2 days gorilla trekking and Mount Bisoke hiking safari
Best 2 days gorilla trekking and Mount Bisoke hiking are set for visitors with limited time yet have the interest to explore Volcanoes National Park. It involves trekking to see mountain gorillas while in the wild and a hike to the top of scenic Bisoke Volcano in the pristine Volcanoes National Park which is set in northwestern Rwanda.
Mount Bisoke is a dominant volcano that makes up part of the 8 Virunga Mountain ranges in East-Central Africa. The2 days gorilla trekking and Mount Bisoke hiking tour will start and end in Kigali.
What to expect on the 2 days gorilla trekking and Mount Bisoke hiking safari
• Hiking to the top of Mount Bisoke
• Gorilla trekking
• Transportation in a 4 wheel drive safari vehicle
• Accommodation for 1 night and meals
Safari highlights for the 2 days Rwanda gorilla trekking and Mount Bisoke hiking
Day 1: Mount Bisoke hiking in Volcanoes National Park
Day 2: Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Detailed itinerary for the 2 days gorilla trekking and Mount Bisoke hiking tour
Day 1: Mount Bisoke hiking in Volcanoes National Park
In case you are in Kigali capital city, you will be picked up by our experienced driver-guide at your preferred hotel or area of residence, ready to embark on a 2-3 hours’ road trip to Volcanoes National Park or transfer from your safari lodge in Volcanoes National Park to Kinigi park offices by 7:00am to be registered and briefed before you set off for Mount Bisoke hike.
The actual hike to the top of the Bisoke Volcano starts at 8:00 am and may take you about 4 to 6 hours. On the top of Mount Bisoke, you will have a breathtaking view of the scenic Crater Lake, surrounding sceneries and also enjoy lunch. After, you will descend to the point where you started your adventure to meet the company representative who will transfer you to the lodge.
Travel time: 2-3 hours
Meal plan: Lunch and dinner
Accommodation options
Luxury-Mount Gorilla View Lodge/Virunga Lodge
Midrange-Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge/Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge
Budget-Garden Palace Hotel/Kinigi Guesthouse
Day 2: Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park and return to Kigali
Enjoy your delicious cup of tea or coffee and after, report to Kinigi park offices at 7:00 am to be briefed but this time around on the set gorilla trekking guidelines. Because this adventure requires some physical wellness, do not forget to have bottled water and snacks while those with heavy luggage, hire a porter to help you.
You will be allocated to one of the 10 habituated gorilla families to trek in a group of 8 tourists. The habituated families that have been set for tourism purposes in Volcanoes National Park include Bwenge, Karisimbi, Group 13, Susa A, Sabyinyo, Amahoro, Umubano, Hirwa, Kwitonda, and Ugenda.
Note, mountain gorillas are humble creatures but if irritated can charge against and to avoid such cases observe at all times the instructions from your park ranger guide.
Usually, it takes you about 2 to 6 hours to find mountain gorillas and this also covers an hour of magical encounter with them, a chance for you to take pictures, explore their behavior and body gestures.
Later, get back to the lodge to check out ready to make a return journey to Kigali that will mark the end of your 2 days Rwanda gorilla trekking and Mount Bisoke hiking tour in Volcanoes National Park.
End of the 2 days Rwanda gorilla trekking and Mount Bisoke hiking tour
2 days Rwanda gorilla trekking and Mount Bisoke hiking tour includes
• Mount Bisoke hiking fees
• Gorilla trekking permit ($1500 per person)
• Ground transportation in 4 wheel drive safari car
• Bottled water
• Relevant government taxes
2 days Rwanda gorilla trekking and Mount Bisoke hiking tour excludes
• Insurance
• Personal expenses like telephone calls, airfares, tips, cigarettes, laundry services, beverages, extra activities, accommodation, and many others.
Gorilla trekking guidelines
• Visitors have only one hour of magical encounter with a group of mountain gorillas.
• Keep a distance of 7 meters away from mountain gorillas
• If you are not feeling well, do not go trekking gorillas and in case of cough cover your mouth and nose in case you are sneezing.
• No flashlight camera should be used when taking photos of gorillas.
• Only persons above 15 years are allowed to trek gorillas.
• Only one gorilla family is assigned to a group of 8 visitors.
• Avoid direct eye contact with these creatures
• Keep your voices low at all times while on the trek
• Do not touch gorillas even if they get close to you
• Never eat, drink or smoke while on a trek to see gorillas
What to bring
• Rain jacket/poncho
• Walking stick
• Long-sleeved shirt/t-shirt
• Camera with no flashlight
• Hat
• Sunglasses
• Insect repellent
• Gardening gloves
• First aid kit
• Toiletries
• Waterproof hiking boots
• Daypack
• Trousers