Tour to Rwanda: Mountain Gorillas and Mount Bisoke

Rwanda is a country of a thousand hills, endless jungles, and mirror-like lakes. It is a place where nature reveals its pristine beauty, and culture and traditions reach straight into the heart. On this tour, every day becomes a true discovery, filled with moments that will stay with you forever.

Participants can expect an active program. On one of the days, we will hike to Mount Bisoke, which you may have heard of if you’ve read the book “Gorillas in the Mist” by American primatologist Dian Fossey. In 1967, she settled on the slopes of Bisoke and spent 18 years conducting scientific research on wildlife. It was here that she met her fate—she was murdered with a machete, allegedly by poachers whose hunting activities she actively opposed while protecting mountain gorillas. The trail to the summit follows steep but technically straightforward jungle paths. At the top, however, participants are rewarded with a breathtaking view of a stunning crater lake.

Every day of this journey is a new revelation. Rwanda will show you its most beautiful and touching sides, leaving a lasting love for its nature, culture, and people in your heart. This is a journey you will never forget.

Day 1. Welcome to Kigali — a city where the past and present are harmoniously woven into the rhythm of everyday life. Upon arrival, our representative will meet you at the airport. You will be transferred to a hotel nestled among green hills, offering sweeping views of the city. After some rest, you may stroll through local craft markets filled with the sounds of traditional music and stalls covered in colorful fabrics and jewelry. For those wishing to feel the deeper spirit of the city, a visit to the Genocide Memorial is recommended — a powerful place to learn about Rwanda’s complex history and witness the country’s remarkable rebirth. As the sun sets, Kigali’s sky turns warm and golden, and an evening dinner with your guide and fellow travelers in a cozy restaurant introduces you to the aromas of local cuisine — from spicy stews to fresh tropical fruits. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 2. Today we travel to Nyungwe National Park in the southwest of the country. The road winds through rolling green hills where tea plantations stretch like vast emerald carpets. Our first stop is the Royal Palace in Nyanza, transporting us back to the era of the monarchy with stories of kings, queens, and royal traditions. We then continue to Butare, where lunch is accompanied by the sounds of traditional music, followed by a visit to the National Museum. Ancient artifacts and carefully curated exhibits reveal the cultural heritage of Rwanda. By the time we arrive in Nyungwe, the sun will be setting, casting a magical glow over the rainforest. Dinner in the lodge is accompanied by the sounds of the jungle, creating a deep sense of harmony with nature. Overnight in the lodge.

Day 3. Early in the morning, we head into the heart of the tropical forest, home to chimpanzees. A local ranger will guide us along winding trails, explaining signs of their presence. You will hear their calls echoing through the forest and scan the treetops in anticipation of spotting these fascinating primates. After lunch, the walk continues, this time accompanied by colobus monkeys with their striking black-and-white coats. The forest reveals its botanical richness as well: liana-covered trees, rare orchids, and colorful butterflies fluttering like living jewels. In the evening, the lodge offers peace and calm, filled with the sounds of the nocturnal forest. Overnight in the lodge.

Day 4. The day begins with a light breakfast, followed by a hike to hidden waterfalls tucked deep within lush vegetation. The trail passes through green tunnels of foliage, leaves trembling in the breeze, and the waterfalls themselves impress with their power and crystal-clear waters. After lunch comes one of the highlights of the tour — the canopy walk. High above the ground, you will see endless jungle stretching to the horizon. Sunlight dances on the leaves while birdsong accompanies the walk. Overnight in the lodge.

Day 5. Today we travel to Lake Kivu, one of East Africa’s natural wonders. Mountains encircle the lake, gently embracing its mirror-like surface. After check-in at the lodge, we enjoy lunch on a terrace overlooking the water. A boat trip then takes us to small islands inhabited by rare birds and bats. The stillness of the lake is broken only by the soft splash of water and bird calls. In the evening, a true African sunset paints the sky in fiery colors reflected in the lake — a perfect moment for unforgettable photos. Dinner and overnight in the lodge.

Day 6. We continue our journey toward Volcanoes National Park. The scenery changes as rolling hills give way to towering volcanoes on the horizon. Upon arrival, we settle into a lodge with views of these majestic peaks. In the evening, we visit a nearby village where local residents introduce us to their culture. Traditional dances, drumming, and basket-weaving workshops offer a genuine glimpse into everyday life in Rwanda. Overnight in the lodge.

Day 7. This is the main highlight of the journey! Today you will trek to meet mountain gorillas in their natural jungle habitat. The ascent can be challenging as we hike toward the volcanic slopes, but every step is rewarded when you come face to face with these magnificent animals. Gorillas captivate with their calm presence and human-like gaze, their natural and graceful behavior leaving a lasting impression. This encounter opens a window into the wild — distant yet deeply moving. Overnight in the lodge.

Day 8. Today we head into the forest to observe golden monkeys. These playful primates, with golden patches on their fur, leap through the trees and delight everyone with their agility and energy. After lunch, you may visit a cultural center to learn more about Rwandan traditions or travel to a village to try making banana beer. The evening concludes with music and dance, revealing the true soul of the country. Overnight in the lodge.

Day 9. The final adventure challenge — the ascent of Mount Bisoke. At an elevation of 3,700 meters, breathtaking views of a crater lake hidden among the clouds await us. This quiet, majestic place feels almost magical and invites deep reflection. For those preferring a gentler day, an alternative excursion is offered to the grave of Dian Fossey, who dedicated her life to the protection of mountain gorillas.

Day 10. On the final day, we return to Kigali. The city’s streets, markets, and museums offer a last opportunity to see how Rwanda gracefully blends its past and present. Before departure, there will be time for souvenir shopping and to savor the final moments of the journey, thanking this remarkable country for its warmth and hospitality.

• International flights
• Visa
• Medical insurance and emergency evacuation
• Lunches and dinners
• Permits for visiting national parks
• Tips
• Single accommodation
• Early check-in / late check-out at the hotel before or after the program (we always try to negotiate additional bonuses for our guests with our partners; often early check-in / late check-out is granted free of charge)
• Any deviations from the program
• Any expenses related to program changes

Documents:

• Passport
• Airline tickets
• Medical insurance
• Yellow fever vaccination certificate
• Malaria prophylaxis medication

Clothing and footwear:

• Hiking boots / sneakers, 2 pairs
• Fleece suit or a similar set of warm clothing
• Bandana or buff
• Sun hat / cap
• Long-sleeve shirts / tops
• Lightweight trekking pants
• Shorts
• T-shirts

Miscellaneous:

• Power bank
• Sunglasses
• Rain jacket
• Sunscreen SPF 50
• Lip balm SPF 10–15
• Personal first-aid kit
• Personal hygiene items, wet wipes, flip-flops
• Insect repellent
• Malaria prevention medication
• Swimwear
• Mosquito net for the bed