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Mountain Gorillas of Rwanda
Lodge-Based Photo Safari
No Current Departures For This Trip
This is a trip that we may consider opening additional departures for, so let us know if you're interested by joining our waitlist.
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Single Supplement: +$550.00
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Deposit: $5,000.00
Start/End
Kigali, Rwanda / Kigali, Rwanda
Length
6 Days/5 Nights
Fitness Level
Level 3 - What's This?
Group Size
Up To 8 Guests
Highlights
- Capture breathtaking images of the endangered Mountain Gorillas, who share an astounding 98% of their DNA with humans, and gain a profound sense of connection to these remarkable creatures.
- Small group of like-minded photographers, limited to ensure personalized attention and a more intimate experience, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the beauty and behavior of the gorillas.
- Join a life-changing adventure that offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness the Mountain Gorillas, an experience that will leave you with a deep appreciation for the beauty and fragility of our planet's wildlife.
If you have any questions about a trip, itinerary, or gear, our Photo Experience Coordinators are available for a personalized one-on-one consultation to provide all the details you need.
Trip Description:
Experience an extraordinary photography safari with Backcountry Journeys as we venture to Rwanda, the captivating heart of Africa, for up-close encounters with the great Mountain Gorillas of the Virunga Mountains.
Prepare for a life-changing experience as we delve into the clouded bamboo forests, navigating unmarked trails amidst this pristine wilderness in search of the endangered Mountain Gorilla. Sharing an astonishing 98% of DNA with humans, these remarkable creatures evoke a profound sense of connection and fascination.
Our journey takes us to the protected realm of Volcanoes National Park, a sanctuary on the border of Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Uganda. Here, approximately half of the world's Mountain Gorilla population thrives. It is a testament to successful conservation efforts, spearheaded by organizations like the World Wildlife Fund, that this subspecies has rebounded from the brink of extinction. The profound impact of responsible tourism has motivated governments to safeguard not only the gorillas but also their fragile habitats. Recent surveys indicate a population increase in the Virunga Mountains, pushing the global wild gorilla count beyond 1,000 individuals and moving them from "Critically Endangered" to "Endangered" status.
Prepare to witness the gentle giants in their natural splendor as they forage, rest, and exhibit their innate behaviors. Marvel at the younger gorillas' playful antics, closely watched by their attentive mothers. Our experienced guides, park staff, and diligent guards will accompany us, ensuring the welfare and protection of these remarkable creatures as we traverse thick vegetation and ascend the mountainside in pursuit of different gorilla groups.
In addition to the Mountain Gorillas, we'll have the opportunity to capture the highly endangered golden monkeys through our lenses. These captivating primates, residents of the Virunga volcanic mountains, gracefully swing across the forest canopy, offering a thrilling spectacle to photograph and admire.
Encounter the rare and extraordinary, for there are few experiences that rival the profound wonder of witnessing Mountain Gorillas in the wild. With limited destinations to witness these incredible creatures firsthand, seize the opportunity to join Backcountry Journeys on this six-day photo tour, where we delve into the mystical cloud mountains of Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park in search of these great "Gorillas in the Mist." Expand your horizons, connect with nature's splendor, and capture images that will forever preserve the essence of this extraordinary encounter.
Prepare for a life-changing experience as we delve into the clouded bamboo forests, navigating unmarked trails amidst this pristine wilderness in search of the endangered Mountain Gorilla. Sharing an astonishing 98% of DNA with humans, these remarkable creatures evoke a profound sense of connection and fascination.
Our journey takes us to the protected realm of Volcanoes National Park, a sanctuary on the border of Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Uganda. Here, approximately half of the world's Mountain Gorilla population thrives. It is a testament to successful conservation efforts, spearheaded by organizations like the World Wildlife Fund, that this subspecies has rebounded from the brink of extinction. The profound impact of responsible tourism has motivated governments to safeguard not only the gorillas but also their fragile habitats. Recent surveys indicate a population increase in the Virunga Mountains, pushing the global wild gorilla count beyond 1,000 individuals and moving them from "Critically Endangered" to "Endangered" status.
Prepare to witness the gentle giants in their natural splendor as they forage, rest, and exhibit their innate behaviors. Marvel at the younger gorillas' playful antics, closely watched by their attentive mothers. Our experienced guides, park staff, and diligent guards will accompany us, ensuring the welfare and protection of these remarkable creatures as we traverse thick vegetation and ascend the mountainside in pursuit of different gorilla groups.
