4 Days Rwanda Gorillas & Mount Karisimbi Hike

Be part of this budget 4 Days Rwanda Gorillas & Mount Karisimbi hiking adventure to explore Rwanda with Superfine Safaris Limited.  Go gorilla trekking in Rwanda in Volcanoes National Park and hike to the summit of Mount Karisimbi, the highest volcano in the Virunga Conservation Area. The 4-day Rwanda safari is a perfect package for adventure seekers on Rwanda safaris. Mountain gorillas and Mount Karisimbi are among the top tourist attractions in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda. The bamboo forest park is a habit to over 400 mountain gorillas living in 10 habituated gorilla families.

Also, the park is home to golden monkeys and over 300 bird species, among other wildlife species. The 4-day safari in Rwanda also entail a visit to the ibyiwacu cultural village to learn the traditions, customs, beliefs and norms. Other popular tour packages in Volcanoes National Park include 1-day Rwanda gorilla trekking for short-time travelers, 2-day Rwanda gorilla tour, and 5-day Rwanda safari, which combines gorillas and game viewing in Akagera National Park.  The 4-day Rwanda gorilla and Mount Karisimbi Hike safari starts and ends in Kigali, Rwanda.

Highlights

• Mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park.
• Hike to the height of Mount Karisimbi, the highest Volcano in the Virunga massif that runs across the Uganda-Rwanda-Democratic Republic of Congo border.
• Cultural Experience from the locals at Gorilla Guardians’ Village.
• Get treated to breathtaking views of the countryside and stunning landscapes of Volcanoes National Park.

Brief Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Kigali and drive to Volcanoes National Park.

Day 2: Volcanoes Gorilla Trekking Adventure and visit to Gorilla Guardians’ Village.

Day 3: Hike Mount Karisimbi, overnight in the higher slopes.

Day 4: Descend Mount Karisimbi, leave Volcanoes National Park, and Depart Rwanda.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Kigali and drive to Volcanoes National Park

Welcome to the “Land of a Thousand Hills.” After arriving at Kigali International Airport (KGL), a field driver will transfer you to your Safari destination in Northwestern Rwanda. Here. You will embark on the 3-hour journey with breathtaking views of the countryside, towering Virunga Volcanoes, and other areas. Upon arrival, you will enjoy two unforgettable nights in one of the unmissable accommodation options. Settle in for the night and explore the beauty of the surrounding landscapes.

Enjoy a leisurely evening sipping wine from the comfort of your room. Later, have dinner and rest for the remainder of the day while preparing for the next day’s adventure.

Overnight at: Virunga Lodge (luxury), Mountain Gorilla View Lodge (midrange), or Kinigi Guesthouse (budget).

Meal options: Lunch and Dinner.

Day 2: Volcanoes Gorilla Trekking Adventure and visit to Gorilla Guardians’ Village

Rise and shine to make the most of your day, tracking one of the 12 habituated gorilla families in Volcanoes National Park. Converge at Kinigi Park Headquarters for a mandatory briefing on the guidelines to be followed while searching and spending time with the Giant Apes. After this 30-minute briefing, head off into the forest to search for them, and this should last anywhere between one and six hours. Afterwards, spend an hour watching and taking photos as they go about their daily routines- resting, playing, foraging, mating, and raising their babies. A hot lunch awaits at the Lodge.

In the afternoon, you will visit the Gorilla Guardians’ Village to get immersed in the traditions and cultures of Rwandans. Return to your accommodation to enjoy the surrounding landscapes and get ready for your dinner.

Overnight at: Virunga Lodge (luxury), Mountain Gorilla View Lodge (midrange), or Kinigi Guesthouse (budget).

Meal options: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Day 3: Hike Mount Karisimbi, overnight in the higher slopes

Today, you will hike the highest Virunga Volcano- Mount Karisimbi, towering at 4507 meters above sea level. Be transferred to the Park Headquarters for a briefing and meet your climbing crew (including an armed Ranger, a guide, and a porter whom you will be required to hire separately).

Start a steady and steep incline towards the upper slopes of the Mountain, and this route consists of dense forests and other vegetation types that shelter a wide array of wildlife and bird species. The route gets steeper along the way, and if the weather is clear, you will enjoy the first glimpses of the surrounding Volcanoes.

When you arrive at Karisimbi Camp at 3700 meters above sea level, settle into your accommodation and enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding areas. The total hiking time on this day is 6 hours, with lots of views to look out for.

Day 4: Descend Mount Karisimbi, leave Volcanoes National Park, and Depart Rwanda

After an early breakfast (usually a cup of tea/coffee prepared by your porter/s), you will continue to the summit of Mount Karisimbi in a four-hour hike to enjoy views of the white-capped summit and other surrounding Volcanoes in the Virunga massif. After a moment of photography, return to the base and start your journey back to Kigali City.

At an appropriate time, you will transfer to the Airport to catch your flight home. Till the next time!

Our 4-Day Rwanda Gorilla and Mount Karisimbi package includes;

• Gorilla trekking permit/s.
• Mount Karisimbi hiking fees.
• Ranger fees.
• Services of an experienced English-speaking guide.
• Bottled water.
• Visit to Gorilla Guardians’ Village.
• Relevant Government taxes.
• Ground transportation with a 4WD Safari Vehicle.
• 3 nights’ accommodation around Volcanoes National Park.

Our 4-day Rwanda Gorilla and Mount Karisimbi package excludes;

• Visa fees (can be arranged on request).
• Cigarettes.
• Porter fees.
• Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
• Travel and medical insurance.
• Airfares (can be arranged on request).
• Laundry fees.
• Telephone expenses.
• Tipping (Rangers, guides, porters, and Lodge/Hotel staff).
• Optional activities that are not included in the itinerary.
• Other personal expenses.

Packing for your 4-day Rwanda Gorilla and Mount Karisimbi safari

You will need a waterproof rain jacket, lightweight and waterproof safari pants, a pair of hiking boots, gardening gloves, long cotton socks, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and sunscreen, Gaiters, a good camera and pair of binoculars, toiletries (personal medication, hand gel, biodegradable wet wipes, toilet tissue, toothbrush and toothpaste, hair comb/brush, and hand sanitizer), a first aid kit (painkillers, anti-diarrhea medicines, Blister plasters, altitude sickness tablets, and rehydration sachets), a backpack, energy-giving snacks, a refillable water bottle, a pair of binoculars, and many others.