Our company representative will pick you up early (around 4:30–5:00 AM) from your hotel or airport for
a scenic 2-3 -hour drive to Musanze (formerly Ruhengeri), the gateway to Volcanoes National Park.
Watch the landscape shift from urban Kigali to rolling green hills and volcanic slopes. Arrive at Kinigi Park
Headquarters in time for registration and group allocation. You’ll be assigned to one of the 12
habituated gorilla families, based on your fitness level and preferences. Your professional tracker and
ranger guide will give a detailed briefing on gorilla behavior, conservation, and trekking dos and don’ts.
Begin your trek into the dense, bamboo-laced rainforest of Volcanoes National Park. Depending on
gorilla location, the trek can last 1 to 5 hours (moderate to strenuous). Once you locate the gorillas,
you’ll spend 1 magical hour observing them in their natural habitat. Watch the silverback lead his group,
juveniles play in the trees, and mothers nurture their infants — all at close range, with strict guidelines
to minimize disturbance. After the trek, return to the park HQ for your gorilla trekking certificate, then
transfer to your lodge for lunch and rest. You may us the evening for complete rest or take on any of the
Optional activity: Visit Iby’iwacu Cultural Village for traditional Rwandan dances, storytelling, and a look
at local culture and gorilla guardian history or Explore Musanze cave.

Today, enjoy a hearty breakfast and transfer to the Karisimbi trailhead near the park boundary. You’ll
meet your trekking team: a lead ranger, porters (optional but recommended), and a cook/support crew.
The Mount Karisimbi trek is a two-day round trip and involves camping overnight on the mountain at
about 3,700 meters (base camp). The first day involves 6–7 hours of hiking, ascending through bamboo
forest, Hagenia woodland, and finally afro-alpine vegetation. Expect changing weather — mist, mud,
rain, or sunshine are all possible in one day. The hike is moderately strenuous and requires good fitness,
as you’ll be sleeping at altitude. Occasionally you might sport among others; Forest duikers, golden
monkeys (occasionally), turacos, and other mountain forest species.
Arrive at Base Camp (3,700m) and Set up camp at the base of Karisimbi, surrounded by clouds and giant
lobelias. Dinner is prepared by the support team. Night temperatures can drop below freezing — dress
warmly.

Start the final push to the summit of Mount Karisimbi (4,507m) before sunrise. The final 2–3 hours
involve steep, rocky terrain but reward you with breathtaking views-on a clear day, you can see into DR
Congo and the chain of Virunga volcanoes stretching beyond. At the summit, take photos and soak in
the achievement of reaching Rwanda’s highest point. After the experience, descend back to base camp
for a hot drink and to pack up, then continue the full descent to the trailhead. Total descent time: 5–6
hours. Meet your driver at the base and transfer to Musanze for a well-earned lunch.
After lunch and a bit of rest, depart Musanze for the return drive to Kigali. Expect to arrive by late
afternoon or early evening (17:00–18:00), with drop-off at your hotel or the airport depending on your
schedule.