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Rwanda

5-Day Gorilla & Volcano Hike

This 5-day luxury adventure blends gorilla encounters with volcanic hikes in Rwanda's dramatic landscapes. Experience mountain gorillas up close, trek to Dian Fossey's grave, and conquer Mount Bisoke's crater lake - all while staying in premium lodges.


What to Expect

  • 🦍 Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park
  • 🌋 Mount Bisoke hike (3,711m) to the crater lake
  • ⚰️ Dian Fossey grave visit at Karisoke Research Center
  • 🌊 Twin Lakes exploration (Burera & Ruhondo)
  • 🏙️ Kigali genocide memorial tour
  • 📜 Gorilla trekking certificate

Key Notes

✔️ Best Time to Visit: June-September or December-February

✔️ Fitness Level: Challenging (high-altitude hikes)
✔️ Packing Tips: Waterproof hiking boots, warm layers, gloves


Itinerary Summary

Day Activity
Day 1 Kigali → Ruhengeri • City Tour
Day 2 Gorilla Trekking • Twin Lakes Visit
Day 3 Dian Fossey Hike • Karisimbi Camping
Day 4 Mount Bisoke Summit Hike
Day 5 Return to Kigali

Day 1: Kigali City Tour → Ruhengeri

  • Morning: Airport pickup • Visit Nyamata Genocide Memorial
  • Afternoon: National Museum tour • Local market shopping
  • Evening: Transfer to Ruhengeri • Lodge check-in

Begin with a moving visit to Nyamata Genocide Memorial, where over 5,000 victims are buried. Explore Rwanda's history at the National Museum before heading to the volcanic highlands.

Accommodation Options:

  • Super Luxury: One & Only Gorilla's Nest / Singita Kwitonda Lodge
  • Luxury: Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge / Virunga Lodge
  • Mid-Range: Five Volcanoes Lodge / Virunga Spar Resort
    Meals: Dinner

Day 2: Gorilla Trekking & Twin Lakes

  • 06:00 AM: Breakfast • Park briefing
  • 07:30 AM: Gorilla trek (2-6 hours) • 1-hour encounter
  • Afternoon: Twin Lakes visit • Cave exploration
  • Evening: Lodge relaxation

Trek through misty forests to observe gorilla families in their natural habitat. Later, enjoy the scenic Twin Lakes (Burera & Ruhondo) with optional cave visits for photography.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Day 3: Dian Fossey Grave Hike & Karisimbi Camping

  • Early breakfast • Packed lunch
  • Dian Fossey hike (3-4 hours)
  • Afternoon: Karisimbi volcanic climb (overnight at 3,800m)

Hike to Dian Fossey's grave, learning about her gorilla conservation work. Spot golden monkeys en route before ascending Karisimbi volcano for a night under the stars.

Accommodation: Mountain tents
Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner


Day 4: Mount Bisoke Summit

  • Sunrise breakfast
  • Mount Bisoke ascent (6-8 hours round trip)
  • Return to lodge • Celebration dinner

Challenge yourself with a hike to Bisoke's crater lake (3,711m), passing through bamboo forests and alpine vegetation. Celebrate your achievement with a gourmet dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner


Day 5: Return to Kigali

  • 08:00 AM: Leisurely breakfast
  • 09:00 AM: Scenic drive to Kigali
  • Afternoon: Airport drop-off

Enjoy a relaxed morning before returning to Kigali, with optional last-minute souvenir shopping en route.

Meals: Breakfast


End of Safari

An unforgettable blend of wildlife and adventure - from intimate gorilla encounters to conquering Rwanda's volcanic peaks. Perfect for couples seeking a romantic yet adventurous honeymoon.

✅ Included

  • All accommodation on Half Board (HB), Full Board (FB) or Bed and Breakfast (B&B) basis as quoted in the text
  • Safari vehicle and fuel
  • English speaking tourist guide
  • Game drives and walks
  • Entrance fees to the national parks. All boat tours
  • Taxes
  • Free mineral water in the vehicle during the tour
  • AMREF emergency evacuation insurance
  • Gorilla Permit

❌ Excluded

  • International flights
  • Visa fees
  • Drinks / alcoholic drinks / additional meals
  • Tips
  • Activities not part of the described program
  • International travel insurance
  • Items of personal nature / souvenirs

PLEASE NOTE

The safari indicated here is essentially an offer. Changes in the course of the journey, the duration of your tour, the number of travelers, as well as the choice of accommodation are subject to availability, although we always endeavor to stick as closely as possible to this program. For the majority of itineraries, we can offer luxury, mid range or budget versions of this safari upon request.

Sometimes it is not possible to adhere to the travel plan as described in this itinerary, due to weather and road conditions, authority regulations, organizational requirements, etc. Occasionally, the planned route of the tour has to change according to the situation on the ground. We must therefore explicitly refuse liability for adherence to the journey plan.

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