2 Days Gorilla trekking and Mount Bisoke Hiking package is designed for those who are interested in a 2 Days safari in Rwanda to track mountain gorillas at the volcanoes national park as well as go hiking up mount Bisoke. The Volcanoes National Park is the most visited national park in Rwanda. It covers an area of 160 square kilometers and is home to Mountain gorillas, hyenas, buffaloes, warthogs, forest elephants, smaller primates and over 350 species of birds.
The Volcanoes National park became known around the world when the primatologist Dian Fossey established a research Centre between two of the tallest volcanoes in the park. Dain Fossey worked for eighteen years in the park and came up with many interesting findings about Mountain gorillas. She also made the world realize the urgency of protecting Mountain gorillas from poaching. The most popular activities in the park are gorilla trekking, the Dian Fossey grave hike, golden monkey tracking and climbing one of the 5 Volcanoes in the park.
Gorilla trekking in the Volcanoes National Park is the most popular activity. The reason for this is because Mountain gorillas are the most intriguing primates on earth. They live in high altitudes and because of this have developed thick fur. The endangered Mountain gorillas cannot survive long in captivity or zoos. They are found in only three countries – Uganda, Congo and Rwanda. Rwanda has about 30 percent of the overall population of Mountain gorillas. The Volcanoes National Park has 8 habituated gorilla families.
Apart from the mountain gorillas, the Volcanoes National Park has five Volcanoes within its boundaries. They include Bisoke, Karisimbi, Muhabura, Gahinga and Sabyinyo. Mount Karisimbi is that tallest among the Virunga volcanoes but Bisoke is equally poplar with hikers because of its remarkable crater Lakes. Mount Bisoke is 3711 meters high with some parts located in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Most of it, including its two crater lakes lie on the Rwanda side. Mount Bisoke is characterized by lush green vegetation consisting of bamboo, Hagenia forest and other of sub-alpine types.
Hiking Mount Bisoke takes you up to the top of the volcano were you will have a great view of the magnificent cater lake. This 2 days gorilla tour and mount Bisoke Hike starts from Kigali. It involves a tour of Kigali city and a visit to the Gisozi genocide memorial site either at the beginning or end of the end. If you want a more relaxed trip with time to rest, then check out our 3 days gorilla safari and mount Bisoke hiking package.
Main Activities
- Tour of Kigali city and the Gisozi Genocide memorial site at the beginning or end of your tour
- Gorilla trekking at the volcanoes national park Rwanda
- Hiking Mount Bisoke
Full Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival from Kigali and Transfer to Kinigi – One day Bisoke hike
Our guide from Mission Africa Safaris will pick you up from your room/hotel by 5:00 am and brief you about the tour before starting the journey to the volcanoes national park. The journey takes between 2-3 hours while passing through a stunning mountainous country side – The reason why Rwanda is refereed to as “the Land of a thousand hills”.
You will arrive at the Kinigi offices by 7:30 am in time for briefing. Hiking Mount Bisoke takes 4-6 hours and usual starts at 8:00 am. You will be driven away from the Kinigi park offices to the Bisoke head trail. We recommend that you hire a porter to help with extra luggage and equipment like your hiking stick and your backpack. After viewing the great crater lake and surrounding beautiful scenery, you will descend back to the starting point where our guide will be waiting to take you back to your lodge for lunch and a rest. Dinner and overnight at Mountain Gorilla View Lodge / The 5 Volcanoes Lodge ( Luxury), Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge / Da Vinci Lodge (Mid-range) and The Garden Place Hotel (Budget).
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking at the volcanoes national park – Departure.
After yesterdays mountain hike, you should have rested in time for this days activity. Wake up early and take breakfast before going for briefing on gorilla trekking at 7:00 am. The head guide will share with you information about gorilla trekking in Rwanda, what to expect and how to act around the gorilla group. You will be assigned a gorilla group at the end of the briefing as well as given a chance to hire a porter. There are 10 habituated gorilla groups in Rwanda in Rwanda – select one based on your overall fitness. Some live near the park offices while others go deeper into the forest requiring more time tracking. Mountain gorilla tracking is challenging but nothing beats the satisfaction and experience of finally being able to observe a gorilla family up-close. The one hour you will spent with the gorilla family will be one of your memorable lifetime experiences. Mountain gorillas are very calm and peaceful but also playful and will come close to you out of curiosity. Follow instructions from your guide and always remain calm. Never make sudden movements that might irritate the gorilla family.
