The 4 Days Rwanda Gorillas and Mount Bisoke Hiking Safari is an exciting adventure combining the unforgettable experience of mountain gorilla trekking with a challenging hike on Mount Bisoke in the spectacular Virunga Mountains. Your journey takes you from Kigali to the beautiful Volcanoes National Park, one of Africa’s most important habitats for endangered mountain gorillas. You will explore the volcanic landscapes, trek through lush montane forests and experience close encounters with a habituated gorilla family. The safari also includes the opportunity to hike Mount Bisoke, one of Rwanda’s Virunga volcanoes, with its impressive crater lake and panoramic mountain scenery. This Rwanda gorilla trekking and hiking safari is ideal if you want to combine wildlife, adventure, nature and breathtaking landscapes in one memorable holiday.
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali and Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be welcomed by your Silverback Tour representative and briefed about your 4 Days Rwanda Gorilla and Mount Bisoke Hiking Safari. You will then begin your journey northwards towards Volcanoes National Park, passing through Rwanda’s beautiful countryside. The drive takes you through rolling hills, cultivated slopes, villages and rural communities, giving you a wonderful introduction to the country’s scenic landscapes. As you approach Musanze, the dramatic Virunga volcanoes gradually appear on the horizon, creating an impressive backdrop for your adventure. Upon arrival in the Volcanoes National Park area, you will check into your lodge and enjoy lunch before having time to relax. Your guide will brief you about the following day’s gorilla trekking experience and advise you on suitable clothing, footwear and other trekking essentials.
Accommodation: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Virunga Lodge
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 2: Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
After an early breakfast, you will travel to the Volcanoes National Park headquarters for a briefing before beginning your Rwanda gorilla trekking experience. You will then enter the montane forest accompanied by experienced park guides and trackers in search of your assigned habituated gorilla family. The trek can take several hours depending on the location of the gorillas, and you will navigate forest trails through dense vegetation and sometimes challenging terrain. Once you locate the gorillas, you will have a memorable opportunity to observe their natural behaviour and social interactions from a respectful distance. Your guide and trackers will provide information about gorilla conservation, their habitat and the ongoing efforts to protect these remarkable primates. After the permitted viewing experience, you will trek back towards the park headquarters before returning to your lodge for lunch and relaxation. The afternoon can be spent resting and enjoying the beautiful surroundings after this extraordinary Volcanoes National Park gorilla trekking adventure.
Accommodation: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Virunga Lodge
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 3: Mount Bisoke Hiking Adventure
You will wake up early, enjoy breakfast and prepare for your Mount Bisoke hiking adventure. Mount Bisoke, also known as Mount Visoke, is one of the magnificent volcanoes of the Virunga Mountain range and is famous for its beautiful crater lake at the summit. You will travel to the trailhead and meet your experienced hiking guide before beginning the ascent through the forest. The hike involves steep sections and can be physically demanding, but the changing vegetation, mountain scenery and spectacular views make the experience highly rewarding. As you climb higher, you may encounter forest birds and other wildlife while enjoying increasingly impressive views across the volcanic landscape. Upon reaching the summit, you will have an opportunity to appreciate the crater lake and surrounding Virunga volcanoes before beginning your descent. After returning to the trailhead, you will head back to your lodge for a well-earned meal, relaxation and your final evening in the Volcanoes National Park region.
Accommodation: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Virunga Lodge
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 4: Departure
After breakfast, you will check out of your lodge and begin your journey back towards Kigali. Depending on your departure schedule, you may have an opportunity to enjoy a short stop along the way or visit a local craft centre to purchase souvenirs. The drive provides another opportunity to appreciate Rwanda’s spectacular countryside, with its green hills, cultivated terraces and rural communities. Upon reaching Kigali, your Silverback Tour representative will transfer you to Kigali International Airport in time for your scheduled flight. This marks the end of your 4 Days Rwanda Gorillas and Mount Bisoke Hiking Safari, combining one of Africa’s most remarkable wildlife encounters with an unforgettable volcanic mountain adventure. You will leave Rwanda with lasting memories of the mountain gorillas, Mount Bisoke, the Virunga landscape and the country’s welcoming communities. Silverback Tour looks forward to organising another memorable East African safari for you in the future.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Included in the Safari
- Airport pick-up and drop-off
- Private 4WD safari transportation
- Services of a professional English-speaking driver-guide
- Accommodation as specified in the itinerary
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary
- Mountain gorilla trekking permit
- Mount Bisoke hiking permit and applicable park fees
- Services of park guides and trackers
- Volcanoes National Park entrance fees where applicable
- Bottled drinking water during safari
- Government taxes and applicable service charges
Excluded from the Safari
- International flights
- Rwanda visa fees where applicable
- Travel and medical insurance
- Personal expenses
- Laundry and telephone charges
- Alcoholic beverages and premium drinks
- Tips and gratuities for guides, trackers and lodge staff
- Porter services unless specifically included
- Hiking equipment and personal trekking gear
- Souvenirs and personal shopping
- Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
- Any services not specifically listed under the inclusions.