In addition to the Mountain Gorillas, we'll have the opportunity to capture the highly endangered golden monkeys through our lenses. These captivating primates, residents of the Virunga volcanic mountains, gracefully swing across the forest canopy, offering a thrilling spectacle to photograph and admire.
Encounter the rare and extraordinary, for there are few experiences that rival the profound wonder of witnessing Mountain Gorillas in the wild. With limited destinations to witness these incredible creatures firsthand, seize the opportunity to join Backcountry Journeys on this six-day photo tour, where we delve into the mystical cloud mountains of Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park in search of these great "Gorillas in the Mist." Expand your horizons, connect with nature's splendor, and capture images that will forever preserve the essence of this extraordinary encounter.
What's Included
- All listed meals and non-alcoholic beverages during the workshop
- All transportation during the workshop
- All lodging during the workshop
- Airport transfers
- Personal porter & trekking poles
- Gorilla & Golden Monkey Permits
- Experienced local guide
- Professional photography guiding and instruction
- Gratuity for service staff
What's Not Included
Flights to and from Kigali, Rwanda (KGL)
Meals not listed as included on the itinerary
Lodging outside workshop dates
Alcoholic beverages
Souvenirs and personal items
Gratuity for photography guide(s). Please refer to our FAQ section for more details about gratuities
Trip Insurance & Medical Evacuation Insurance (required) - see plans here.
Trip Itinerary
Trip Itinerary
Most meals included – (B,L,D) denotes Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 1 (Travel Day) (D)
Arrive in Kigali, Rwanda. Expect an airport transfer to our hotel. Tonight we’ll have an orientation meeting and welcome dinner.
Day 2 (B,L,D)
Plan for a very early start to our first day of photography as we’ll depart our hotel in Kigali for Volcanoes National Park (a 2-hour drive) in time to meet our local guides and park staff before our first trek into the misty Virunga Mountains in search of gorillas.
Each day while photographing gorillas, we’ll have exactly one hour with them, using all our time capturing invaluable images of their different behaviors and family dynamics. Older gorillas will tend to be either eating or resting, while youngsters play and climb trees under the watchful eye of their mothers.
After our hike, we’ll check in to our nearby cozy lodge where we’ll stay each night for the remainder of the tour.
Day 3 (B,L,D)
We’ll hike back up into the mountains on Day Three in search of gorillas. Today, following our hike and photography, we’ll be sure to take time to rest up and enjoy our African lodge prior to our evening meal.
Day 4 (B,L,D)
We’ll switch things up a bit on day four and seek out another unique, yet, endangered species that live here at Volcanoes National Park. The Golden Monkey is a bit smaller than the Mountain gorilla, yet every bit as alluring.
Our hike today will be quite a bit less strenuous as we are not ascending the mountains. Instead, we’ll keep our eyes up to our delight as the Golden monkey swings every which way across the forest canopy. Again, we will have exactly one hour with monkeys. Rest, relaxation, conversation, and dinner will close out our wonderfully exciting day.
Day 5 (B,L,D)
On day five we’ll hike back into the cloud forests for one final up-close encounter with the Mountain gorillas. This part of the Virunga Massif is where Dian Fossey studied and worked to protect Mountain gorillas from 1966 until she was murdered (likely by poachers because of her work to protect these gorillas) in 1985. Fossey’s autobiography was adapted to make the 1988 feature film, ‘Gorillas in the Mist,’ starring Sigourney Weaver. We’ll rest up following our hike prior to an evening meal where we’ll dine on delicious home-prepared foods while recounting our amazing time spent here in the wilds of Rwanda.
Day 6 (B)
On our final morning we will depart our lodge en route back to Kigali where we’ll discuss our life-altering adventures, and photographic success, from the past few days prior to saying our goodbyes and beginning our travels home.
Please note that the exact sequence of the itineraries on all photography trips will be based on weather and lighting conditions. The goal on these trips is to make sure we are at the right place at the right time for the perfect light on our subjects. Also, itineraries can change for a variety of other circumstances including floods, forest fires, national park closures, road closures, and more. Due to the nature of wildlife and landscape photography, we do not guarantee any specific sightings or specific compositions.
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Why Choose Backcountry Journeys?
UNPARALELLED
PHOTOGRAPHY
TRIPS
PHOTOGRAPHY
TRIPS
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Explore over 100 worldwide photo tours and workshops tailored to photographers of all skill levels, from iconic U.S. National Parks to Africa's untamed savannahs.
THE BEST TEAM
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We're proud to offer unmatched photography trips led by exceptional instructors who not only excel in photography but also serve as expert guides.
