5-Day Rwanda Gorillas & Karisimbi Tour
This 5-Day Rwanda Gorillas & Karisimbi Tour combines mountain gorilla trekking with a two-day climb of Mount Karisimbi, the 11th tallest mountain in Africa. Volcanoes National Park sits at the base of the Virunga Mountain range in northern Rwanda, bordering the Democratic Republic of Congo, and offers both gorilla trekking and mountain climbing in one itinerary.
Gorilla Hurly Burly arranges permits, guides, and accommodation for the full trip, plus optional stops at Musanze Caves or a local cultural village.
5-Day Rwanda Gorillas & Karisimbi Tour Highlights
- Travel from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park
- Scenic views of hills and forests along the way
- Mountain gorilla trekking with one hour spent observing the group
- Guided explanation of gorilla behavior from park rangers
- Optional visit to Musanze Caves or a cultural village
- Two-day climb of Mount Karisimbi
- Hike to base camp at 3,700 meters
- Summit area views and photos
- Guided descent through the forest
- Rest and meals at your lodge
- Return to Kigali for city visit or airport transfer
Brief 5-Day Rwanda Gorillas & Karisimbi Tour Itinerary
- Day 1: Pickup and transfer to Volcanoes National Park
- Day 2: Gorilla trekking and optional cultural visit
- Day 3: Climb Mount Karisimbi
- Day 4: Descend Mount Karisimbi
- Day 5: Transfer to Kigali
Detailed 5-Day Rwanda Gorillas & Karisimbi Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Pickup and Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Your Gorilla Hurly Burly driver-guide meets you at Kigali International Airport or another convenient location and drives you to Volcanoes National Park. The drive takes about 2 to 3 hours, passing green hills and forest scenery. After checking in at your lodge, you have lunch, and in the evening, you can choose to visit Musanze Caves. Dinner and overnight stay follow.
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking and Optional Cultural Visit
After an early breakfast, you pack lunch and drive to Volcanoes National Park headquarters for a pre-trek briefing. Rangers assign you to a gorilla group and explain the trekking rules. The trek can last 1 to 8 hours depending on your pace and the gorillas’ location that day.
Once you find the group, you spend one hour observing and photographing the gorillas, then enjoy a packed lunch in the forest before heading back to the lodge. You may also see other primates and birds along the way. Dinner and overnight stay.
Day 3: Climb Mount Karisimbi
Mount Karisimbi is one of five mountains in Volcanoes National Park, and the climb requires a moderate level of fitness over at least two days. After a briefing at the mountain base, you begin a six-hour hike to base camp at 3,700 meters, with your guide pointing out landmarks and nearby peaks along the way. You stop for lunch during the climb and continue to the campsite for dinner and rest.
Day 4: Descend Mount Karisimbi
After breakfast at the campsite, you start the four-hour descent, passing scenic views along the trail. You reach the summit area for photos before continuing down to meet your driver-guide at the starting point. You arrive back at the lodge in time for lunch, then spend the rest of the day at leisure before dinner.
Day 5: Transfer to Kigali
After a relaxed breakfast, you check out for the 2-hour drive to Kigali city or the airport. If time allows, you can explore Kigali’s local markets, the Genocide Memorial, and other historic sites. After lunch in the city, you head to the airport for your flight home.
Book this 5-Day Rwanda Gorillas & Karisimbi Tour with Gorilla Hurly Burly today. Contact our team to check availability and secure your gorilla trekking permit.
