August 28 – September 2
An exciting 5-night experience to view the Mountain Gorillas in Volcanoes National Park
“Being personally in the presence of these majestic Mountain Gorillas and having the opportunity to witness their natural animal behavior in their own environment is a particularly powerful experience that will settle deeply in your soul.” – Ryan Hilton
Gorilla Program: $11,995.00 per person, based on double occupancy
Gorilla Trekking Permits: $1,500.00 per person per day (2 days)
“For a few decades now, I have heard from travelers who have personally experienced being in the presence of these great Apes. All show a lot of excitement when telling me about how impressive it was. In fact, they all say that it is the most moving travel experience and easily the most amazing wildlife encounter they have ever had, and now that I have experienced this myself , I can confirm that this is now one of my top 5 overall travel experiences – top 2 when it comes to wildlife!” – Malaka Hilton
August 28, 2023 – Upon arrival into Kigali, Rwanda you will be greeted, welcomed and transferred to the Kigali Hotel for an overnight stay. This evening, meet your fellow travelers for a welcome drink and review the plans and times for tomorrow in detail. Dinner this evening is at your leisure.
August 29, 2023 – After breakfast, we depart Kigali by road for Volcanoes National Park to enjoy 3 nights at One&Only Gorillas Nest. The leisurely drive takes us through a gorgeous African landscape winding past many rural villages offering us a taste of local life. Upon arrival at Gorilla’s Nest, the team will provide an orientation to this exceptional lodge. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure to settle into our accommodations and prepare for our first opportunity to search for & witness the Mountain Gorillas tomorrow.
Human-like Hands
One&Only Gorillas Nest
August 30, 2023 – Awake before sunrise to indulge in a fresh cup of coffee and a hearty breakfast – ideal fuel for the day ahead, trekking to the Mountain Gorillas. A short drive from Gorilla’s Nest positions us at Volcanoes National Park, where our route assignments & instruction are given. All rules & restrictions will be explained thoroughly, as safety & viewing comfort is a top priority while visiting these animals in their natural environment.
Our day begins at the Volcanoes National Park Headquarters for route assignments.
The trek to locate and observe these majestic gorillas
With an average elevation of approximately 8,500 ft, we can expect the air to be thin and the conditions under foot to be muddy and challenging. The length of your walk/hike to the animals depends on the gorilla family to which you are assigned, as well their location on the volcanoes. There is no rush however, as we have the entire day to locate the gorillas and enjoy our one hour alongside them. Your trekking group will always move cautiously, carefully, and at a pace that is suitable for all participants.
One hour with the gorillas will show us incredible animal behavior from each family member.
In the afternoon, we will return to Gorilla’s Nest to reflect & reminisce on our awe-inspiring experience with the gorillas on the volcanoes. After a sweaty, muddy day, we will return to our rooms to freshen up & prepare our gear for the second trek tomorrow. We will then enjoy a delicious dinner, followed by a relaxing evening around the fire, listening to our fellow travelers’ stories. A well-earned good night’s rest is in order!
Intore Dancers
One&Only Gorilla’s Nest
August 31, 2023 – Your second day would start early once again and after a fueling breakfast of choice, we will return to the Volcanoes National Park Headquarters for our route assignments for the day. Today, we will aim for different gorilla families than we observed yesterday, to ensure diversity in your experience. The families will be determined that morning, and the assignments will be guided by our interest, ability, and where the animals were last seen.
The route for the day.
Preparing to enter the natural forest foliage
Mountain Gorilla social groups
After an exhilarating trek and another moving encounter with the Mountain Gorillas, we return to Gorilla’s Nest with the remainder of the day at your leisure to relax and reflect. These comfortable surroundings offer the perfect setting to unwind and absorb the profound experience you’ve enjoyed as it settles into your memory. Closing out the day, you will hopefully find yourself fireside, as you prepare for a peaceful rest.
A perfect place to rest your head after two busy days
September 1, 2022 – This morning, enjoy a luxurious sleep-in and breakfast before saying goodbye to One&Only Gorilla’s Nest and Volcanoes National Park. We will have a leisurely, scenic drive through this gorgeous ‘land of a thousand hills’ back to Kigali for your onward travels
September 2, 2022 – Those who overnight in Kigali to fly onward to Kenya for our hosted journey to the Masaai Mara will be transferred to the Kigali Airport for onward travel.
Our scenic route through towns and villages across rolling hills
Gorilla Program: $11,995.00 per person, based on double occupancy + Gorilla Trekking permits of $1,500.00 per person, per day (2 days)
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$17,995.00 per person, single occupancy
Call Isabelle Finly at 941-951-1801 at extension 105 now to secure your space on this departure today! You may e-mail at isabelle@admiraltravel.com.
PLEASE NOTE:
- All payments made to or on behalf of Admiral Travel are non-refundable unless stated otherwise
- If minimum numbers are not met for a hosted departure, prices are subject to change / increase to confirm same program on a private basis
- Founder’s Journey will always be priced at or below published rates, but never higher.
- Travel with like-minded individuals on these exclusive departures.
- Enjoy a welcome cocktail party to meet your fellow travelers.
- On many occasions, optional shore events are offered as an option that only our group is invited to join.
- Special global relationships that the Hiltons have formed over the years will allow you privileged access opportunities.
- Trips are offered well in advance to give ample time for your future planning.
- Minimum number of guests needed for Admiral Travel to escort.