Virunga Gorillas and Bisoke Volcano Hike

Trek the gorillas and hike the Bisoke! The Virunga volcanoes are a range of six extinct volcanoes and two active volcanoes (Congo). The Virunga volcanoes, with their altitudinal vegetation zones are probably one of the most beautiful mountains of the world. They are a paradise for hikers. Rwanda has 5 volcanoes, and the Bisoke (3.711 m) is an extinct volcano, with a beautiful crater lake. Fantastic views in all directions!

    * Min. 2 participants. For Gorillas the min. age is 15 years.
    * You can choose from 2 hotel categories. see the hotels proposed in the Day by Day program, itinerary)
    * Only the Park Authorities will assign you a gorilla group. Communicate your wishes to our driver-guide he will make some arrangements for you! The Sussa group leaves at the Karisimbi volcano and is more challenging with much longer hiking times!
    * Flash photography is not permitted when tracking the gorillas.

 What is included?

Tour Includes: Airport transfers, accommodation, all meals, plenty of mineral water, the services of a driver-guide, all park and entry fees, all activities as per programme: visit of Kigali including the Genocide Memorial Centre at Gisozi, 1 gorilla trekking, hiking the Bisoke volcano (3.711 m). Excludes: Airline ticket, beverages, tips, visas and personal expenses.

 What to bring with you?

Money for your personal expenses (average of $ 50 p.p.), outfit with adapted colours for wildlife observation, good walking shoes, raingear, a few long-sleeve shirts, slippers, sweater for cool evenings, sun protection: hat, sunglasses, sun cream, video/photo camera, a 200 mm or longer lens is very useful, reserve batteries, films and a torch.

WARNING: Gorilla permits are in high demand and need to be booked and paid in advance! Book your gorilla safari accordingly and avoid disappointment!

Day 1 : Arrival and transfer to Kinigi (Volcanoes NP) kingi_volcanoes
Meet and greet at the Kigali International Airport by your  Africa Safaris Destinations driver-guide. Depending on your arrival time, your driver-guide may propose you a visit of Kigali city which includes  the Genocide Memorial Centre at Gisozi.

Transfer to Kinigi at the foothills of the Volcanoes. Diner (D) is included in the package. Hotel accommodation at your choice.

Flights: There are daily flights to Kigali out of Nairobi with Kenya Airways and Rwandair Express. This makes it easy to combine your short gorilla safari with another East-African safari.

Accommodation : Kinigi Guest House , Mountain Gorilla Nest , Virunga Lodge

Day 2 : Gorilla Tracking
After breakfast, you will depart for the Headquarters of the Park where your driver-guide will accomplish the necessary formalities for you. You will meet your ranger guide's for a briefing about the greatest animal experience ever!

Africa Safaris Destinations will drive you to the slopes of one of the Virunga volcanoes for your trekking. After the trekking, if time allows lunch at Ruhengeri and an excursion to explore the beautiful lakes in the region (Lake Bulera & Ruhondo). Overnight at Kinigi. Your guide will make the necessary arrangements for the next Day. (B-L-D)

Accommodation : Kinigi Guest House, Mountain Gorilla Nest , Virunga Lodge
Activities :  Gorilla Trekking
Parks & places :  Volcanoes National Park

Day 3 : Hiking the Bisoke (3.711 m) - Kinigi - Kigali.baboon
Hiking the Bisoke is organized as a one Day hike and starts early in the morning. A park ranger will escort you to the top of the volcano. On a clear Day you will enjoy the beautiful crater lake and the views of the other virunga volcanoes. Fantastic views in all directions, lushly forested slopes, shady bamboo forest and an exhilarating climb! After your excursion transfer to Kigali for overnight at your hotel (B-L-D)

The Bisoke with an altitude of 3.711 m is the fourth highest mountain of the virunga chain and has a beautiful lake on the top. The crater lake is the greatest of the virunga chain.

Accommodation : Hotel Chez Lando , Intercontinental , Milles Collines
Activities :  Guided Nature Walks & Hikes.
Parks & places :  Volcanoes National Park

Day 4 : Kigali Visit and Departure
Pick up at your hotel, depending on your departure time and if you missed the opportunity on the first Day, you will have Kigali city trip including the visit of the Genocide Memorial Centre at Gizozi. Transfer to the Airport for your departure. (B)