3 Days gorilla trekking and Mount Bisoke hiking package is designed for tourists who are interested in hiking mount Bisoke and observing the mighty silverback in the wild. This tour will also provide you an opportunity to visit the Iby’iwacu Cultural village where you will learn more about the culture of the people of Rwanda. The two main activities will be done at the Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. The Volcanoes National Park is Rwanda’s most popular wildlife reserve. It was part of the Virunga National Park of Congo until 1925. The park is situated next to Mgahinga National Park and Bwindi National Park in Uganda.
The Volcanoes National Park is home to mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, hyenas, forest elephants, buffaloes, antelopes and over 300 species of birds. Mountain gorillas are the key attractions in the Volcanoes National Park and gorilla trekking alone attracts over 20,000 visitors to the park each year. Mountain gorillas are an endangered species and the opportunity to track them is very special indeed. Though it was founded in the 1920’s, the Volcanoes National Park became more known around the world when Dian Fossey opened up a gorilla research center between Mount Bisoke and Mount Karisimbi. Fossey discovered that the first step to habituating mountain gorillas was to first win the trust of the dominant silverback. It is because of her that gorilla habituation became possible hence allowing for gorilla tourism. Fossey later focused on gorilla conservation where she faced opposition from poachers and other people benefiting from pet trade. She was murdered in her room by people she had rubbed the wrong way with her anti-poaching stunts.
Mount Bisoke is the most popular mountain in the Volcanoes National Park. It is an easy climb and it takes only one day to reach the summit unlike the more demanding Karisimbi. We have a similar 2 days Rwanda gorilla tour and mount Bisoke hike package which takes only two days if you are already in Rwanda or don’t mind a tight program. In case you are interested in only hiking mount Bisoke, then you should check out our 1 day Bisoke hike package. For those who are only interested in gorillas, we have the 1 day gorilla tour package starting from Kigali in Rwanda.
Main Activities
- Kigali city tour and visiting Genocide memorial site
- Visiting the Gorilla Guardians Village
- Gorilla Trekking at the Volcanoes national park Rwanda
- Hiking Mount Bisoke
Full Itinerary
Day 1: Tour of Kigali city – Transfer to the Volcanoes National Park – Visit the Gorilla Guardians Village
Our company guide will be at the airport or your hotel lobby early in the morning for pick up to start your tour. You will first start with a half day tour of Kigali city and especially the renowned Kigali genocide memorial center where you will learn about what happened during the 1994 Rwandan genocide. After visiting the genocide site, you will visit the local markets, the presidential palace museum and a few artisan shops. Once done with the city tour, you will be taken for lunch at a suitable hotel before hitting the road to the Volcanoes national park. The countryside is beautiful and mountainous and you will find out why Rwanda is referred to as “The land of a thousand hills”.
Once you reach the Volcanoes National Park, check in, shower and relax as you wait for the driver to take you to the Gorilla Guardian Village. The Village was formerly known as the Iby’iwacu cultural Center. It started as a place where tourists would go to buy souvenir from former poachers but has been revamped and turned into one of the leading cultural centers in the country. On a typical day, tourist visit the different rooms or attend to dance performances from the Kinyarwanda dance troupes. You can also get involved by putting on traditional regalia or learn how to hunt from the local Batwa pygmies.
Dinner and sleep at Hotel Muhabura (Budget), Davinci Gorilla Lodge (Mid-range) and Virunga Lodge (Luxury.
Day 2: Mount Bisoke hiking
You will set off by 7:30am for the briefing at the volcanoes national park offices after breakfast at your hotel. It takes between 4 to 6 hours to hike mount Bisoke. The actual hike starts at 8:00am. After the briefing, you will be taken by car to the starting point. This is because the Bisoke head trail is some 
distance away from the park offices. It’s advisable to get yourself a porter to carry any heavy backpack or camera. The park authorities will provide you with a hiking stick. On reaching the summit, expect to view the magnificent crater lake on top of the volcano. Apart from the crater lake at the summit, the other thing to look forward to is the surrounding landscape. From the summit, one can spot beautiful views of the other Virunga ranges of mountains, the volcanoes national park, Virunga National Park, Mgahinga National Park and the Rwenzori mountains. Once done with enjoying the beautiful views from the mountain top, you will descend down and head back to the starting point where you will meet our company guide ready to take you back to your hotel.
