Main Info
This 4 day hike & gorilla safari will show you from the peak of mt. Karisimbi the big picture of the Volcanoes National Park in the wider massif that covers a huge area of over 8,000km², encompassing six active and three extinct volcanoes. You will be acquainted to its moving history about the worlds greatest primatologist and trek the mountain gorillas which are a living testament to her life’s sacrifice.
The Dian Fossey Memorial hike which gets its name from the renowned primatologist Dian Fossey is a good way to acclimatize for the hike ahead. It is not the most demanding of the hikes offered in the park, but it can be a bit strenuous for a beginner as the hiking trail’s elevation starts at 2,500m to 3,000m. This trail leads to the tomb of the late Dian who fought and rescued the mountain gorillas from their sure extinction at the cost of her own life. Her inspirational life is the main theme of the hike and though the circumstances surrounding her death remain cloaked in mystery, we are certain that she was murdered because of her love for these magnificent apes.
With the excitement and curiosity building up after three days of hiking you finally get to trek the mountain gorillas with a deeper understanding of their conservation history, the dangers that they still face today and the sacrifices of the conservation heroes who chose the path less travelled by.
Trip Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival – Parc Nationale Des Volcanoes
On arrival at the Kigali International Airport, you will be picked from the airport by our tour guide who will transfer you to the Parc Nationale des Volcanoes in Ruhengeri, Northern Rwanda. The drive takes you past the beautiful countryside of Rwanda, typical villages and local plantations. Dinner and overnight at the lodge.
Day 2: Gorilla trekking
After breakfast, you will drive to the park headquarters where you will meet the ranger guides. After the briefing you will begin the search of mountain Gorillas. The trek can be quite tough that it takes a lot of time approximately 2-8 hours. After the trekking, if time allows, have lunch at Ruhengeri and an excursion to explore the beautiful lakes in the region (LakeBulera & Ruhondo). Dinner and Overnight at the lodge
Day 3: Golden Monkey Tracking
After your breakfast, transfer to Kinigi park headquarters. Go on a guided hike to see the golden monkeys in the Volcanoes National Park. Upon meeting the golden monkeys, you have a full hour to watch these ancient monkeys. After the trek, return to the hotel for lunch. In the evening, you can visit the gorilla guardian village and experience the culture of the Rwandan Paeople. Overnight at a previous lodge.
Day 4: city tour-departure.
After breakfast our guide will drive you back to Kigali. Take a city tour and see the best attractions of this beautiful and friendly city. After the tour, have lunch and get transferred to the airport for your departure flight. Our guide can as well drop you at your preferred hotel or specified address within Kigali.
End of the Trip