4 Days Gorilla Trekking and Mount Bisoke Hiking Safari

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali and Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

Your adventure begins with arrival at Kigali International Airport, where you will be welcomed by your Verdant Safaris representative and introduced to your professional driver-guide. After a short briefing, you will begin the scenic journey northwards towards Volcanoes National Park, travelling through Rwanda’s beautiful countryside. The drive provides opportunities to see terraced hills, cultivated valleys, villages and local communities as you gradually approach the dramatic Virunga volcanic landscape. Volcanoes National Park is located in north-western Rwanda and protects a remarkable mosaic of montane ecosystems, including evergreen and bamboo forest, open grassland, swamp and heath. Upon arrival in the Musanze area, you will check into your lodge and enjoy lunch before spending the afternoon at leisure. You may choose to relax at the lodge, enjoy views of the volcanoes or participate in a suitable optional cultural experience. Your guide will later brief you about the gorilla trekking experience, including appropriate clothing, footwear and preparation for the following morning.

Accommodation options in Volcanoes National Park: Virunga Lodge, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Amakoro Songa Lodge.

Meals: (Lunch, Dinner)

Day 2: Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

You will wake early and enjoy breakfast before travelling to the Volcanoes National Park headquarters for your gorilla trekking briefing. Here, you will meet the park guides and receive important information about the trekking regulations and responsible behaviour around the gorillas. You will then proceed to the trailhead and begin your hike into the montane forest in search of an assigned gorilla family. The length and difficulty of the trek can vary because the gorillas move naturally through the forest, meaning some groups may require a longer hike to locate. Once you find the gorilla family, you will have a carefully regulated viewing experience while observing their natural behaviour, including feeding, resting, grooming and interaction between family members. Gorilla encounters in Rwanda are closely managed as part of the country’s conservation approach. After completing your trek, you will return to the park headquarters and transfer back to your lodge for lunch and time to rest. The afternoon will be relaxed, giving you an opportunity to recover from the hike, enjoy the surrounding scenery and prepare for your Mount Bisoke adventure.

Accommodation options in Volcanoes National Park: Virunga Lodge, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Amakoro Songa Lodge.

Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 3: Mount Bisoke Hiking and Crater Lake Experience

After an early breakfast, you will prepare for your Mount Bisoke hiking adventure and travel to the trailhead with your guide. Mount Bisoke rises to approximately 3,700 metres and is famous for the crater lake situated at its summit. The hike can take around five hours to a full day, depending on conditions, pace and the time spent at the summit, making it a demanding but rewarding experience. As you ascend, you will pass through different vegetation zones and experience the changing landscape of the Virunga volcanic environment. Your guide will help you appreciate the forest ecosystem and may point out birds, plants and other signs of wildlife along the trail. The higher you climb, the more dramatic the scenery becomes, and reaching the crater provides a memorable reward after the demanding ascent. At the summit, you will have time to appreciate the crater lake and surrounding volcanic scenery before beginning your descent. After returning to the trailhead, you will transfer back to your lodge for lunch or a late meal, followed by an afternoon of relaxation. This evening provides an opportunity to enjoy your final night in the Musanze region after completing two of Rwanda’s most impressive mountain adventures.

Accommodation options in Volcanoes National Park: Virunga Lodge, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Amakoro Songa Lodge.

Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 4: Transfer to Kigali and Departure

After breakfast, you will begin your journey from the Volcanoes region back towards Kigali, enjoying one final scenic drive through Rwanda’s beautiful highland countryside. Depending on your departure flight schedule, you may have an opportunity to make a short stop in Kigali for lunch, souvenir shopping or a brief city experience. Your guide can also arrange a suitable viewpoint or cultural stop along the route if time permits. Once in Kigali, you will continue to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight. Your 4 Days Gorilla Trekking and Mount Bisoke Hiking Safari will conclude with the completion of two outstanding experiences, an encounter with mountain gorillas in their natural habitat and a challenging hike to the crater of Mount Bisoke. Volcanoes National Park offers numerous hiking and adventure opportunities beyond gorilla trekking, making the region particularly suitable for an itinerary combining wildlife and mountain activities. You will depart Rwanda with memories of its volcanic landscapes, rainforest scenery, fascinating wildlife and welcoming communities.

Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch)