Discover Rwanda on the 7-Day Volcanoes Gorilla Trek, a journey through Kigali and Volcanoes National Park. Explore Kigali on a city tour, take on a challenging two-day hike up Mount Karisimbi with an overnight mountain camp, track golden monkeys, experience Rwandan culture, and encounter mountain gorillas in their natural forest habitat. The adventure also includes hiking around the scenic twin lakes of Burera and Ruhondo.
Beginning in Kigali, this 7-day Rwanda safari takes you north to Musanze and the volcanic highlands, combining mountain adventure, remarkable primate encounters, cultural discovery, and beautiful scenery. From the slopes of Mount Karisimbi to the forests of Volcanoes National Park and the peaceful shores of the twin lakes, this journey offers a memorable way to experience Rwanda’s natural beauty and wildlife before returning to Kigali for departure.
7-Day Volcanoes Gorilla Trek Tour Highlights
- Kigali City Tour: Discover Rwanda’s capital and experience its urban sights and cultural atmosphere.
- Mount Karisimbi Hiking: Embark on a challenging two-day hike to Mount Karisimbi, Rwanda’s highest volcano, with an overnight mountain camp.
- Golden Monkey Tracking: Explore the forest of Volcanoes National Park in search of its distinctive golden monkeys.
- Rwandan Cultural Experience: Learn about local traditions and cultural heritage through a planned cultural visit near Musanze.
- Mountain Gorilla Tracking: Experience a guided trek in Volcanoes National Park to observe mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.
- Lake Burera and Ruhondo Hiking: Enjoy scenic highland landscapes, lake views, and opportunities for hiking around Rwanda’s beautiful twin lakes.
- Scenic Journey Through Rwanda: Travel between Kigali and Musanze, taking in the rolling hills and volcanic landscapes of the Rwandan countryside.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali, City Tour and Transfer to Musanze
Welcome to Rwanda! Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, meet your driver-guide and begin your Kigali city tour, depending on your arrival time and schedule.
Explore selected attractions in Kigali, Rwanda’s capital. Possible stops include the Kigali Genocide Memorial, local craft markets, and selected city viewpoints. A visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial should be approached respectfully and requires sufficient time; the memorial recommends allowing at least 90 minutes for a visit.
After the city tour, travel north to Musanze, the gateway to Volcanoes National Park. Along the way, enjoy views of Rwanda’s rolling hills and countryside. On arrival, check into your selected accommodation, relax, and prepare for the challenging Mount Karisimbi expedition.
Accommodation Options: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel | One&Only Gorilla’s Nest | Virunga Lodge | Virunga Inn & Spa | Ingagi Park View | Amarembo by Touch Down |
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 2: Mount Karisimbi Hiking and Overnight Mountain Camping
After an early breakfast, transfer to the designated registration point for the Mount Karisimbi hiking expedition. Complete the required check-in, meet the authorized hiking team, and receive the briefing before beginning the ascent.
Mount Karisimbi rises to 4,507 metres, making it the highest volcano in Rwanda. The hike is a demanding two-day expedition through changing vegetation and increasingly high-altitude terrain. Follow the designated trail and the instructions of the authorized guides throughout the climb.
Continue to the authorized mountain camping area, where you will spend the night before the summit attempt. Conditions can be cold, wet, windy, or misty, so suitable hiking clothing and preparation are essential.
For this package, Albertine Tours should arrange the required camping equipment, camp meals, and expedition support, subject to operational arrangements and approval of the final quotation.
Accommodation Options: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel | One&Only Gorilla’s Nest | Virunga Lodge | Virunga Inn & Spa | Ingagi Park View | Amarembo by Touch Down |
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 3: Mount Karisimbi Summit Attempt and Descent
Wake early at the mountain camp and prepare for the summit attempt. Continue the ascent with the authorized hiking team, following the designated route towards the summit of Mount Karisimbi.
The upper mountain can involve steep terrain, exposed slopes, cold temperatures, and reduced visibility. Reaching the summit depends on weather, trail conditions, individual fitness, and safety decisions made by the hiking team; it cannot be guaranteed.
After the summit attempt, descend according to the approved hiking plan and return to the trailhead. Transfer back to Musanze when the group has safely completed the expedition. Allow flexibility for the duration of the descent and the condition of the trail.
Spend the evening recovering after the demanding hike.
Accommodation Options: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel | One&Only Gorilla’s Nest | Virunga Lodge | Virunga Inn & Spa | Ingagi Park View | Amarembo by Touch Down |
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 4: Golden Monkey Tracking and Rwandan Cultural Experience
After an early breakfast, travel to the designated registration point in Volcanoes National Park for golden monkey tracking. Meet the authorized park team, receive the necessary briefing, and enter the forest to search for these distinctive primates.
Golden monkeys inhabit the bamboo forests of the Virunga region. Their movements and location can affect the trekking route, so follow the guides’ instructions and respect the wildlife-viewing rules. A valid permit is required, and sightings cannot be guaranteed. Rwanda’s official booking portal lists a morning reporting time of 7:00 a.m. for golden monkey tracking.
After tracking, enjoy a Rwandan cultural experience at Gorilla Guardians Cultural Village in Kinigi, near Volcanoes National Park. Learn about local traditions, community life, traditional music and dance, storytelling, and selected hands-on cultural activities, depending on what is available and booked.
This is a practical cultural addition to the itinerary because it is located in the same general area as the primate activities. The timing should remain flexible because the length of the tracking experience can vary.
Accommodation Options: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel | One&Only Gorilla’s Nest | Virunga Lodge | Virunga Inn & Spa | Ingagi Park View | Amarembo by Touch Down |
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 5: Mountain Gorilla Tracking in Volcanoes National Park
Today brings one of the journey’s main highlights: mountain gorilla tracking in Volcanoes National Park.
After an early breakfast, transfer to the designated park registration point. Meet the authorized guides and trackers, receive the safety briefing, and follow the assigned group into the forest in search of a habituated mountain gorilla family.
The trek can involve uneven, muddy, or steep terrain, and its length varies depending on the location of the gorilla family. When the gorillas are located, visitors must follow the park team’s instructions and respect the official viewing rules. The permitted encounter is limited to a maximum of one hour. A valid gorilla tracking permit is required, and the official booking portal sets the minimum age at 15 years.
After the trek, return to your accommodation to rest and enjoy the surrounding scenery. Depending on the final package arrangements, you can spend the rest of the day relaxing.
Accommodation Options: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel | One&Only Gorilla’s Nest | Virunga Lodge | Virunga Inn & Spa | Ingagi Park View | Amarembo by Touch Down |
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 6: Hiking Around Lake Burera and Lake Ruhondo, Return to Kigali
After breakfast, depart for the scenic area surrounding Lake Burera and Lake Ruhondo, the twin lakes in Rwanda’s northern highlands.
Enjoy the beautiful views of the lakes, surrounding hills, and volcanic landscape. The planned experience can include a guided hike or walk along locally selected routes and viewpoints, with time for photography and appreciation of the natural surroundings. Local tourism providers advertise twin-lake visits and nature experiences in this area; the exact hiking route, difficulty, and duration should be agreed with the local guide in advance.
After the excursion, begin the return journey to Kigali. The day should be planned with enough flexibility for the lakeside activity and road transfer. On arrival in Kigali, check in to your selected hotel and relax before departure the following day.
Accommodation Options: M. Hotel | The Retreat by Heaven, Radisson Blu Hotel & Convention Centre |Four Points by Sheraton |Hotel Des Mille Collines |
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 7: Transfer to Kigali International Airport
Enjoy breakfast at your Kigali accommodation, depending on your flight schedule. At the agreed time, meet your driver and transfer to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight.
The pickup time should be coordinated with the flight departure time and airport check-in requirements. If your flight is early, breakfast arrangements may need to be adjusted or provided as a takeaway, subject to the hotel’s service and the approved booking.
This concludes your 7-Day Volcanoes Gorilla Trek with Albertine Tours.
Accommodation: No overnight stay planned.
Meals: Breakfast| Lunch| Dinner
7-Day Volcanoes Gorilla Trek includes
- Private ground transportation for the agreed itinerary.
- Services of an English-speaking driver-guide.
- Airport pickup and drop-off, as agreed.
- Six nights of accommodation, including one night of mountain camping during the Mount Karisimbi expedition.
- Mount Karisimbi hiking permit and required expedition arrangements.
- Mountain camping equipment, camp meals, and required hiking support, subject to the approved package arrangements.
- Mountain gorilla trekking permit.
- Golden monkey tracking permit.
- Kigali city tour.
- Guided cultural experience near Volcanoes National Park.
- Hiking excursion around Lakes Burera and Ruhondo.
- Meals and drinking water as specified in the quotation.
7-Day Volcanoes Gorilla Trek excludes
- International flights.
- Rwanda visa fees, where applicable.
- Travel insurance, high-altitude hiking cover, and personal medical expenses.
- Personal hiking clothing, footwear, and equipment not specifically included in the package.
- Personal purchases, laundry, and other personal expenses.
- Tips and gratuities.
- Alcoholic beverages and additional meals or drinks not specified in the quotation.
- Optional activities not listed in the confirmed itinerary.
- Additional accommodation before or after the scheduled tour.
- Any permits, services, meals, or accommodation not specifically listed as included.
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