From Kigali: Bisoke Summit Trek, Crater Lake and Dian Fossey｜Rwanda

Begin your adventure with a pickup from your hotel in Kigali. Travel to Volcanoes National Park, taking in the scenic views of Rwanda’s rolling green hills along the way.

Upon arrival, gather at the park reception for a briefing about the hike. Grab a free cup of Rwandan coffee or tea, buy the Bisoke hike permit if you did not do that before (only card payment acceptable), hire hiking gear if you do not have enough, and use the restroom.

Then, transfer to the Bisoke Volcano hiking start point, a 40-minute drive from the headquarters. The first 15 minutes are on a paved road while the rest is a bumpy ride on volcanic rocks.

Begin your adventurous and challenging hike up Mount Bisoke, which stands at 2,700 meters above sea level. The hike up takes about 4 hours and another 2 hours descending down to the starting point, but this depends on your speed and the frequency of stops.

At the summit, admire the Crater Lake, which features drier vegetation than other parts of the park, with giant heather growing all over the slopes of the volcano.

If by chance you encounter some gorillas, the guides allow you to watch them for a few minutes while on the hiking trail. Photography is prohibited as this excursion does not include permits for gorilla trekking. You may also get to see the golden monkey troop on your trek up Mountain Bisoke.

Once at the summit, enjoy stunning views of the other five volcanoes and the beautiful Twin Lakes. The amount of time you spend on the summit depends on the weather and temperature. Enjoy a picnic lunch at the Migano Cafe, as you take pictures.

After your unforgettable Bisoke hiking adventure, step into the legacy of Dian Fossey, the legendary primatologist who dedicated her life to protecting mountain gorillas. Visit the Dian Fossey research and memorial area to learn about her conservation work, her close bond with the gorillas, and the challenges she faced in safeguarding their habitat.

This experience offers deep insight into gorilla behavior, the history of conservation in Rwanda, and the powerful impact one person can have in preserving wildlife for future generations.

At the end of the hike, you will be taken to a nice restaurant for a late lunch before being driven back to Kigali.