6-Day Gorillas, Monkeys & Bisoke Climb Overview
The 6-Day Gorillas, Monkeys & Bisoke Climb is a Rwanda primate and mountain adventure starting and ending in Kigali. The itinerary combines two gorilla trekking experiences, golden monkey tracking and a Mount Bisoke climb in Volcanoes National Park.
The safari also includes time in Kigali, giving you an opportunity to experience Rwanda's capital before and after exploring the volcanic landscapes of northern Rwanda.
According to the source itinerary, the tour visits Kigali and Volcanoes National Park and includes gorilla trekking, nature treks and a city tour. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
Safari Facts
Tour Highlights
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Double Gorilla Trekking
Enjoy two separate opportunities to trek mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park. -
Mount Bisoke Climb
Hike Mount Bisoke and reach its beautiful crater lake, with the trek adapted to your fitness and trail conditions. -
Golden Monkey Tracking
Search for golden monkeys in the bamboo and forest habitats of Volcanoes National Park. -
Kigali City Experience
Explore selected highlights of Rwanda's capital at the beginning or end of your safari. -
Virunga Mountain Scenery
Enjoy dramatic volcanic landscapes and forest scenery around the Volcanoes National Park region.
Key Safari Experiences
This six-day itinerary is designed for travellers who want a combination of primate encounters and mountain hiking. The two gorilla trekking days provide separate forest experiences, while golden monkey tracking adds another primate encounter. Mount Bisoke offers a more active hiking day with a crater lake at the summit.
Detailed 6-Day Rwanda Itinerary
Your Ajokis Tours & Travel driver-guide will meet you on arrival at Kigali International Airport and begin your Rwanda adventure.
Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a tour of Kigali before continuing north toward Volcanoes National Park. The journey takes you through Rwanda's characteristic rolling hills and mountain landscapes.
Continue to the Kinigi area, where you will check into your accommodation and prepare for the following day's gorilla trek.
Overnight near Volcanoes National Park
After breakfast, proceed to the park offices for a gorilla trekking briefing. Your guides and rangers will provide information about the trek and responsible gorilla viewing before you enter the forest.
The trek follows forest trails through the foothills of the Virunga volcanoes in search of an assigned gorilla family.
Gorilla trekking can be physically demanding. Trails may be steep, muddy and uneven, and the duration depends on the location and movement of the gorilla family.
When you find the gorillas, you will have an opportunity to observe their natural behaviour, including feeding, resting and interactions between adults and younger members of the group.
After the trek, return to the lodge for relaxation, dinner and overnight.
Wake up early and have breakfast before meeting your guide for the Mount Bisoke hiking experience.
Drive to the park entrance and begin the hike toward the summit of Mount Bisoke, also known as Mount Visoke. The source itinerary states that the ascent can take approximately 1–2 hours and the descent around one hour, depending on fitness and conditions. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
The trail leads through the volcanic mountain environment toward the crater lake at the summit. Weather, trail conditions and individual fitness can affect the hiking duration.
After completing the hike, return to your accommodation for lunch and relaxation. The source itinerary then continues toward Kigali for dinner and overnight. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Mount Bisoke Experience
After breakfast, travel back toward the forest for a golden monkey tracking experience in Volcanoes National Park.
Golden monkeys are a highlight of Rwanda's primate experiences. During the trek, you may also encounter other primates, birds and butterflies.
Your guide will explain the forest environment and help you learn about the flora and fauna encountered along the trail.
After the activity, return to your accommodation and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.
Rise early for your second gorilla trekking experience in Volcanoes National Park.
After breakfast and the necessary preparations, enter the forest with your trekking team in search of another assigned gorilla family.
A second trek provides another opportunity to experience the mountain forest and observe gorilla behaviour. The location and trekking conditions can differ from your first trek.
After the trek, return to the lodge for a well-earned rest and overnight.
Second Gorilla Trek
After breakfast, drive back to Kigali for a city experience and final sightseeing before your airport transfer.
Depending on your flight schedule, visit selected city highlights and enjoy your final moments in Rwanda.
Your driver-guide will transfer you to Kigali International Airport in time for your departure flight.
Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Gorilla trekking is the central experience of this Rwanda safari. The itinerary provides two separate gorilla trekking opportunities in Volcanoes National Park.
The source itinerary describes the forest trek as strenuous in places, with trails climbing through the forest. Once a gorilla family is located, visitors have limited time to observe the animals under the park's trekking regulations. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
Mount Bisoke Climb
Mount Bisoke is one of the volcanic peaks in the Virunga landscape. The itinerary includes a dedicated hiking day, ending with a visit to the crater lake at the summit.
The source itinerary estimates the climb at around one to two hours and the descent at approximately one hour, depending on fitness. Actual hiking time can vary because of weather, trail conditions and individual pace. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
Travellers should be prepared for an active mountain day and carry suitable hiking footwear, drinking water and weather-appropriate clothing.
Golden Monkey Tracking
Golden monkey tracking adds another primate experience to the safari. During the forest walk, your guide will help you search for golden monkeys and explain the surrounding ecosystem.
