Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

One day mountain Gorillas tracking experience consists of early pick up in the morning as 04h30', drive to the park headquarters in Musanze -Kinigi about 2h30 of driving after a coffee breaking, guests get assigned a group of gorillas to track and after a briefing of ranger guide, we drive to the starting point of the trekking, the latter can last for 2 to 8 hours according to the movement of these gentle giants and after trekking, guests get driven to the nearest town Musanze for lunch as continuing to the drop off of the customers.

Volcanoes National Park: Home to the endangered mountain gorillas, Volcanoes National Park is a must-visit destination for wildlife enthusiasts. Embark on a thrilling gorilla trekking experience and witness these incredible creatures in their natural habitat. The park also offers breathtaking views of the Virunga volcanoes, adding to the charm of your safari. The most exciting day starts early in the morning. 4:30am is the pick up time hence transfer to Volcanoes national Park. Once arrived at the reception, we grab a free cup of coffee to warm up and take a short briefing on protocols and rules for visiting the gorillas. The hike can last anything from 30 minutes to hours, reaching an altitude of between 2,500m and 4,000m. Porters are available to carry backpacks and cameras, as well as to offer a helping hand along the route. Carry a light backpack with bottled water and your gear for the gorilla trekking. While tracking the gorilla, you might get the chance to spot a diversity of other species and once you have finally met your gorilla family, you have one hour to spend with gorillas. Learn about their behaviors and take some pictures, etc. The awe-inspiring moment when you lock eyes with a gorilla is something that will stay with you forever. Another highlight of visiting Rwanda is the chance to immerse yourself in the warm hospitality and culture of its people. After the gorilla trek, you will go for a culture tour to participate and learn about the rich culture of Rwandan people. You will be welcomed with open arms by friendly locals who are proud to share their heritage with visitors. They will dance for you, show you how the traditional wedding was conducted, visit the house of the kings and witness how what were first porches have now become self sufficient people and benefits the tourism and conservation sector. Lunch time Thereafter, our guide will take you back to Kigali international airport or your hotel

Embark on an unforgettable adventure with us as we delve into the heart of Rwanda's natural wonder: Volcanoes National Park. Your journey begins and ends in the vibrant capital of Kigali, where our friendly driver will pick you up from your hotel or lodge bright and early at 4:30 am. Start your day right with a delicious breakfast or grab a packed meal to fuel your excitement for the day ahead. As we embark on the 116km journey to Volcanoes National Park, soak in the stunning Rwandan scenery and anticipate the incredible encounters awaiting you. Upon arrival at the park offices, our experienced guides will brief you on what to expect, ensuring your safety and comfort throughout the day. Then, it's time to meet our closest relatives in the wild: the majestic mountain gorillas. With the guidance of knowledgeable ranger guides, we'll venture into the lush forest to track these incredible primates. The trek may vary in duration, from a thrilling 30 minutes to a full-day adventure, depending on the movements of the gorillas. But rest assured, every moment spent in their presence is priceless. Once we've located the gorilla group, prepare to be captivated for an hour as you observe these gentle giants in their natural habitat. Feel free to snap photos to cherish these precious memories, but remember to keep your flash off to respect the gorillas' environment. As the hour with the gorillas flies by, it's time to reluctantly bid them farewell and trek back out of the forest. But fear not, the adventure doesn't end there. We'll whisk you back to Kigali, where you can reminisce about your incredible day before catching your flight back home. Join us for an unparalleled wildlife experience, filled with awe, wonder, and unforgettable moments. Book your gorilla trekking adventure today and let us take you on the journey of a lifetime.

The most exciting day starts early in the morning. 4:30am is the pick up time hence transfer to Volcanoes national Park. Once arrived at the reception, we grab a free cup of coffee to warm up and take a short briefing on protocols and rules for visiting the gorillas. The hike can last anything from 30 minutes to hours, reaching an altitude of between 2,500m and 4,000m. Porters are available to carry backpacks and cameras, as well as to offer a helping hand along the route. Carry a light backpack with bottled water and your gear for the gorilla trekking. While tracking the gorilla, you might get the chance to spot a diversity of other species and once you have finally met your gorilla family, you have one hour to spend with gorillas. Learn about their behaviors and take some pictures, etc. The awe-inspiring moment when you lock eyes with a gorilla is something that will stay with you forever. Another highlight of visiting Rwanda is the chance to immerse yourself in the warm hospitality and culture of its people. After the gorilla trek, you will go for a culture tour to participate and learn about the rich culture of Rwandan people. You will be welcomed with open arms by friendly locals who are proud to share their heritage with visitors. They will dance for you, show you how the traditional weeding was conducted, visit the house of the kings and witness how what were first porches have now become self sufficient people and benefits the tourism and conservation sector. Lunch time Thereafter, our guide will take you back to Kigali international airport or your hotel

