Safari Overview
This trip of Trekking Gorillas and Mount Karisimbi hike is designed for visitors who wish to Visit and trek Gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda as well as Hike Mount Karisimbi. There are various habituated Gorilla Groups and one requires a Gorilla permit which allows you to trek on of the gorilla families in Volcanoes. Trekking the Gorillas gives everyone an experience which is unique and satisfying.
The majestic Volcanic Mountains are surrounded by a rich Cultural Heritage and one can fully experience the traditional Rwanda Culture, through Music, Dance, local crafts, food and other practices. The traditional Rwandan meal preparation, local beer brewing demonstration will make you desire to stay and be apart of the exciting tradition.
Mount Karisimbi will offer you breathtaking views of surrounding mountains and lakes. There’s unique vegetation including giant trees, wildlife but one needs to note that the Hike is quite challenging and requires good physical fitness.
Safari Highlights
Day 1: Pick up and transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking and Cultural Tour
3rd Day: Hike Mount Karisimbi
Day 4: Descend Mount Karisimbi
Detailed Program
Day 1: Pick up and transfer to Volcanoes National Park
In the morning, you will be picked up from your Hotel in Kigali, to start your trip with a warm welcome and transfer to Volcanoes National Park. The drive is approximately 2 to 3 hours and you will enjoy the scenic views of Rwanda’s Country side.
On arrival, you will visit the Dian Fossey Museum, dedicated to the life and work of the renowned American conservationist. The Museum honors Dian Fossey’s legacy and contributions to gorilla conservation and educates Visitors on Gorilla Behavior, Habitat and threats.
After a walk through the Museum you will transfer to the lodge for Dinner and overnight at One and Only Gorilla Nest.
Meal Plan: Lunch and Dinner
Day 2: Gorilla Expedition and Cultural Tour
Following a very early breakfast, you will head out for an adventurous activity of trekking the Gorillas in their Natural Habitat. You will transfer to the park headquarters for briefing and instructions to follow while doing the Gorilla activity.
Registration will be done and thereafter, Ranger guides will be allocated to escort you for a short, medium or long trek. The trek may be short or long depending on the movement of the gorillas and you will be allowed to stay in the presence of the Gorillas for an hour. You will trek back to the starting point to meet your driver for the next activity. Depending on your afternoon program, you will go for the cultural or drive back to your Lodge for relaxation, Dinner and overnight.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 3: Hike Mount Karisimbi
In the morning, you will have breakfast and head to the park headquarters for briefing and instructions about Hiking Mount Karisimbi. Accompanied by the professional guide and armed rangers, you will begin the scenic hike through the designated trails. There is possibility of spotting animals like Monkeys, and other wildlife but also be prepared got changing weather conditions You will stop at the Camping Site for relaxation, Dinner and overnight.
Day 4: Descend Mt. Karisimbi
In the morning, Breakfast will be available for the Hikers and you will have it, as you enjoy the sunrise and beautiful setting of nature. Hike to the summit through the dense forests. On reaching the summit, you will enjoy the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and Lakes. After the photographic moments and relaxation, you will move back to meet your driver guide for a transfer back to Kigali.
This marks the end of your safari
alternatively you can choose to go for a cheaper option of trekking mountain gorillas from Bwindi national park of Uganda offering a similar experience but at relatively low cost. the gorilla trekking permit of Uganda costs 800 dollars while that of Rwanda will cost you 1,500 dollars. Therefore, trekking from Uganda side will save you 700 dollars in the gorilla permit prices while getting the same experience.
the good news are that you can apply for the east African evisa online at 100 dollars that will allow you to visit Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya on your three months visit.
Detailed Program
4 days Uganda Gorilla trekking and Karisimbi Hiking Mount Karisimbi is a dormant volcano found in the Volcanoes National Park of Rwanda. It lies on the border between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda. Mount Karisimbi is 4,507 meters tall and hence the highest of all the 8 Virunga ranges of mountains. Mount Karisimbi is flanked by Nyiragongo to the west, Bisoke to the East and Mikeno to the north. During the dry seasons of December to March and also June to August snow can be spotted on top of the Volcano.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is found in the southwestern part of Uganda and close to the border with Rwanda. It is a UNESCO World Heritage and contain about half of the overall population of mountain gorillas in the world. Bwindi is also home to chimpanzees, smaller primates, birds and forest mammals. The key activities in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park are gorilla trekking, birdwatching and visiting the Batwa pygmies.
Bwindi has about 50 gorilla groups but only 17 are habituated. Bwindi is special because it is the only park where one can take part in the gorilla habituation experience. A gorilla permit in Bwindi (Uganda) costs $800 while the gorilla habituation experience goes for $1500.
1st day: Kigali City tour, Visiting the Gorilla Guardians Village
2nd day & 3rd day: Hiking Mount Karisimbi
4th day: Gorilla trekking in Bwindi impenetrable forest Uganda
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