Volcanoes National Park is the Rwanda section of the more extended Virunga Conservation Area shared between Uganda, Rwanda and Congo DRC. It is named after the chain of nine volcanoes which make its territory, including Karisimbi (4.507 m), Visoke, Sabinyo, Muhavura. The altitude ranges from 2400 m to the 4.000 and above of the peaks. Since 2003 the park offers the possibility to visit the families of the endangered golden monkeys. Mount Visoke hosts the tombs of the American primatologist Dian Fossey and of the gorilla cemetery. The most well known activity is the mountain gorilla tracking to one of the six habituated families. This program can be arranged for starting from Kampala or from Kigali.
On arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be met by the representative and transferred to the hotel for overnight.
After breakfast, we organize a short city tour of the capital town of Rwanda. After lunch, in the afternoon leave in the direction of Volcanoes National Park. It takes about 3 hours drive.
Today after an early breakfast you'll go trekking into the rain tropical forest of Volcanoes National Park. After the briefing from the rangers of the ORTPN (the Rwanda Park Authority), you'll reach the starting point of your trekking, according to the family you have been appointed to. It is on the park authority to decide the distribution of the permits on arrival. You'll carry with you a packed lunch and a light rain jacket (tip: wear trekking boots). In the afternoon we can organize a community walk at the eco-tourism site of Iby'Iwacu Cultural Village (not included).
After breakfast optional trekking activity (see the options and prices). Packed lunch. In the afternoon drive back to Kigali. Possible transfer to Kigali International Airport.