Begin your adventure with an early pick-up from your Kigali hotel, followed by a scenic drive to Volcanoes National Park, home to the mountain gorillas, the last places they remain in the world. Upon arrival, you'll receive a briefing at the park headquarters before starting your hike to the summit of Mount Bisoke. As you trek through lush rainforest, you’ll encounter diverse landscapes and wildlife, including golden monkeys, various bird species and some see gorillas. At the summit, enjoy a picnic lunch by the stunning crater lake, offering panoramic views of the surrounding volcanoes. Afterward, descend through the green vegetation, with more wildlife sightings and scenic views along the way. Conclude your day with a relaxing drive back to Kigali, arriving in the evening. This unforgettable hike combines adventure, wildlife, and breathtaking landscapes, providing a truly immersive experience of Rwanda's natural beauty.

Discover Kigali, Rwanda’s captivating capital, where history, culture, and natural beauty seamlessly intertwine to create an unforgettable experience. Begin your journey at the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a poignant and deeply moving site that offers a profound understanding of Rwanda’s past. Here, you’ll gain insight into the tragic events of 1994 and witness the incredible story of resilience and reconciliation that has shaped the nation’s present and future. As you explore the city, you’ll find Kigali to be remarkably clean and vibrant, with a unique blend of traditional and modern influences. Stroll through the bustling Kimironko Market, where the lively atmosphere and colorful stalls offer a true taste of local life. From fresh produce and handmade crafts to vibrant textiles and traditional Rwandan cuisine, the market is a sensory feast and a perfect place to pick up unique souvenirs. For a taste of Kigali’s creative spirit, visit the Inema Arts Center, a hub for contemporary Rwandan art. Here, you’ll encounter a dynamic collection of paintings, sculptures, and mixed media works by talented local artists. The center also hosts workshops and live performances, providing a glimpse into the city’s thriving art scene. No visit to Kigali is complete without taking in its stunning natural beauty. Hike up Mount Kigali for breathtaking panoramic views of the city and surrounding hills. This relatively easy trek offers a chance to experience the lush landscapes and serene environment that characterize Rwanda’s scenic beauty. Kigali also serves as the perfect gateway to Rwanda’s renowned wildlife adventures. Just a short drive from the city, you can embark on a once-in-a-lifetime gorilla trekking experience in Volcanoes National Park. Trek through lush forests to encounter majestic mountain gorillas in their natural habitat, an experience that is both awe-inspiring and humbling. For those interested in further exploring Rwanda’s natural wonders, Akagera National Park offers classic safari experiences where you can spot the Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhinoceros—along with other diverse wildlife. Alternatively, the pristine Nyungwe Forest National Park provides opportunities for birdwatching, chimpanzee trekking, and hiking through one of Africa’s oldest rainforests. Throughout your stay, you’ll be greeted with warm Rwandan hospitality, making you feel right at home. Whether you’re exploring Kigali’s vibrant neighborhoods, delving into its rich history, or embarking on thrilling wildlife adventures, Kigali promises a journey full of discovery and unforgettable moments. Embrace the magic of this remarkable city and let Kigali’s charm captivate you.

Day 1: Iby’iwacu Cultural Experience & a Guided Nature Walk Around Volcanoes National Park Morning drive you to Volcanoes Nat Park. Start by enjoying a complimentary Kigali city tour before traveling to northern Rwanda. After a 2-hour drive from Kigali to Ruhengeri/Musanze, we will visit the Iby’iwacu Cultural Experience in Kinigi. We’ll then be treated to a guided nature walk around Volcanoes National Park. Day 2: Golden Monkey Trekking & Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda We will start the day with a golden monkey trekking adventure in Volcanoes Nat Park. This primate is native to the high-altitude forests of the park. Once we have seen their playful interactions, we will head out of the park and transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda. The transfer to Bwindi National Park will go through the Rwanda-Uganda border at Cyanika. Day 3: Gorilla Trekking Adventure at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Today is another day for trekking into the wilderness to spot the rare local animals. You will head to the Bwindi National Park gate immediately after breakfast to get a briefing about the gorilla trek. You will then embark on your tracking adventure, making your way through the rainforest until you find a family of mountain gorillas. The gorilla trek can take from 3 to 6 hours on average, depending on how far the gorillas are inside the forest. It could last longer, so be prepared just in case! Day 4: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth Nat Park via Ishasha Sector to Spot Tree-Climbing Lions We will start the journey in the morning from Bwindi Nat Park and drive to Queen Elizabeth Nat Park. We’ll arrive at Queen Elizabeth National Park in the late afternoon. Our first activity will be to drive through the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, popularly known for the tree-climbing lions. While the sighting of the tree-climbing lions is not 100% guaranteed, a stopover at Ishasha is worth a visit! Day 5: Kasenyi Plains Game Drive & Kazinga Channel Boat Trip Early breakfast at the lodge. Afterward, we will proceed to the famed Kasenyi Plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park to spot various species of wild animals. Expect to encounter the big five. We will return to the lodge for lunch and a quick break before joining the Kazinga Channel boat cruise for an afternoon of wild game viewing. We’ll have the chance to spot crocodiles, buffaloes, elephants, and a wide range of bird species on the channel waters. Day 6: Chimpanzee Trekking Experience at Kalinzu Forest & Return to Kigali Early morning breakfast followed by a drive to the Kalinzu Forest to experience tracking the chimpanzees in their forest home. If you are lucky on the trek, you might encounter some of the other different species of monkeys in the forest. These include colobus monkeys, olive baboons, and red-tailed monkeys. Once we have finished our last trekking adventure, it is time to return to Kigali.

