5 Days Karisimbi Hike and Gorilla Trekking Tour in Rwanda – Overview

5 Days Karisimbi Hike and Gorilla Trekking Tour in Rwanda – Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival at Kigali International Airport and Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

On arrival at the Kigali International Airport, you will be picked from the airport by our professional driver guide who will transfer you to Volcanoes National Park in Musanzi.

The drive journey of 90kms about 1-2 hours takes you through beautiful countryside of Rwanda.

On arrival to the park, you will advance direct to your pre-booked lodge to check in, have dinner and overnight.

Accommodation: Sabinyo Sliverback lodge (Upmarket/Luxury), Mountain Gorilla View Lodge (Mid-range/Standard), Muhavura Hotel (Budget/Basic)

Day 2: Hiking Karisimbi Volcano

Following your early morning breakfast, embark on a strenuous but highly rewarding hike of 6 hours. You will climb via the Bisoke side, trekking through some very thick jungle surrounded by stunning scenery.

Along the trail, you may enjoy the views of different bird species as well as primate species surviving in the natural habitat of Kaisimbi Volcano. Upon your arrival at an altitude of 3700m, you will set up your tent, have dinner and camp.

Day 3: Hike to The Summit and Descend Down

After an early morning breakfast, you will embark on an hour’s hike to the summit of Mountain Karisimbi.

The ascent proves to be very steep and at times the trail goes through very thick jungle. From around 4000m you may start to feel the altitude and would be nice if you pace yourselves accordingly.

Feeling the altitude may slow down your progress to the summit but you finally emerge from the thick vegetation to a relatively straight forward final ascent to the summit, which is characterized by a lot of loose rock and fine volcanic ash.

While on top, you will enjoy the amazing views of the surrounding areas, Mountain Muhabura, which is an extinct volcano on the border between Rwanda and Uganda.

After enjoying your time on the summit, descend back to the camp at 3700m then headed back down to the park gate – this decent takes about 6 hours.

On arrival to the trail park gate, you will drive to the lodge for late lunch, relaxation, dinner and overnight.

Accommodation: Sabinyo Sliverback lodge (Upmarket/Luxury), Mountain Gorilla View Lodge (Mid-range/Standard), Muhavura Hotel (Budget/Basic)

Day 4: Early Morning Mountain Gorilla Trekking and Afternoon Visit to Lake Bulera &Ruhondo

After a hearty breakfast in your lodge, the driver guide will pick you up early in the morning and drive to the park headquarters for an early morning briefing at 7:30-8:00am about the etiquette of Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes national Park.

After the briefing and getting allocated to a particular gorilla group you are to trek, the ranger guides will transfer you to the trail heads to begin the search of mountain Gorillas within the forest.

The trek can be quite tough that normally it takes a lot of time approximately 2-8 hours of hiking the hilly areas of Volcanoes national Park.

Once up close to the apes, you will be allocated one hour to spend with the apes and during this time, you can decide to sit down in the forest to enjoy the views of the stunning mountain gorillas, take photos for future memories.

Immediately after the one hour, return from the activity to the park headquarters for relaxation and late lunch.

After the lunch, if time allows, embark on an afternoon excursion to explore the beautiful lakes in the region (Lake Bulera & Ruhondo).

The excursion will allow you enjoy the beautiful scenery around the two lakes and thereafter the activity retreat back to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay at your lodge.

Accommodation: Sabinyo Silverback lodge (Upmarket/Luxury), Mountain Gorilla View Lodge (Mid-range/Standard), Muhavura Hotel (Budget/Basic)

Day 5: Transfer Back to Kigali And Do City Tour – Departure

After breakfast, you will depart Volcanoes national Park driving back to Kigali Capital City. Upon arrival to the City, the driver guide will take you around for a city tour.

The city tour will take you through Gisozi Memorial Center, local markets, Art and Craft shops among other impressing attractions in Kigali.

You will have stopover for lunch and thereafter proceed with the drive to Kanombe International Airport for your scheduled flight back home.

End of The 5 Days Karisimbi Hike and Gorilla Trekking Tour in Rwanda

Getting There

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