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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

Accommodation

Summary

DAYS 1 - 2
Kigali, Rwanda
DAYS 2 - 5
Parc National des Volcans, Rwanda
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 AirportHemingways 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

LocationKigali, Rwanda

Hemingways Retreat sits in a residential neighbourhood in Kigali, a boutique property that brings together an eco-conscious design ethos with genuine urban access. The city's markets, art galleries and the Kigali Genocide Memorial are within easy reach; the retreat's position in the hills gives it a quieter feel while keeping the centre close. The property runs on solar power and is designed around its gardens, with rooms opening to private decks, outdoor rain showers and saltwater plunge pools set among the tropical plants. A spa and fitness centre sit within the grounds, and a Fusion restaurant draws on Italian, Mauritian and Moroccan influences alongside local Rwandan produce, largely sourced from an onsite organic garden. Kigali rewards slow exploration; and the retreat’s location fits this pace of life. Neighbourhood walking tours, a visit to the Nyamirambo Women's Centre and horseback riding on Mount Kigali offer different ways into the city, while Volcanoes National Park is accessible as a day trip for gorilla trekking. Insider's Tip: The Nyamirambo Women's Centre visit is one of the most rewarding ways to spend a morning in Kigali, combining a neighbourhood walk with a direct look at the work the centre does within the community.

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 KigaliWilderness Bisate

Road • 03:00h

Day 2 - 5
Wilderness Bisate
LocationParc 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

Embark on an unforgettable trek through the emerald slopes of Volcanoes National Park. Guided by expert trackers, venture further into the mist-shrouded mountains in search of a gorilla family - each with its own unique hierarchy, personalities, and rhythms of life. Depending on where your allocated gorilla group is located, the drive can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours. As you move quietly through the dense forest, the symphony of the jungle surrounds you: the rustle of bamboo, the songs of vibrant bird species, and the playful chatter of golden monkeys leaping through the canopy. Every step reveals a new facet of this rich montane ecosystem, from the whispering bamboo groves to open glades bathed in filtered light. When you finally encounter your gorilla family, time seems to stand still. For one precious hour, observe their gentle interactions - the watchful silverback, nurturing mothers, and curious juveniles - offering an intimate glimpse into one of nature’s most profound bonds. Return to camp exhilarated, carrying with you not just photographs, but an indelible sense of awe and connection that only a second day in the presence of these great primates can bring.

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 BisateKigali 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