Enriching Your Stay in Kigali

While gorillas are the headline, a stay at Hemingways Retreat Kigali opens doors to more of Rwanda’s richness. Guests can:

• Explore Kigali’s vibrant culture, from its art galleries to its bustling markets.
  
• Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a moving and important reminder of resilience and renewal.
  
• Extend their journey to Akagera National Park, home to lions and elephants, or Nyungwe Forest, famous for chimpanzees and canopy walks.
  

Together, these experiences turn a gorilla trek into part of a broader journey through Rwanda’s landscapes and stories.

Hemingways Retreat Kigali: The Ideal Rwandan Gateway

Choosing the right base matters. At Hemingways Retreat Kigali, guests enjoy:

• Location: Hemingways Retreat Kigali is just 20 minutes from Kigali International Airport (KGL), making it ideal for short stays before or after a gorilla trek.
  
• Sanctuary feel: With its gardens, saltwater pool, and serene setting, Hemingways Retreat Kigali offers the calm needed to prepare or unwind.
  
• Refined comfort: At Hemingways Retreat Kigali, contemporary design meets Rwandan warmth, ensuring the stay feels both personal and connected to place.
  
• Sustainability: Hemingways Retreat Kigali supports local communities and conservation initiatives, echoing the values of the gorilla protection effort itself.
  

Gorilla Trekking: An Encounter That Stays With You Forever

To look into the eyes of a mountain gorilla is to be changed. It is not simply another wildlife tick on a safari list, but an encounter that resonates long after you’ve left the forest.

From Hemingways Retreat Kigali, this extraordinary journey is within easy reach — an experience that connects travellers to one of the planet’s most remarkable species, and to the story of how people and wildlife can thrive together.