Rwanda — Gorillas & Volcanoes
Trekking the Virunga Mountains

Trekking the Virunga Mountains

Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park in the Virunga Mountains is the original gorilla trekking destination — where Dian Fossey devoted her life to saving mountain gorillas from extinction. Today it protects over 400 individuals across 10 habituated family groups.

The trekking experience here is considered by many to be superior even to Uganda's — shorter treks on average, more intimate gorilla contact, and the dramatic volcanic landscape of the Virungas provides an extraordinary backdrop.

This 5-day itinerary combines gorilla trekking with a Kigali city tour, golden monkey trekking and a stay on the shores of Lake Kivu — one of Africa's Great Rift Valley lakes straddling the Rwanda-Congo border.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

1

Day 1

Arrival in Kigali

Arrive at Kigali International Airport. Transfer to hotel in the Kimihurura district. Afternoon Kigali city tour — the immaculate tree-lined streets, Kimironko Market, and the Genocide Memorial (a sobering and essential visit). Welcome dinner. Overnight in Kigali.

2

Day 2

Kigali to Volcanoes National Park

Morning drive to Musanze (2.5 hours) — gateway to the Virunga volcanoes. Check into lodge. Afternoon visit to the Musanze Caves or optional twin lakes walk (Lac Burera and Lac Ruhondo). Guide briefing for tomorrow's gorilla trek. Overnight at lodge.

3

Day 3

Gorilla Trekking Day

Early breakfast. Transfer to Volcanoes NP headquarters for briefing and group assignment. Trek through bamboo forest and volcanic moorland — the terrain is steeper than Bwindi but treks are generally shorter. Spend one hour with your assigned gorilla family. An experience that changes how you see the world. Celebratory lunch. Overnight at lodge.

4

Day 4

Golden Monkey Trek & Lake Kivu

Morning golden monkey trekking in the bamboo zones of Volcanoes NP — these vivid blue-and-gold primates are found only in the Virungas. Afternoon drive to Gisenyi on beautiful Lake Kivu. Sunset boat cruise on the lake. Overnight at Lake Kivu lodge.

5

Day 5

Lake Kivu & Departure

Morning at leisure on Lake Kivu. Drive to Kigali (2.5 hours) for your departure flight, or extend to add Nyungwe Forest or Akagera National Park.