4 Days Rwanda Gorillas & Bisoke is a combined primate encounter and volcano hiking adventure. You will enjoy a lifetime mountain gorilla trekking experience and Bisoke volcano climbing in Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. Volcanoes Park is located in Northwestern Rwanda, and it is the oldest of the four parks in this landlocked country, established in 1925 along with Congo’s Virunga National Park.
At Volcanoes National Park, there are over 200 bird species, five Virunga volcanoes (Gahinga, Sabyinyo, Muhabura, Karisimbi – 4507m, and Bisoke – 3711m), distinct vegetation zones varying with altitudinal range, and a variety of mammals, especially mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, and black and white colobus monkeys. This short safari in Rwanda begins and ends in Kigali.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Kigali City Excursion + Volcanoes Park Trip
Begin your Kigali city excursion after breakfast at your respective hotels. Points of interest include the Kigali Genocide Memorial, offering deep insights into the historic and tragic 1994 genocide in Rwanda. You will also visit local markets, including Kirimonko market and nearby craft shops. After your city tour, enjoy a leisurely lunch and then proceed to Volcanoes Park in Ruhengeri, Northwestern Rwanda, a 2-3 hour drive.
Day 2: A Magical Encounter with Massive Mountain Gorillas
Rise early for breakfast, then proceed to the Kinigi offices where park officials will allocate gorilla families, assign park guides, and provide a briefing on gorilla trekking guidelines. Briefing starts at 7:00 am, and by 8:00 am, your 2-6 hour trek to encounter mountain gorillas in the wild begins, led by park guides through the forest. Volcanoes Park is home to 12 fully habituated gorilla groups, though you will visit only one today, with one hour guaranteed for a magical encounter.
The park also hosts a variety of other wildlife, especially primates such as vervet monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, etc. After spending a special hour with a mountain gorilla family, return to the lodge for relaxation, lunch, and in the late evening, optionally visit the Iby’Iwacu village for a cultural experience.
Day 3: Bisoke Volcano Trek
Enjoy an early breakfast, then head to the Bisoke volcano base for a briefing by park officials. A park guide will be assigned to your climbing group as you ascend the 3711m Bisoke Volcano. Highlights at the summit include the beautiful Crater Lake and breathtaking views of the surrounding areas, including the Rwenzori Mountain ranges and Virunga volcanoes. Ascending to Bisoke’s summit may take about 3 hours, with the descent taking approximately 2 hours, though times vary depending on the climbers’ speed.
Day 4: Departure
After a hearty breakfast, transfer back to Kigali or opt for an optional golden monkey trek or Dian Fossey walk before leaving Volcanoes NP. In Kigali, your driver guide will drop you off at a hotel or airport depending on your next travel arrangements.
