Safari Overview
This specialized 3-day Rwanda adventure combines gorilla trekking with Mount Bisoke hiking, perfect for travelers seeking both wildlife encounters and challenging terrain. A cultural experience is added through a visit to the Iby’iwacu cultural village, where traditional Rwandan customs and practices are showcased near Volcanoes National Park.
Volcanoes National Park offers rich biodiversity beyond its famous mountain gorillas. Visitors can encounter golden monkeys, forest elephants, buffalo herds, diverse birdlife (with over 300 species documented), and rare antelopes species. The park’s strategic location borders both Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park in Uganda. Mount Bisoke stands as a highlight, offering adventurous hiking and spectacular panoramic views.
Detailed Daily Itinerary
Day 1: Kigali Exploration and Transfer to Volcanoes National Park.
Your journey begins with a morning meetup with the tour guide at your hotel or the airport. After introductions and an itinerary review, you’ll get on road for a comprehensive half-day tour of Kigali. The morning includes a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre, where you’ll learn about the tragic events of 1994. The city tour continues with visits to vibrant local markets – Kimironko, the prestigious presidential palace, and various artisan workshops.
Following lunch in Kigali, you’ll travel to Volcanoes National Park, experiencing Rwanda’s famous “Land of a Thousand Hills” along the way. The evening features a special visit to Iby’iwacu cultural village, affectionately known as the gorilla guardian village. Here, you’ll be greeted with traditional songs, energetic dances, and warm hospitality. Local residents share their ancestral culture and traditional stories before you return to your lodge for dinner and overnight rest.
Day 2: Mount Bisoke Hiking Adventure
The day begins with a hearty breakfast before gathering your hiking equipment. At the park headquarters, you’ll receive comprehensive hiking guidelines before transferring to the trail’s starting point. The Mount Bisoke trek typically takes between 4 to 6 hours, with the summit offering remarkable rewards. From the peak, you’ll be treated to stunning views of the crater lake, Virunga National Park in DR Congo, the majestic Rwenzori Mountain ranges, and Uganda’s Mgahinga. You will have ample time for photography and video recording before descending. Your driver-guide will transport you back to the lodge for relaxation, dinner, and overnight stay.
Day 3: Gorilla Trekking and Departure.
Your final day starts with a satisfying breakfast before heading to the park headquarters. Here, you’ll receive detailed instruction on gorilla trekking etiquette and protocols. After being assigned to a specific gorilla family, you’ll venture into the jungle with an experienced ranger guide.
The trek ends in a precious hour of observing gorillas in their natural habitat – watching mothers tend to their young, playful baby gorillas, and listening to the forest’s natural symphony of bird songs. Following this remarkable experience, you’ll return to park headquarters to receive your gorilla tracking certificate. After freshening up at the lodge, you’ll depart for Kigali, where your adventure concludes with either a flight home or continuation to your next destination.
Don’t miss the chance to experience Rwanda’s natural wonders and warm hospitality. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, hiking adventurer, or cultural explorer, this tour offers something truly special. Contact us today to start planning your Rwanda Safari:
- Email: info@ibuthsafaris.com
- Phone/WhatsApp: +256 393 247 137 / +256 742 678 918
- Physical Office: Imperial Mall Entebbe Uganda, LG-Unit 26.
