Through the Mist: A Gorilla Trek in the Heart of Rwanda
In the volcanic highlands of Rwanda, an ancient forest holds a sacred encounter—one that changes everything.
There are few moments in life when time stands still.
When your breath catches.
When you meet the gaze of a wild mountain gorilla and, somehow, see something of yourself reflected back.
This is Rwanda. This is the mist.
This is a journey that rewires the soul.
The Path Into the Volcanoes
The day begins early, in the shadow of the Virunga Mountains. Your boots are laced, your heart is racing, and the mist clings to the trees like a secret waiting to be told.
Guides lead the way through dense bamboo forests and tangled undergrowth. You duck branches, step over roots, and climb steadily—through altitude and anticipation. And then—it happens.
Your guide pauses.
You hear the faint crack of foliage.
And almost suddenly, they’re there.
A family of gorillas.
Peaceful. Powerful. Playful. Wild.
An Hour That Stays With You Forever
You’ll spend just one hour with them. It’s the law. It’s also enough.
Time stretches as a silverback settles into his throne of vines. Infants tumble and play, mimicking their mothers. One clings tightly to her mother’s back. A juvenile pauses and stares—right at you.
You don’t need translation.
You just know.
It is humbling. It is holy.
It is one of the rarest privileges on earth.
Where You Stay Matters
After the trek, you return to your lodge—Singita Kwitonda, Kataza House, Gorilla’s Nest or Bisate Lodge—where luxury is fused with purpose.
These sanctuaries are sustainably built, infused with Rwandan culture, and rooted in conservation. Relax by the fire with a glass of wine. Indulge in local cuisine. Watch the mist roll in from your private suite overlooking the mountains.
This is restoration for more than your body.
This is rest for your soul.
PHOTO CREDIT: Singita Kwitonda & Kataza House
Legacy of Dian Fossey, and the Future of the Forest
Thanks to decades of conservation, Rwanda’s mountain gorilla population is slowly increasing. The story that began with Dian Fossey is now being carried forward by Rwandans—veterinarians, rangers, porters, trackers, and community leaders all working to protect these majestic primates.
Every trek supports this mission. Every traveler plays a role.
When you come here, you help preserve not just the gorillas, but the entire ecosystem and culture that surrounds them.
Will You Answer the Call of the Mist
It’s not just about seeing gorillas.
It’s about feeling something stir in your chest when you do.
It’s about being reminded of our shared fragility, strength, and place in this wild world.