Safari experts & storytellers. Since 1991
Trust us to find you the rarest animals, the most spectacular wildlife events, the remotest landscapes and deeply meaningful cultural encounters!
Meet a habituated gorilla family in Rwanda’s volcanic forest, one of Africa’s most profound wildlife experiences, and then relish barefoot luxury and a secluded beachfront villa on the Indian Ocean island of Zanzibar.
This is the ideal combination of a truly life-changing safari experience and time to relax and recharge your batteries as you reflect on life. Connecting flights make for a seamless journey.
Meet a fellow great ape, then relax on a beach
Highlights
Meeting mountain gorillas – Track a habituated gorilla family on foot in Rwanda’s volcanic forests, one of Africa’s most profound wildlife experiences.
Conservation in action – Experience Rwanda’s flagship conservation success story, where gorilla tourism directly supports communities and habitats.
Forest-to-ocean contrast – Seamlessly combine cool highland wilderness with barefoot luxury on the Indian Ocean. Balance powerful wildlife encounters with unhurried days by the ocean.
Private beach living – Stay in a secluded beachfront villa with uninterrupted sea views and total privacy.
Kigali - Experience this clean, safe city's unique blend of resilience and creativity.
Locations
Kigali. Rwanda's capital city blends modern elegance with emotional depth, offering a window into Rwanda’s resilience and creativity. The city features vibrant markets, cultural sites, and dynamic dining experiences.
Volcanoes National Park. Rising along Rwanda’s northern frontier, this chain of misty forests and volcanoes shelters rare mountain gorillas and a host of other wildlife. Cool air, dramatic scenery and deep conservation significance define one of Africa’s most extraordinary wildlife regions.
Zanzibar. An island shaped by trade winds, spice routes and Swahili culture, Zanzibar blends warm Indian Ocean waters with a laid-back coastal rhythm. Palm-lined beaches, turquoise shallows and slow days define its timeless appeal.
Lodges
1 night at Hemingways Retreat (Kigali). A refined urban sanctuary offering contemporary design, calm gardens and thoughtful comfort – an ideal arrival and departure base in Kigali.
2 nights at Wilderness Sabyinyo (Volcanoes National Park). A quietly elegant lodge set on the edge of Volcanoes National Park, combining refined design, exceptional guiding and sweeping views across the Virunga volcanoes.
5 nights at Upendo Beach (Zanzibar). A private beachfront escape offering just a handful of villas set directly on the sand. With expansive ocean views, open living spaces and a relaxed, understated style, it’s designed for privacy, ease and barefoot luxury.
Timing
The ideal time for this journey is June to September and December to February, when conditions are excellent for gorilla trekking in Rwanda, and Zanzibar enjoys warm, calm seas.
These months offer comfortable travel, clear forest trails and classic beach weather, making them perfectly suited to combining rainforest exploration with island relaxation.
Price per person sharing
8 nights (9 days) | ||
Low season | Mar & Apr 2026 | from US$ 10,420 |
High season | Jun to Oct 2026 | from US$ 13,005 |
Includes: All accommodation, meals and local beverages throughout, scheduled transfers in Kigali, one gorilla trekking permit per person, flights from Kigali to Zanzibar, airport transfers in Zanzibar, and 24-hour logistical support.
Excludes: International flights, premium beverages, gratuities, personal expenses, optional activities not listed, and mandatory cancellation, travel and medical insurance.
Thank you!
We donate a portion of the revenue from every safari sold to carefully selected conservation projects that make a significant difference at ground level.
“Humbling, unforgettable”
Stefan Winterboer, gorilla trekking expert: “I was unprepared for how deeply, profoundly we mirrored each other, the great apes and I. In their eyes and movements, I saw our shared humanity reflected. It was a humbling, unforgettable experience of connection and fragility.”
"Bucket-list experience"
Ramona Rubach, safari expert: “I will never forget seeing gorillas for the first time. The trek is challenging, and guides and porters are invaluable. An hour observing offers a snapshot of mountain gorilla life, humbling and thought-provoking, with local conversations.”
“Breathless moments”
Christian Boix, Rwanda safari expert: “Crouched in dappled light, heart pounding louder than cicadas, I met the calm gaze of a silverback – wise, amused, and immense. For a breathless moment, I wasn’t the observer but the observed, reminded of our shared origins.”
Safari planning
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Gorillas & Zanzibar beaches
Tell us about your dream trip - our travel experts will craft a no-obligation itinerary just for you. We have crafted over 5,000 safaris since 1991. Your personal details are protected; we only use this information to contact you.
Why choose us to craft your safari?
Handcrafted experiential safaris since 1991.
Travel in Africa is about knowing when and where to go, and with whom. A few weeks too early/late or a few kilometres off course, and you could miss the greatest show on Earth. And wouldn’t that be a pity?
Trust & Safety
Make a difference
We donate a portion of the revenue from every safari sold to carefully selected conservation projects that make a significant difference at ground level.
YOUR safari choice does make a difference - thank you!