This 5-day adventure combines thrilling hikes, close encounters with mountain gorillas, and golden monkey tracking across Rwanda and Uganda. Explore Volcanoes National Park, climb the scenic Mount Bisoke, and experience Uganda’s Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Along the way, visit Kigali’s moving Genocide Memorial and enjoy scenic drives through lush volcanic landscapes while staying in comfortable budget-friendly lodges.
5-Day Mount Bisoke Hike and Gorilla Trekking Adventure
This 5-day adventure combines thrilling hikes, close encounters with mountain gorillas, and golden monkey tracking across Rwanda and Uganda. Explore Volcanoes National Park, climb the scenic Mount Bisoke, and experience Uganda’s Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Along the way, visit Kigali’s moving Genocide Memorial and enjoy scenic drives through lush volcanic landscapes while staying in comfortable budget-friendly lodges.
5-Day Mount Bisoke Hike and Gorilla Trekking Adventure
- Mount Bisoke Hike
- Gorilla Trekking
- golden monkey tracking
- Genocide Memorial
Genocide Memorial
This 5-day adventure combines thrilling hikes, close encounters with mountain gorillas, and golden monkey tracking across Rwanda and Uganda. Explore Volcanoes National Park, climb the scenic Mount Bisoke, and experience Uganda’s Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Along the way, visit Kigali’s moving Genocide Memorial and enjoy scenic drives through lush volcanic landscapes while staying in comfortable budget-friendly lodges.
Your private guide and safari 4WD vehicle will meet you at your hotel in Kigali. Begin with a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, honoring the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. Afterward, embark on a scenic 2.5-hour drive northwest through rolling hills, vibrant markets, and lush landscapes to Volcanoes National Park, known for Dian Fossey’s mountain gorilla research. Settle in at your lodge and enjoy a restful evening. Overnight at The Garden Place & Coffee Shop Hotel or similar.
After an early breakfast, transfer to Kinigi Park Headquarters for your Mount Bisoke trek. This dormant volcano, part of the Virunga Mountains, straddles the Rwanda–DR Congo border, with a stunning crater lake at its summit. Trek through rainforest and bamboo forests while taking in sweeping views of the surrounding volcanic peaks. Descend back to your lodge in the afternoon for rest. Overnight at The Garden Place & Coffee Shop Hotel or similar.
Begin the day with golden monkey tracking in the bamboo forests of Volcanoes National Park. These endangered primates are lively and fun to observe as they leap through the trees. Visit the Ellen DeGeneres Gorilla Fund Campus afterward before crossing into Uganda. Continue to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, where you check in for the night and prepare for your gorilla trekking adventure. Overnight at Travelers Rest Hotel or similar.
After breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a briefing on gorilla trekking etiquette. Accompanied by a senior ranger, hike into the forest in search of a habituated gorilla family. Upon locating them, spend a magical hour observing these incredible primates up close (within ~10 meters). Return to your lodge in the late afternoon to relax and reflect on this unforgettable experience. Overnight at Travelers Rest Hotel or similar.
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before departing Mgahinga and heading back to Kigali, Rwanda. Your private vehicle will drop you at your hotel or the airport, depending on your travel plans, marking the end of this incredible 5-day Mount Bisoke Hike and Gorilla Trekking Safari.Main Destination:Kigali (Rwanda)
What is included and not excluded?
The cost includes.
- Roundtrip airport transfer
- A professional driver/guide
- All accommodation
- All transportation
- Gorilla permits
- Chimp permits
- All activities
- Park fees
- Meals
- Drinks
The cost excludes
- Drinks
- International flights(From/to home)
- Some meals(As specified in the day-by-day section)
- Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
- Personal items(Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
Frequently Asked Questions
A standard 5-day Rwanda safari includes accommodation, transportation, an English-speaking guide, all park entry fees, gorilla or golden monkey permits (depending on itinerary), meals as per the plan, bottled drinking water, and all scheduled activities.
Yes, most travelers require a visa. Rwanda offers a visa-on-arrival for many nationalities at a fee of USD 50. East African residents or those with an East African tourist visa can enter without paying separately.
It depends on the itinerary. Many 5-day Rwanda safaris include 1 gorilla trekking permit in Volcanoes National Park. If not included, it can be arranged at an extra cost.
Pack lightweight outdoor clothing, long-sleeved shirts, hiking boots, a rain jacket, insect repellent, a warm sweater, sunscreen, a hat, and a reusable water bottle. For trekking, gloves and gaiters are highly recommended.
Gorilla and golden monkey treks vary from easy to challenging depending on the gorilla family’s location. A moderate level of fitness is required.
Rwanda is a year-round destination. However, the best trekking conditions are during the dry seasons:
- June to September
- December to February
In addition to mountain gorillas or golden monkeys, you may stay in Nyungwe or Akagera where you can find chimpanzees, colobus monkeys, elephants, lions, giraffes, hippos, zebras, and diverse bird species depending on your itinerary.
Expect a range of stays from budget to luxury lodges. All options offer clean, comfortable rooms with en-suite bathrooms, and most provide stunning views of Rwanda’s forests or savannahs.
Rwanda is considered one of Africa’s safest countries with low crime rates and well-maintained tourism infrastructure. Your guide will ensure all activities are carried out safely.
No mandatory vaccinations, but Yellow Fever vaccination is required if you’re coming from a country with risk of transmission. Malaria precautions and travel insurance are highly recommended.
Yes. Most lodges cater to vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, halal, and other dietary needs. Please inform your operator in advance.
The trek can take 2 to 6 hours, depending on the gorilla family’s movement. Time with the gorillas is limited to 1 hour once found.