Dinner and sleep at Hotel Muhabura (Budget), Davinci Gorilla Lodge (Mid-range) and Virunga Lodge (Luxury).
Day 3: Gorilla trekking in Rwanda – Departure.
Briefing for gorilla trekking takes place at 7:00am and is conducted by park officials at their headquarters in Kinigi. All trekkers must be at the park offices by this time and must attend the briefing 
in order to be registered. The briefing is an overview of what to expect during gorilla tracking. Gorilla tracking in the Volcanoes National Park can be challenging but the excitement of observing a gorilla family is beyond your imagination. The one hour you spend with the mountain gorillas will be a lifetime experience. Watching a gorilla family is breathtaking and you could spend hours just seeing the little ones play. The park officials will guide you on how to manage your time with the primates. Never attempt to touch a gorilla even when they come to you. You can read more about the rules for gorilla tracking in Rwanda. After your one hour with the gorillas, return back to the starting point where you will meet our company guide to drive take you back to your hotel for lunch and changing of clothes. From the lodge, you will start the journey back to Kigali for departure (airport) or to your hotel in Kigali.
End of Tour
Quote Inclusions and Exclusions
The 3 days gorilla tour and mount Bisoke hike tour includes: –
- A private Guide and vehicle
- Fuel for the entire tour
- Gorilla tracking Permits
- Bisoke hiking permits
- Lunch and drinking water throughout the trip
- Accommodation for 2 nights
- Pickup and transfer back to Kigali or the airport
- A tour of Kigali city
The 3 days Bisoke hike and gorilla trekking safari excludes international flights, visas, personal costs (tips, beverage, wines and travel/personal Insurance).
Practical Guide
For an amazing experience while tracking the gorillas in Rwanda, you will need to pack the right gear and equipment. A good gorilla trekking packing list should include good/sturdy hiking boots, hand gloves and a good raincoat. Remember to carry enough drinking water and light snacks provided by the lodge to avoid getting hungry/thirsty. In case you have any heavy luggage, know that Porters are 
available for hire for about $15 at the starting points or the park offices. In case you have loose change, tip the Guides, Rangers and hotel staff whenever they do a good job.
Gorilla trekking and hiking mount Bisoke requires one to be fit in order to enjoy the experiences. It is important to note that this 3-day tour doesn’t include accommodation/dinner the day before or after hiking the mountain. If you want us to book for your accommodation on the night before the start of the trip and on the last day, let us know in advance. Remember that you need to be at least 15 years to track gorillas. You also need to ensure that you are vaccinated against yellow fever before arriving in Africa. Visas can be processed online, on arrival at the airport or at any of the border crossing points.
Hotels and Lodges
Hotel Muhabura: This was the second home to the great primatologist Dian Fossey. She would spend nights at the hotel whenever she came down from her house up in the mountains. Hotel Muhabura offers budget rooms which are self-contained and affordable. The hotel offers 30 rooms which can have single, twin or double beds. There are also 6 very spacious apartments for travelers in large groups or couples who need space. Each room is equipped with wireless internet, satellite Television, a table, a chair, a small balcony, direct access to the scenic gardens and warm showers.
Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge: This is the place to be if you are looking for a high quality mid-range lodge that is close to the Volcanoes National Park. Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge offers 6 self-contained rooms overlooking the Virunga volcanoes. Each room has a separate sitting area, a fireplace, a desk, a Television, a private patio, heating systems, free wireless internet and private showers. Other services include daily housekeeping, luggage storage, a restaurant, a bar and newspapers at the lobby. The restaurant specializes in both international and local cuisines.
Virunga Lodge: This beautiful luxury lodge offers ten cottages overlooking the beautiful twin lakes (Ruhondo and Burera) and six of the eight Virunga volcanoes. The lodge is very close to the park offices and is a favorite for travelers who are booked for gorilla trekking, climbing one of the Virunga volcanoes, visiting the grave of Dian Fossey or golden monkey trekking. After completing park activities, visitors can go and visit the beautiful twin lakes for canoeing or birding. The main amenities in the lodge are an artisan shop, free internet, free self-parking, a restaurant, free newspapers, a terrace, barbecue grills, laundry facilities and a bar. Each room has satellite television, modern bathrooms, sitting rooms, a desk, safes and a fireplace.
How much is a 3 days Gorilla Tour in Rwanda or Uganda?