Bisate & all its Beauty

Bisate & all its Beauty

Kigali, Parc National des Volcans

nights
4
camps
2
from price, per person
USD13,096

For active travellers, this itinerary packs an incredible amount into a short journey, without feeling rushed. Starting in Kigali gives important context to Rwanda’s story before heading north into the Volcanoes. Gorilla trekking is understandably the highlight, but a golden monkey excursion and the Muhabura hike give you a real connection to the landscape. Staying at one of our most-loved lodges, Bisate, is also a highlight.

MK

Michael Kilner

Safari Specialist

Hemingways Retreat Kigali

Hemingways Retreat Kigali

Kigali City Tour

Kigali City Tour

Wilderness Bisate

Wilderness Bisate

Gorilla Trekking

Gorilla Trekking

Golden Monkey Tracking

Golden Monkey Tracking

Muhabura Hike

Muhabura Hike

wildlife & activities

Highlights

  • Begin with a night in Rwanda’s capital of Kigali including a guided city tour that offers insight into the country’s history and culture.
  • Travel to Volcanoes National Park for three nights at Wilderness Bisate, an award-winning lodge set on the forested slopes of the Virunga volcanoes.
  • Experience a once-in-a-lifetime gorilla trekking adventure, guided by expert trackers, culminating in one hour spent with these awe-inspiring primates.
  • Trek to see endangered golden monkeys, offering a fast-paced primate experience distinct from gorilla trekking.
  • Take on the Muhabura Volcano hike, rewarding you with sweeping views across Rwanda and one of Africa’s most striking landscapes.

Your Itinerary

Day 1

Kigali International Airport

Meet and Assist

On arrival at Kigali International Airport, a representative from Akagera Aviation will meet you in the main terminal building with your name on a signboard as you disembark the aircraft. The representative will assist you through customs and immigration (if on an international flight), collect your luggage and accompany you to the Radisson Lounge for refreshments, after which they will accompany you to the Arrivals hall for an introduction to your transfer driver to commence your onward journey.

Kigali International Airport to Hemingways Retreat Kigali

Road • 00:30h

You will be met by a Wilderness Rwanda representative and transferred from Kigali International Airport to Hemingways Retreat Kigali by private vehicle.

Day 1 - 2

Hemingways Retreat Kigali

Location IconKigali, Rwanda

Perched among Rwanda’s emerald hills, Hemingways Retreat Kigali is a peaceful urban sanctuary where creativity, culture, and comfort meet. Perfectly located in the heart of the city, it offers easy access to Kigali’s lively markets, art galleries, and historic landmarks, making it the ideal base for discovering the capital’s rhythm and warmth. This eco-conscious boutique hotel features luxurious rooms, each designed with sustainability and serenity in mind. Expect solar-powered systems, private decks, outdoor rain showers, and saltwater plunge pools, all surrounded by tranquil gardens. The retreat’s in-house spa and fitness centre provide space to unwind, while Fusion, its celebrated fine-dining restaurant, blends flavours from Italy, Mauritius, and Morocco with local Rwandan influence. Fresh, farm-to-table ingredients and produce from the onsite organic garden make every meal memorable. Days unfold at your own pace: ride horseback on Mount Kigali, join a neighbourhood walking tour, or visit the Nyamirambo Women’s Centre before returning for sunset cocktails and soulful dining. Hemingways Retreat captures Kigali’s quiet sophistication and creative energy in perfect balance. Insider's Tip: Visit between June and September for cool, clear days ideal for exploring the city, and perfectly timed for a once-in-a-lifetime gorilla trek in Volcanoes National Park.

1 nights • Luxury Pool Villa x 1

Selected experiences

Kigali City Tour

Dive into the vibrant heart of Rwanda with a guided Kigali city tour, where history, art, and culture converge. Explore the city's origins at its first modern building and stroll through bustling neighbourhoods that reveal its transformation into one of Africa's safest and most welcoming cities. Wander through the colourful city markets, and walk the streets whirling with fruits, vegetables, textiles, woods. Visit the Museum of Natural History with panoramic views of Kigali. Then, pay your respects at the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a poignant and powerful site that honors the victims of the 1994 genocide while offering insight into Rwanda's journey of healing and unity. Pack your walking shoes and get ready to experience Kigali's rich culture and dynamic energy.

