4 Days Rwanda Gorillas & Bisoke is a short safari that combines mountain gorilla trekking and volcano hiking in Rwanda. This trip gives you a rare chance to meet mountain gorillas in the wild and hike Mount Bisoke inside Volcanoes National Park. The park is found in northwestern Rwanda and is the oldest national park in the country. It was created in 1925 together with Virunga National Park in Congo.
Volcanoes National Park is known for mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, and black and white colobus monkeys. The park also has more than 200 bird species and five Virunga volcanoes: Gahinga, Sabyinyo, Muhabura, Karisimbi, and Bisoke. Vegetation changes with altitude, from bamboo zones to open forest areas. This safari starts and ends in Kigali, making it easy for travelers with limited time.
Day 1: Kigali City Excursion and Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
After breakfast at your hotel, begin a short Kigali city excursion. Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, which explains the history of the 1994 genocide. Continue to local markets such as Kimironko Market and nearby craft shops.
After the city tour, have lunch and then drive to Volcanoes National Park in Ruhengeri. The journey takes about 2 to 3 hours. On arrival, check in at your lodge, relax, have dinner, and stay overnight.
Day 2: Mountain Gorilla Trekking Experience
Wake up early for breakfast and drive to the Kinigi park offices. At 7:00 am, park officials give a briefing on gorilla trekking rules. You will be assigned a gorilla family and an experienced park guide. Trekking starts at 8:00 am and may take between 2 and 6 hours, depending on where the gorillas are located.
Volcanoes National Park has 12 habituated gorilla families, but you will visit only one. Once you find the gorillas, you will spend one full hour observing them as they feed, rest, and interact. After the trek, return to the lodge for lunch and rest. In the evening, you may choose to visit the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village for a cultural experience.
Day 3: Bisoke Volcano Hike
After an early breakfast, drive to the base of Mount Bisoke for a briefing. A park guide will lead your group during the hike. Mount Bisoke rises to 3,711 meters above sea level. The hike to the summit usually takes about 3 hours, while descending takes around 2 hours.
At the top, you will see a crater lake and wide views of nearby Virunga volcanoes. After descending, return to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 4: Return to Kigali and Departure
After breakfast, drive back to Kigali. If time allows, you may choose an optional golden monkey trek or a Dian Fossey walk before leaving Volcanoes National Park. In Kigali, your driver guide will drop you at your hotel or the airport for departure.