After spending one hour with the gorilla family, you will go back to the starting point where you will meet our guide from Mission Africa Safaris to take you back to your hotel for lunch and later start the journey back to Kigali for departure or drop off at your hotel. In case you didn’t have the opportunity to tour the city of Kigali or visit the Gisozi genocide war memorial site, this will be the day to do so.
End of Tour
Practical Guide
Gear for mountain gorilla watching:
- Good hiking boots,
- Thick cotton gloves
- A raincoat
- Light snack
- Mineral water.
- A porter to carry your extra bags and equipment.
For the best gorilla tracking adventure
- Be fit for the activity
- Wear proper tracking footwear
- Have a plan for the rain
- Go along with enough drinking water and packed food
- Reserve some tip for the guides and rangers. The Tip is usually 10USD or its equivalent in the local currency.
Important Notes
- This itinerary does not include accommodation and dinner on arrival (but can be included)
- The minimum age for tracking mountain gorillas is 15 years
- Visitors should check the visa and inoculation requirements including at all transit points.
- You are required to have a yellow fever immunization card to enter Rwanda.
- You need to apply online for your visa before you travel – This depends on your nationality.
Quote Inclusions and Exclusions
Safari Quote Includes
- A Full time safari vehicle
- An English speaking Driver/Guide
- Fuel for your entire tour
- Gorilla Permit (1,500USD)
- Drinking water every day
- Hiking fees
- Pickup and drop-off from Kigali
- Administrative services
- Tour of Kigali
Excludes
International flights, visas, personal costs expenses like tips, beverages, wines and Personal Insurance.
Lodges and Hotels
Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge: This is one of the top Luxury lodges near the Volcanoes National Park. It is built close to the park offices and where all park activities start. Sabyinyo Silverback lodge is owned by SACOLA and operated by Governor’s Camp. SACOLA is a community trust and this ensures that profits from the hotel are used to develop the community through various initiatives and projects. The hotel offers great views of the Virunga volcanoes and beautiful countryside. Sabyinyo Silverback lodge has 7 cottages.
One is a family cottage while the others can only accommodate one or three residents. The cottages are spacious with sitting areas, fireplaces, clean bathrooms, hot showers dressing rooms and a balcony to relax and view the majestic Virunga ranges of Mountains. Other facilities at the lodge include dining rooms, a library, a central sitting room and a game room. What sets the hotel apart are the quality services and friendly staff. The staff are very professional and will do their best to ensure that the needs of all clients are met. If you value lodges that offer luxury service but also contribute to the well-being of community, then this is one you should check out.
The Garden Place Hotel: This is a mid-range hotel offering quality facilities to tourists and business travelers at a good price. The hotel has nine standard rooms and seven double rooms. Each room is self-contained with King-sized bed and high quality beddings. There is a place to store clothes, showers, modern bathrooms, TV screens, hair dryers, telephones and a balcony for each room. The Executive and VIP rooms are equipped with larger rooms, separate living rooms (with a kitchen, a fridge, sink and microwave) and a working desk. All the rooms provide beautiful views of the Virunga volcanoes. The other facilities in the hotel are a meeting hall, a public address system, internet, a business Center, catering services and a standby generator in case power goes off. The Garden Place Hotel is an excellent choice for those who are planning to do gorilla trekking and hiking mount Bisoke.
Villa Gorilla: This is a budget hotel built close to the park headquarters. Villa Gorilla has four self-contained rooms with private toilets and bathroom facilities. The Villa also has 3 bungalows with a garden. The hotel provides excellent dining facilities with both international and local cuisines. The hotel is excellent for families and those who wish to have a more personal service. Fewer rooms result into more personal treatment and attention from management. You also get amazing views of the mountains in the park.