Day 2

Hemingways Retreat Kigali - Wilderness Bisate

Road • 03:00h

Day 2 - 5
Wilderness Bisate
Location IconParc National des Volcans, Rwanda

Wilderness Bisate is located in the natural amphitheatre of an eroded volcanic cone and has dramatic views of the peaks of the volcanoes, Bisoke and Karisimbi, rearing up through the Afro-alpine forests of nearby Volcanoes National Park. Six luxurious en-suite Forest Villas maximise comfort and views, while retaining environmental principles and reflecting the culture of rural Rwanda. Each guest contributes to Bisate’s biodiversity conservation and local community projects – making a far-reaching impact on an iconic endangered species: the mountain gorilla. Aside from tracking one of the several habituated gorilla groups, activities include visiting nearby natural attractions, hiking to Dian Fossey’s burial site, and observing the Park’s group of endangered endemic golden monkey. Walks on Bisate’s property offer birding and participation in the reforestation programme. Insider's Tip: Wilderness Bisate is within easy driving distance of Volcanoes National Park Headquarters, from where gorilla treks depart daily.

3 nights • Forest Villa x 1

Selected experiences

Gorilla Trekking

Learn more

Head out on an unforgettable journey through East Africa's stunning landscapes to encounter the majestic mountain gorillas. Guided by expert trackers, explore the misty mountains and lush forests of Volcanoes National Park, home to these rare giants. As you search for the gorillas, you will be enthralled by the rich mosaic of the montane ecosystems, which embrace a diverse range of evergreen and bamboo forest, open grassland, swamp and heath. The park's 200 species of colorful birds and chattering of the rare golden monkey will keep you company as you track the mountain gorilla through the forest. Spotting the gorillas may take a few hours or a full day, but the moment you find them, you'll have an hour to observe their fascinating behavior up close. Then, return to camp with cherished memories and new friends, both human and gorilla alike.

Golden Monkey Tracking

Set out on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure into the highland bamboo forest to track the endangered golden monkeys. Start your day with an early breakfast before heading to Volcanoes National Park for a safety briefing. Feel the excitement build as you venture into the forest, keeping your eyes peeled for the infamous flashes of gold zipping through the trees above you. These social creatures live in groups of up to 30, navigating the foliage with incredible agility. The trek, lasting two to four hours, culminates in a magical hour spent observing the monkeys up close. Watch in awe as they frolic, feed on bamboo leaves, and carry their young, seemingly oblivious to your presence. After this unforgettable encounter, trek back to base where your driver/guide will be ready to whisk you back to your lodge or next adventure. Perfect for primate lovers, this trek is also an ideal precursor to mountain gorilla trekking, helping you acclimate to the altitude and terrain.

Muhabura Hike

Embark on an unforgettable adventure up Mount Muhabura, a dormant volcano in the Virunga Mountains straddling the Rwanda-Uganda border. Standing tall at 4,127 metres, this majestic peak offers an exhilarating full-day hike, starting at the Volcanoes National Park's headquarters at 07:00. As you ascend, take in the sights and sounds of the vibrant wilderness around you, where you might spot forest elephants, golden monkeys, mountain gorillas, duikers, and a dazzling array of bird species. Pause at a scenic lookout to enjoy a delicious picnic lunch, soaking in the beauty of the diverse vegetation and natural wonders. Rejuvenated, continue your journey to the summit, where a breathtaking 360-degree panorama awaits, offering unparalleled views of Rwanda and Uganda. This epic journey will leave you spellbound by the beauty and grandeur of Mount Muhabura.

Day 5

Wilderness Bisate - Kigali International Airport

Road • 03:00h

Kigali International Airport

Meet and Assist

On departure, at Kigali International Airport, you will be met at the departure gate by a Akagera Aviation representative who will assist you with check-in and passport control. You will then be escorted to a private lounge where you can relax and enjoy complimentary snacks and refreshments while awaiting your onward flight.

What to expect

Includes

  • All safari accommodation & meals
  • Twice daily safari activities
  • Park fees and concession fees
  • Laundry service
  • Airport and inter-camp transfers as specified
  • Meet & Greet
  • Gorilla trekking & Golden monkey permits
  • Breakfast included at city hotels
  • Muhabura hike

Excludes

  • International flights
  • Gratuities
  • Personal purchases
  • Travel insurance
  • Visa fees

Start your journey

These experiences are just a glimpse of what’s possible. If you’d like to book this trip or shape a custom itinerary, we are here to help you plan your perfect safari.

GUEST EXPERIENCES

What others say

Our awards

The hard work of our teams on the ground and the communities we work alongside has been recognised through numerous awards. And we couldn’t be prouder.

View all awards
Virtuoso Award 2025

Virtuoso Award 2025

Wilderness - Best Sustainability Community Partner

Travel + Leisure

Travel + Leisure

Wilderness Bisate Reserve - Best New Luxury Hotels

World Travel Awards

World Travel Awards

Wilderness Ruckomechi - Zimbabwe's Leading Safari Lodge

Condé Nast Traveler

Condé Nast Traveler

Wilderness DumaTau - #2 World Resorts

nights
4
from price, per person
USD13,096