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Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Volcanoes National Park
Tour Highlights
What makes this trip special
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Your trip, day by day
Kigali City Tour & Transfer to Volcanoes NP
Your African Majestic Adventures guide will pick you up from your hotel in Kigali or the airport at sunrise. After a briefing, we begin the comfortable 2.5-hour drive eastward. The road takes us through the lush agricultural heartland of Rwanda, where you can see the famous terraced hills. We arrive at the southern gate of Volcanoes National Park by mid-morning. After completing park formalities, we enter the park and begin our first wildlife sightings as we head to the lodge for check-in and lunch. Morning: Early pickup from your Kigali hotel at 6:00 AM. Drive east through Rwanda's iconic terraced hills and agricultural heartland. Arrive at Volcanoes NP's southern gate by mid-morning. Begin your first game drive as you travel through the park to your lodge, spotting zebras, impalas, and giraffes along the way. Check in to Mountain Gorilla View Lodge overlooking Gorilla Trekking. Afternoon: Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in Musanze town. Check in to your lodge and relax with panoramic views of the Virunga volcanoes. Your guide will brief you on tomorrow's gorilla trekking experience. Evening: Return to the lodge as the sun sets over the lake. Freshen up and enjoy sundowner drinks on the terrace. A gourmet dinner is served with views of the illuminated water. Your guide will brief you on tomorrow's full-day Big Five game drive. Overnight at Mountain Gorilla View Lodge or Mountain Gorilla View Lodge.
Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Today is the highlight of your safari - gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. After an early breakfast, report to the park headquarters at Kinigi for a briefing by the Rwanda Development Board. You will be assigned to a gorilla family and briefed on trekking protocols. The trek takes you through farmland, bamboo forests, and dense montane vegetation. Morning: Early wake-up call at 5:30 AM with tea and coffee. Depart for Kinigi Park Headquarters by 6:30 AM for the 7:00 AM gorilla trekking briefing. Rangers assign groups and share information about the gorilla family. The trek begins through farmland, then into bamboo and montane forest. Porters are available for hire. Afternoon: Once the gorilla family is located, spend one hour in their presence. Observe the silverback protecting his family, mothers nursing infants, and juveniles playing. Photography is permitted without flash. After the trek, lunch is served back at your lodge. Evening: Return to the lodge in the late afternoon. Option for a night game drive (extra cost) to spot nocturnal animals like hyenas, genets, and nightjars. Alternatively, enjoy a refreshing shower and sundowner drinks overlooking the lake. A celebratory dinner is served. Overnight at Mountain Gorilla View Lodge or Mountain Gorilla View Lodge.
Return to Kigali with Cultural Stop
On our final morning, we enjoy breakfast at the lodge with stunning volcano views. We visit the IbyIwacu Cultural Village for an immersive experience in traditional Rwandan life. Then we begin the scenic drive back to Kigali. Morning: Breakfast at the lodge at 7:00 AM. Visit the IbyIwacu Cultural Village to experience traditional Rwandan dance, music, banana beer making, and learn about the relationship between local communities and gorilla conservation. Afternoon: Depart Musanze for the 2.5-hour drive back to Kigali. Stop at local craft markets for souvenir shopping. Upon arrival in Kigali, your guide can drop you at the Caplaki craft market or your hotel. End of tour at Kigali International Airport or your hotel. Evening: Arrive in Kigali with the rest of the evening free. We recommend booking onward flights departing after 6:00 PM from Kigali to allow ample time for the drive and any optional visits.
What's Included & Excluded
Know exactly what your package covers
Included
- Kilimanjaro National Park entry & camping/hut fees
- KPAP-certified mountain guides, cooks and porters
- All meals on the mountain (breakfast, packed lunch, dinner, hot drinks)
- Mountain camping equipment or hut accommodation (route-dependent)
- Treated drinking water throughout the climb
- Government rescue fees
- Airport transfer on arrival/departure
- Pre-climb briefing and equipment check
- All national park entrance fees
- 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof for game viewing
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide
- Full board accommodation at camps/lodges
- Game drives per the itinerary
- Bottled drinking water in the vehicle
- Airport transfers
Not Included
- International flights
- Tanzania visa
- Travel & medical evacuation insurance
- Tips for guides, cooks and porters
- Personal climbing gear (boots, jacket, sleeping bag)
- Alcoholic drinks and snacks
- Hotel accommodation before/after the climb (unless stated)
- Travel insurance
- Tips for driver-guide and camp/lodge staff
- Alcoholic beverages
- Optional activities (hot air balloon, cultural visits) unless stated
- Personal expenses
Best Time to Travel
The clearest, driest climbing conditions fall in two windows: late June through October, and January to mid-March. Kilimanjaro can be climbed year-round, but the short and long rains (November, and April-May) bring wetter trails and lower summit visibility.
Mountain camping/huts + safari lodges and tented camps
Full board throughout — mountain meals during the climb, lodge/camp meals on safari
What to Pack
Suggested gear for this trip
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