WORLD-CLASS
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Join the Backcountry Journeys Tribe, where shared adventures in breathtaking locations foster lasting connections with fellow photographers in a warm, inclusive atmosphere.
Testimonials From Our Customers
Julie K.
"I have traveled with Backcountry Journeys (BCJ) several times over the last 4 years to Glacier NP, Costa Rica (2x), Smoky Mountains NP, Joshua Tree, Zion and Bryce NPs, and most recently to Alaska.
Every trip with BCJ has been an outstanding experience. The guides are professional photographers who put the experience of the guests first. They are willing to provide as much hands on help as you need/want. The guides are also extremely knowledgeable and well trained in wilderness safety as well as the areas they guide.
BCJ trips are well run from the time of reservation through the entire trip. They will take you to great places and find great photographic opportunities."
Every trip with BCJ has been an outstanding experience. The guides are professional photographers who put the experience of the guests first. They are willing to provide as much hands on help as you need/want. The guides are also extremely knowledgeable and well trained in wilderness safety as well as the areas they guide.
BCJ trips are well run from the time of reservation through the entire trip. They will take you to great places and find great photographic opportunities."
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Scott S.
"BCJ provides an outstanding experience for photographers of all levels of experience/expertise. Each day's excursion is well planned-out and the guides always have a back-up plan if the weather is less than cooperative.
I have now been on 5 trips and each one seems better than the last. I find the guides to be very helpful and personable. The guides provide the level of hands-on assistance each participant wants.
The accommodations are always good, taking into consideration what each particular destination has to offer. I plan to continue doing these trips with BCJ and can't recommend them highly enough."
I have now been on 5 trips and each one seems better than the last. I find the guides to be very helpful and personable. The guides provide the level of hands-on assistance each participant wants.
The accommodations are always good, taking into consideration what each particular destination has to offer. I plan to continue doing these trips with BCJ and can't recommend them highly enough."
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Katherine P.
"I have now been on 8 trips with Backcountry Journeys. I love traveling with this company, as I am a woman traveling alone, and all I have to do is show up and they take care of everything else.
They have wonderful, caring, helpful, FUN, and knowledgeable guides who make the days fly by. They get us to the best photography sites possible and are always willing to help with anything and answer all questions.
We stay in great places and there is always too much wonderful food! I have met other travelers on their trips who will be friends for life, plus the guides are more than guides--they become friends too. I know I will be doing more traveling with them in the future."
They have wonderful, caring, helpful, FUN, and knowledgeable guides who make the days fly by. They get us to the best photography sites possible and are always willing to help with anything and answer all questions.
We stay in great places and there is always too much wonderful food! I have met other travelers on their trips who will be friends for life, plus the guides are more than guides--they become friends too. I know I will be doing more traveling with them in the future."
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Worry Free Travel Guarantee!
Worry Free Travel Guarantee!
HERE’S THE DEAL
We offer one of the most rock solid guarantees in the travel industry - our worry free travel, peace of mind guarantee to you!We’re so confident that the Photography Trips we offer will not only meet but exceed the lofty expectations set forth on our website – if your trip experience does not 100% match the promises laid forth on our website we will gladly give you a credit toward a future trip.
Natural events such as wildlife & weather are certainly out of our control but every aspect of the trip including logistics, accommodations, vehicles, itinerary & your expert trip leaders will match the lofty promises we’ve made on the site – we guarantee it!
BACKCOUNTRY JOURNEYS
"Backcountry Journeys offers guests the unique opportunity to explore our natural world from behind their own lens. We run a selection of hand-crafted Photo Tours, Workshops & Safaris connecting passionate people to exceptional experiences. Locations worldwide.
All Images & Content are property of Backcountry Journeys Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris LLC - Copyright 2024
TRIP CATALOG
Download our Trip Catalog for detailed information on our many destinations for photography tours, workshops, and safaris.
BACKCOUNTRY JOURNEYS
"Backcountry Journeys offers guests the unique opportunity to explore our natural world from behind their own lens. We run a selection of hand-crafted Photo Tours, Workshops & Safaris connecting passionate people to exceptional experiences. Locations worldwide.
- Russ Nordstrand, Backcountry Journeys Founder & Director
- Russ Nordstrand, Backcountry Journeys Founder & Director
TRIP CATALOG
Download our Trip Catalog for detailed information on our many destinations for photography tours, workshops, and safaris.
All Images & Content are property of Backcountry Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris LLCs - Copyright 2024