The source itinerary notes that other primates, birds and butterflies may also be encountered during the forest activity. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
Accommodation
Accommodation is arranged according to the selected safari category and availability. The source itinerary lists accommodation options around Volcanoes National Park in up-market, moderate and low-budget categories. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
Moderate / Budget
- La Palme Hotel
- Volcanoes Gorilla Lodge
- Kinigi Guest House
- Muhabura / Muhavura Lodge
Up-Market
- Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
- Gorillas Nest Lodge
- Other suitable premium accommodation
- Subject to availability
6-Day Rwanda Gorilla Safari Price
Sample Price
The source tour page lists $2,475 USD per person for 2 people, with the tour available any day. Final Ajokis Tours & Travel pricing should be confirmed according to travel dates, number of travellers, accommodation category, permits and requested activities. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Permit
The source itinerary lists the Rwanda gorilla trekking permit at $1,500 and includes it among the safari inclusions. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
Because gorilla permits are date-specific and availability can change, Ajokis Tours & Travel should confirm permit availability before the final safari booking is issued.
What's Included & Excluded
Included
- Rwanda gorilla trekking permit
- Volcanoes National Park entrance fees
- Accommodation according to the itinerary
- Meals according to the confirmed itinerary
- 4×4 safari transportation
- Airport transfers
- English-speaking tour guide / driver
- Gorilla trekking experiences
- Golden monkey tracking according to confirmed itinerary
- Mount Bisoke hiking arrangements
Not Included
- Tourist entry visa
- International flight tickets
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
- Tips and gratuities
- Drinks and items of personal nature
- Activities not listed in the confirmed itinerary
What to Pack
Because this safari combines gorilla trekking, golden monkey tracking and a Mount Bisoke hike, pack for both wet forest conditions and cool mountain weather.
- Waterproof hiking boots
- Long trousers and long-sleeved shirts
- Waterproof rain jacket or poncho
- Warm fleece or sweater
- Gardening or trekking gloves
- Sun hat or cap
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Small waterproof daypack
- Binoculars
- Camera and spare batteries
- Reusable water bottle
- Personal medication and toiletries
Fitness Requirements
This is an active Rwanda safari. Gorilla trekking and the Mount Bisoke climb can involve steep, muddy and uneven trails.
The source itinerary specifically describes gorilla trekking as strenuous and notes that the Mount Bisoke hike duration depends partly on fitness. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
Regular walking and moderate hiking preparation can help you approach the trek with greater confidence. Travellers with mobility concerns should discuss their requirements with Ajokis Tours & Travel before booking.
Best Time for the Rwanda Gorilla Trek
The source Rwanda travel information identifies June to August and December to February as dry-season periods that are generally favourable for wildlife viewing and primate walks. It also notes that rainforest areas can still receive rain. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
The safari can be planned throughout the year, subject to gorilla permit and accommodation availability. Wet-season travel can also provide a different forest experience, although trails may be wetter.
Why Travel with Ajokis Tours & Travel?
Ajokis Tours & Travel can arrange this six-day Rwanda adventure around your travel dates, group size, accommodation preference and preferred trekking experiences.
- Customized Rwanda safari planning
- Gorilla permit booking assistance
- Professional driver-guide support
- Kigali airport transfers
- Choice of accommodation categories
- Gorilla trekking arrangements
- Golden monkey tracking planning
- Mount Bisoke hiking arrangements
- Private safari transportation
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days is the Gorillas, Monkeys & Bisoke Climb safari?
The itinerary takes six days and five nights, starting and ending in Kigali.
How many times do I trek gorillas?
The itinerary includes two separate gorilla trekking experiences in Volcanoes National Park.
What is included on the Mount Bisoke day?
The itinerary includes an early morning transfer to the park entrance, a Mount Bisoke hike and a visit to the crater lake at the summit. The source estimates approximately 1–2 hours up and about one hour down depending on fitness. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
Can I see golden monkeys on this safari?
Yes. Day 4 is dedicated to golden monkey tracking in Volcanoes National Park.
How difficult is gorilla trekking?
Gorilla trekking can be strenuous because trails may climb through forested and uneven terrain. Trekking duration depends on the location and movement of the assigned gorilla family.
How much is the Rwanda gorilla permit?
The source itinerary lists the Rwanda gorilla trekking permit at $1,500 per person. Permit availability and current booking requirements should be confirmed before travel. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}
What is the price of the 6-Day Rwanda Gorilla Safari?
The source page displays a sample price of $2,475 USD per person for two people. Final Ajokis pricing should be confirmed according to travel dates, group size, accommodation and permit arrangements. :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}
Does the safari start and end in Kigali?
Yes. The source itinerary starts with arrival in Kigali and ends with a Kigali city visit and airport transfer on Day 6.
Can the safari be customized?
Yes. Contact Ajokis Tours & Travel to discuss travel dates, accommodation, group size, trekking requirements and additional Rwanda activities.