Climb to a Crater Lake, Then Track Golden Monkeys
This 2-day private tour from Kigali combines a volcano hike with a primate trek in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. On Day 1, you’ll climb Mount Bisoke through rainforest and bamboo to the crater lake at its summit, then spend the night in Musanze. On Day 2, you’ll track golden monkeys in the bamboo forest and visit the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund before driving back to Kigali.
There is no gorilla trek on this tour. Our 1-day Mount Sabyinyo hike and 1-day golden monkey trip each cover one activity; this tour puts a different volcano and the monkeys together, with a night in between.
Why You’ll Love This Safari
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Trip Details
Trip Details
Price
Price on request. Tell us your dates and group size, and we’ll send you a quote.
Meeting point
Your hotel in Kigali (4:30 AM pickup)
Availability
Year-round, 7 days a week
Duration
2 days
Group size
Min. 1 person
Included
- Park fees (for non-residents)
- Mount Bisoke hiking permit (one per person, non-resident)
- Golden monkey permit for Volcanoes National Park (one per person, non-resident)
- Ellen DeGeneres Campus visit
- All activities (unless labeled as optional)
- All accommodations (unless listed as upgrade)
- A professional driver/guide
- Private safari vehicle: a 4×4 Land Cruiser, Toyota Prado or safari van, depending on group size
- All transportation (unless labeled as optional)
- All taxes/VAT
- Roundtrip airport transfer
- Meals (as specified in the day-by-day section)
- Drinking water (on all days)
Not included
- International flights (from/to home)
- Additional accommodations before and at the end of the tour
- Tips
- Porter fees
- Rescue fees
- Climbing gear
- Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
- Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
- Some meals (as specified in the day-by-day section)
What to bring
- Waterproof jacket and rain pants
- Warm layers (it gets cold near the summit)
- Neutral-colored clothing (avoid bright colors)
- Long-sleeved shirt
- Long pants
- Sturdy hiking boots with ankle support
- Gaiters (for mud and nettles)
- Gloves (for steep, slippery sections)
- Walking poles (optional)
- Hat
- Light backpack
- Refillable water bottle
- Sunscreen
- Snacks
- Face mask (worn near the primates)
Participation requirements
Min. age of 15 years old required to participate in this tour, which includes the Mount Bisoke hike. RDB allows golden monkey tracking from age 12. No fitness test is required, but the Bisoke trail is steep and often muddy, and a reasonable level of fitness helps.
About your guide
Your safari will be led by an experienced local guide who will share facts about the wildlife, landscapes, and culture. Your guide is dedicated to ensuring your safari is safe, informative, and tailored to your interests.
What You’ll See & Do
Day 1: Kigali to Volcanoes National Park and the Mount Bisoke Hike
Your driver/guide will pick you up from your hotel in Kigali at 4:30 AM for the drive north to Volcanoes National Park, about two and a half hours away. At park headquarters, you’ll join the rangers’ briefing before heading to the start of the trail.
The climb takes you through rainforest and bamboo, then up the steeper volcanic slopes of Mount Bisoke, with chances to spot mountain birds along the way. The trail can be muddy and slippery after rain, so keep a steady pace and take breaks when you need them. At the top, you’ll stand on the rim above the crater lake that fills the summit. After the descent, you’ll drive to your hotel in Musanze for the night.
Meals Included: Lunch
Overnight: Musanze
Day 2: Golden Monkey Trek, Ellen DeGeneres Campus and Return to Kigali
After an early breakfast, you’ll return to Volcanoes National Park for your golden monkey trek. Rangers lead you into the bamboo forest on the lower slopes of the volcanoes to find a habituated troop. Once you reach them, you’ll have up to an hour to watch these quick, orange-backed monkeys leap between the bamboo stems and feed on young shoots.
Next, you’ll visit the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, where exhibits explain the research and conservation work behind Rwanda’s gorillas and other wildlife. After lunch, you’ll drive about two and a half hours back to Kigali for drop-off at your hotel or Kigali International Airport.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Frequently Asked Questions
Unlike our other Volcanoes National Park tours, this one includes a hike up Mount Bisoke. Our 1-day Mount Sabyinyo hike climbs a different volcano with no overnight stay, and our 1-day golden monkey trip covers the monkeys and the Ellen DeGeneres Campus only. This tour combines a volcano hike and the golden monkeys, with a night in Musanze. For gorillas, see our 2-day gorilla and golden monkey tour.
No fitness test is required, but this is a steep climb on volcanic ground and the trail is often muddy, so a reasonable level of fitness helps. Rain can make it slippery, so wear sturdy boots and gaiters and bring waterproof gear. Hiking time depends on your pace and the conditions on the day. Porters can carry your bag, but porter fees, rescue fees and climbing gear are not included.
We quote the price for your dates and group size. Your quote includes the Mount Bisoke hike and golden monkey trek, park fees for non-residents, the Ellen DeGeneres Campus visit, one night’s accommodation in Musanze, lunch on Day 1, breakfast and lunch on Day 2, your driver/guide, a private safari vehicle, airport transfers and drinking water. Dinner on Day 1, tips, porter fees and rescue fees are extra.
Everyone on this tour must be at least 15 years old. RDB allows golden monkey tracking from age 12, but this tour also includes the Bisoke hike. It suits active travelers who enjoy a long hill walk, visitors who have already trekked gorillas, and anyone who wants to see Volcanoes National Park without a gorilla permit. Expect an early start, with pickup in Kigali at 4:30 AM.
Yes. Because this is a private tour, we can add a night and a gorilla trek in Volcanoes National Park, subject to permit availability. Gorilla trekking also has a minimum age of 15. Book as early as you can, and about six months ahead for July and August, the busiest months in the park. A 50% deposit confirms your booking.
Our gorilla trekking permit guide explains how permits work and how far ahead to book them.
