Mountaineering & Gorilla Trekking Safari in rwanda
Overview
Safari Overview
This 5-day adventure is perfect for travellers looking to combine the thrill of summiting one of the Virunga volcanoes with the once-in-a-lifetime experience of trekking to see mountain gorillas. Explore Rwanda’s iconic Volcanoes National Park, conquer Mount Bisoke or Mount Karisimbi, and spend an unforgettable hour with a habituated gorilla family in their misty rainforest home.
Safari Highlights
- Kigali city tour and Genocide Memorial
- Scenic drive through Rwanda’s beautiful countryside
- Guided hike to the summit of Mount Bisoke or Mount Karisimbi
- Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park
- Optional visit to Iby’iwacu Cultural Village
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 in the itinerary
- Bottled drinking water during safari activities
- Park entry fees for Volcanoes National Park
- Gorilla trekking permit (one per person)
- Mount Bisoke hiking permit and ranger fees
- Kigali city tour
- Iby’iwacu Cultural Village visit (optional)
- International flights
- Rwanda visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses (laundry, drinks, souvenirs)
- Tips and gratuities
- Optional activities not specified
- Extra accommodation before or after the safari
Tour Plan
Arrive at Kigali International Airport where you’ll be met by your professional driver-guide for a warm welcome and safari briefing. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a guided Kigali city tour, including the Kigali Genocide Memorial and local craft markets. Dinner and overnight in Kigali.
Accommodation: Kigali Serena Hotel / Heaven Boutique Hotel / Step Town Motel (Budget)
Meal Plan: Dinner
After an early breakfast, transfer to the park headquarters for a briefing before your guided hike.
- Mount Bisoke: A moderate, scenic hike to 3,711 meters with a stunning crater lake at the summit (about 5–7 hours round trip).
- Mount Karisimbi: For the more adventurous, this two-day overnight trek reaches Rwanda’s highest point at 4,507 meters (optional, requires an extra night camping).
Today’s plan assumes the popular Mount Bisoke day hike. Return to the lodge in the afternoon for relaxation and dinner.
Accommodation: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel / Mountain Gorilla View Lodge / Kinigi Guesthouse (Budget)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, continue your trek through the forest zone, descending to cross the Bujuku River before climbing through the giant heather zone and moss-draped forests. Ascend to John Matte Hut (3,505m) where you’ll have panoramic views of the peaks and surrounding valleys. Dinner and overnight at the hut.
Trekking time: 6–7 hours
Accommodation: John Matte Hut (basic mountain hut)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After an early breakfast, transfer to the park headquarters for a briefing before setting out for your gorilla trek. Hike through bamboo forests and misty slopes to locate a habituated gorilla family and spend an awe-inspiring hour observing them in their natural habitat — a highlight of any African adventure. Return to the lodge to rest. In the afternoon, if you wish, visit the Iby’iwacu Cultural Village to learn about local traditions, music, and dance. 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, check out and drive back to Kigali (approximately 2.5 hours). If time allows, stop for last-minute souvenirs or local crafts. Your guide will drop you at Kigali International Airport for your onward flight, marking the end of your Rwanda mountaineering and gorilla trekking safari.
Meal Plan: Breakfast
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