Start your day early with a pick-up at 4:30 AM from your Kigali accommodation, and embark on a scenic drive to Volcanoes National Park in Musanze District. By 7:30 AM, you will arrive at the park headquarters in Kinigi, where you’ll meet fellow hikers and park rangers. A detailed briefing will give you important information about the hike and what to expect. At 8:00 AM, you’ll begin your transfer to the Bisoke Volcano trailhead. The 40-minute drive takes you through a mix of paved and rugged roads, offering a glimpse of rural Rwanda’s beauty. The hike begins at 2,700 meters above sea level, and porters will be available to help with carrying your bags and assisting through challenging sections of the trail. The hike starts with a short walk through villages and farmland, then transitions into the dense forests of Volcanoes National Park. Along the way, there is a chance to encounter wildlife, including golden monkeys and, on rare occasions, gorillas (though photography is not permitted in these cases). The trail is mostly uphill and can be muddy and slippery, so you’ll need to watch your footing. The first part of the hike takes around 2 hours, after which you’ll enter the volcanic terrain, with unique vegetation including giant heather plants. After about 4 hours of hiking, you’ll reach the summit, where a stunning crater lake awaits. Here, you can take in breathtaking views of the surrounding volcanoes and the twin lakes below. Enjoy a picnic lunch while soaking in the peaceful, remote atmosphere. At 2:00 PM, begin your descent, which will take around 2 hours, depending on the pace and number of stops you make. By 4:00 PM, you will return to the starting point where you’ll meet your driver for a return trip back to Kigali. This hike is an exciting yet manageable adventure for nature lovers and hiking enthusiasts, offering the chance to experience both the beauty of Rwanda's landscapes and the unique wildlife of Volcanoes National Park.

Morning: 04:20 - Wake-Up and Breakfast: Rise early and enjoy a quick breakfast, either at your accommodation or as a takeaway. 04:30 - Departure: Be ready for pick-up at 04:30. Depart for Volcanoes National Park with your packed breakfast. 07:00 - Arrival and Registration: Arrive at Volcanoes National Park slightly before 07:00. Proceed for registration, where you'll receive a briefing from a park guide. 07:30 - Golden Monkey Trekking: Begin your golden monkey trekking adventure. Follow your experienced guide through the lush forest as you search for these fascinating primates. 11:30 - Return and Transfer: Conclude the golden monkey trekking experience and return to the starting point. You will then be transferred to the nearby Musanze City for lunch. Afternoon: 12:30 - Lunch in Musanze City: Enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant in Musanze City. Take the opportunity to taste traditional Rwandan cuisine and relax after the morning's adventure. 14:00 - Visit to Iby'iwacu Cultural Village Center: Depart from Musanze City and head to the Iby'iwacu Cultural Village Center. Explore the village and immerse yourself in Rwandan culture and traditions. Engage in cultural activities, witness traditional performances, and interact with local artisans. 17:00 - Departure: After exploring the cultural village, depart for your next destination. If you're returning to Kigali, the journey will take approximately 2-3 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. Evening: 19:00 - Arrival in Kigali: If returning to Kigali, arrive in the city in the evening. You can either head to your accommodation for dinner and rest or explore Kigali's dining and nightlife options. This day-trip itinerary allows you to experience the natural beauty of Volcanoes National Park with golden monkey trekking, followed by cultural immersion at the Iby'iwacu Cultural Village Center. It's a perfect combination of adventure and cultural exploration, providing you with a memorable experience in Rwanda.

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