Overview

Embark on an unforgettable 7-Day Gorilla Trekking and Mount Karisimbi Hiking Safari, an adventure that combines Rwanda’s most iconic wildlife experiences with one of the country’s most rewarding mountain climbs. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Virunga Mountains, this safari offers the perfect blend of adventure, nature, culture, and relaxation.

Begin your journey with a tour of Kigali before heading to Volcanoes National Park, where you’ll encounter the endangered mountain gorillas during a once-in-a-lifetime trekking experience. Continue your primate adventure with a golden monkey trek and an immersive visit to the Gorilla Guardians Village, where you’ll discover Rwanda’s rich cultural traditions and community conservation initiatives.

Challenge yourself with a two-day hike to the summit of Mount Karisimbi, the highest volcano in the Virunga Massif at 4,507 meters above sea level. Trek through bamboo forests, montane rainforest, and alpine vegetation while enjoying spectacular views of the surrounding volcanoes and the Albertine Rift. After descending the mountain, unwind on the tranquil shores of Lake Kivu, where you’ll enjoy a scenic boat excursion, explore Nyamirundi Island, and experience Rwanda’s renowned coffee culture.

Combining unforgettable primate encounters, volcanic hiking, authentic cultural experiences, and lakeside relaxation, this 7-day safari offers an exceptional opportunity to experience the very best of Rwanda, the Land of a Thousand Hills.

Summarized Itinerary

  • Day 1: Arrival and transfer to Volcanoes national park
  • Day 2: gorilla trekking
  • Day 3: Golden monkey trekking and cultural tour
  • Day 4: Hike mount Karisimbi Volcano
  • Day 5: Descend and drive to lake Kivu
  • Day 6: Full day lake Kivu Exploration
  • Day 7: Transfer to Kigali for your departure flight

Detailed 7 Days Gorillas & Mount Karisimbi Hiking Safari

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali – City Tour – Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our professional driver-guide. Depending on your arrival time, begin your adventure with a guided tour of Kigali, one of Africa’s cleanest and most vibrant cities. Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial to learn about Rwanda’s history and remarkable journey of reconciliation before exploring local craft markets and the Belgian Peacekeepers Memorial.

After lunch, embark on a scenic drive north through Rwanda’s beautiful rolling hills to Volcanoes National Park, home to the endangered mountain gorillas. Upon arrival, check in to your lodge and relax while enjoying magnificent views of the Virunga Mountains.

Meal Plan: Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation Options:

  • Luxury: One&Only Gorilla’s Nest, Wilderness Bisate Lodge
  • Mid-range: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge
  • Budget: Kinigi Guest House, La Palme Hotel
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

After an early breakfast, your driver-guide will transfer you to the Volcanoes National Park headquarters in Kinigi for registration and a briefing by experienced park rangers. You will then be assigned one of the habituated mountain gorilla families before setting off into the forest.

The trek may take between 2 and 6 hours, depending on the location of your assigned gorilla family. Along the way, enjoy spectacular scenery as you hike through bamboo forests and lush vegetation. Once the gorillas are located, spend one unforgettable hour observing them as they feed, groom, play, and care for their young in their natural habitat.

After the trek, return to your lodge for lunch, relaxation, dinner, and an overnight stay.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation Options:

  • Luxury: One&Only Gorilla’s Nest, Singita Kwitonda Lodge, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge
  • Mid-range: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, The Bishop’s House Rwanda
  • Budget: Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge, Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge
Day 3: Golden Monkey Trekking & Gorilla Guardians Village

Enjoy breakfast before returning to Volcanoes National Park for an exciting golden monkey trekking experience. After a briefing by park rangers, venture into the bamboo forest in search of these energetic and endangered primates. Golden monkey trekking is generally less strenuous than gorilla trekking and provides excellent opportunities for photography as the monkeys leap through the trees.

After the trek, return to your lodge for lunch.

In the afternoon, visit the Gorilla Guardians Village (formerly Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village), where you’ll immerse yourself in Rwanda’s rich cultural heritage. Enjoy traditional music and dance performances, learn about ancient hunting techniques, participate in basket weaving, and discover how local communities are contributing to wildlife conservation through sustainable tourism.

Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Same as Day 2

Day 4: Mount Karisimbi Hike – Summit Camp

Following an early breakfast, prepare for an exciting two-day hike to the summit of Mount Karisimbi, the highest volcano in the Virunga Mountain Range at 4,507 meters above sea level.

After registering at the park headquarters, meet your experienced hiking guides, ranger escorts, and porters before beginning the ascent. The trail passes through lush bamboo forests, Hagenia woodland, giant lobelia vegetation, and alpine meadows while offering opportunities to spot birds, monkeys, and other wildlife.

After approximately 6–7 hours of hiking, arrive at the designated campsite where you’ll enjoy dinner and spend the night under the stars, surrounded by the breathtaking volcanic landscape.

Accommodation: Mountain Camping

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5: Descend Mount Karisimbi – Transfer to Lake Kivu

Wake up early to enjoy sunrise views before beginning your descent through the beautiful forests of Volcanoes National Park. Along the trail, continue to enjoy spectacular scenery and opportunities to observe birds and wildlife.

Upon reaching the trailhead, your driver-guide will transfer you to the tranquil shores of Lake Kivu, one of Africa’s Great Lakes. After checking into your lakeside lodge, spend the remainder of the afternoon relaxing while enjoying beautiful lake views.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation Options:

  • Luxury: Lake Kivu Serena Hotel
  • Mid-range: Kivu Lodge, Cormoran Lodge
Day 6: Lake Kivu Exploration & Coffee Experience

After a leisurely breakfast, embark on a boat excursion across the crystal-clear waters of Lake Kivu to Nyamirundi Island, renowned for producing some of Rwanda’s finest specialty coffee.

Join local coffee farmers for an authentic bean-to-cup experience, learning about coffee cultivation, harvesting, roasting, grinding, and brewing before enjoying a tasting of freshly prepared Rwandan coffee. You’ll also have the opportunity to purchase locally produced coffee as a souvenir.

Spend the afternoon relaxing by the lake, swimming, kayaking, or simply enjoying the peaceful surroundings before returning to your lodge for dinner and overnight.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Same as Day 5

Day 7: Return to Kigali – Departure

After breakfast, check out of your lodge and enjoy a scenic drive back to Kigali. Depending on your departure schedule, you may stop at local craft markets for last-minute shopping or enjoy lunch at one of Kigali’s excellent restaurants.

Your driver-guide will then transfer you to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight, bringing your unforgettable Rwanda adventure to a close.

Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch

End of Safari