Volcanoes National Park Safari
Overview
Safari Overview
This 5-day safari centres entirely on Volcanoes National Park, the heart of Rwanda’s mountain gorilla conservation. In addition to the unforgettable gorilla trekking experience, you’ll hike to the scenic summit of Mount Bisoke, visit Dian Fossey’s historic research site, and explore the rich culture of the communities living alongside the park. This itinerary is ideal for travellers seeking an immersive primate and volcano adventure without covering long cross-country drives.
Safari Highlights
- Kigali city tour and Genocide Memorial visit
- Scenic drive through Rwanda’s rolling hills to Volcanoes National Park
- Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park
- Guided hike to Mount Bisoke crater lake
- Dian Fossey Tomb and Karisoke Research Center hike
- Visit to Iby’iwacu Cultural Village
- Optional golden monkey tracking
Included/Exclude
- Airport pick-up and drop-off
- Private 4x4 safari vehicle with English-speaking driver-guide
- All ground transport and fuel
- Accommodation as per itinerary (luxury, midrange, or budget)
- Meals as indicated
- Bottled drinking water during transfers and activities
- Gorilla trekking permit (one per person)
- Mount Bisoke hiking permit and ranger fees
- Dian Fossey Tomb hike permit and ranger fees
- Iby’iwacu Cultural Village visit
- Kigali city tour
- International flights
- Rwanda visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Optional golden monkey tracking permit
- Tips and gratuities
- Personal expenses (laundry, drinks, souvenirs)
- Extra nights before or after the safari
Tour Plan
Arrive at Kigali International Airport where your driver-guide will greet you. Enjoy a guided Kigali city tour if time allows, visiting the Kigali Genocide Memorial and local markets. Depart for Musanze, the gateway to Volcanoes National Park. The drive takes about 2.5 hours through scenic countryside. Check in at your lodge near the park and enjoy dinner.
Accommodation: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel / Mountain Gorilla View Lodge / Kinigi Guesthouse (Budget)
Meal Plan: Dinner
After an early breakfast, transfer to the park headquarters for a briefing from your ranger guide. Hike through bamboo forests and misty slopes to locate a habituated gorilla family and spend an unforgettable hour observing them in their natural habitat — one of Africa’s greatest wildlife experiences. Return to your lodge for lunch and relaxation. In the afternoon, visit the Iby’iwacu Cultural Village for traditional music, dance, and insight into local community life. Dinner and overnight at your lodge.
Accommodation: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel / Mountain Gorilla View Lodge / Kinigi Guesthouse (Budget)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a briefing and meet your ranger guide and porters. Begin your guided hike up Mount Bisoke (3,711 meters), a moderate trek that typically takes about 5–7 hours round trip. At the summit, enjoy breathtaking views of the crater lake and the surrounding Virunga volcanoes. Descend and return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel / Mountain Gorilla View Lodge / Kinigi Guesthouse (Budget)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After an early breakfast, transfer to the trailhead for the Dian Fossey Tomb hike. This rewarding trek takes about 3–4 hours round trip and visits the former Karisoke Research Center site, the burial place of Dian Fossey, and her beloved gorillas. Learn about her pioneering conservation work and the history of mountain gorilla protection. Return to the lodge for lunch and spend the afternoon at leisure or visit nearby local communities. Dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel / Mountain Gorilla View Lodge / Kinigi Guesthouse (Budget)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, you can choose to add an optional golden monkey trek in the park’s bamboo zone (permit required). These playful primates are unique to the Virungas and make for a fun finale to your safari. Return to the lodge to freshen up, then check out and drive back to Kigali. Time permitting, stop for last-minute souvenir shopping. Your driver-guide will drop you at Kigali International Airport for your onward flight.
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