Designed for the way you want to travel.
Volcanoes National Park, located in the northern part of Rwanda, is one of the most famous and critically important protected areas in Africa. It is renowned for its role in the conservation of the endangered mountain gorillas and its stunning volcanic landscapes. Here are some key features and highlights of Volcanoes National Park:
What’s covered
- Accomodation
- Airport Transfers
- Park Entrance Fees
- Lunch Box & Dinner
- Drinking Water.
- 4 x 4 Safari Vehicle.
- Evacuation insurance
- Driver-guide
- Itinerary activities
Plan for separately
- Additional Services
- Personal insurancee
- Tipping
- Visa
- Any Private Expenses
- Hot air balloon safari
Your itinerary
Day 01 : Kigali - Volcanoes National Park
After breakfast, your tour will start with a visit to Ntarama Church, where mass killings occurred during the 1994 genocide. The church was the site of the deaths of more than 5,000 people and remains a powerful reminder of the horrifying violence that took place during Rwanda's infamous genocide. While visiting the church, you'll also learn more about the efforts to reunite Rwanda's people following the genocide. We'll then proceed to Nyamata Church, where a further 2,500 people were massacred during the genocide. The church is also closely associated with the barbaric treatment of women during the genocide, and you'll learn more about the incidences of mass rape, brutalization, and even the horrific use of HIV as a weapon of genocide. You'll then be taken to the village of Mayange, where a revolutionary project to reconcile the perpetrators and survivors of the 1994 Genocide by having them live side by side is underway. You'll be taken on a guided tour of the Reconciliation Village, learning about how the healing process between victims and perpetrators is taking place. You'll then have lunch with the locals before continuing your tour of the Reconciliation Village with visits to facilities such as the school and health centre, the local plantations, and an art gallery. After your busy day of discovery, you'll continue on to Musanze to overnight.
Day 02 : Gorilla Trekking
After an early breakfast at your hotel, you'll proceed directly to the Volcanoes National Park's headquarters to meet your guides. After completing the briefing, you'll embark on the once in a lifetime experience of tracking the enigmatic mountain gorillas. There is no guarantee how long or difficult your tracking experience will be as it depends on where the family of gorillas is and on weather conditions, It can take anywhere from two up to six hours of trekkingg through the mountain forest at relatively high altitudes. Fitness is definitely recommended for those wishing to undertake the excursion. One of the most memorable experiences you're likely to ever have, you'll be allowed an hour of close contact with the gorillas once you've found them. You'll be privileged enough to come within mere metres of a family of these rare and beautiful animals, observing their family dynamics and getting to learn a bit about each gorilla's distinct personality in serene silence. Once your time with the gorillas is done, you'll return to your hotel for lunch. As an extra activity in the afternoon, you can pay a visit to the beloved Gorilla Guardian Village to learn more about Rwanda's pre-colonial past. In a series of demonstrations and interactive activities, you'll learn about everything from traditional medicine to warfare to how to hunt.
Day 03 : Volcanoes National Park - Lake Kivu
We'll spend the day tracking another of the Volcanoes National Park's primate inhabitants, the beautiful golden monkeys. You'll trek through sun dappled glades and dense stands of bamboo in search of these playful monkeys, who are well accustomed to visitors. This means you'll be able to view the golden monkeys playing, feeding, and leaping from tree to tree as if you weren't there. While your time with the monkeys is limited to an hour, this is ample time to see the inquisitive creatures in their natural habitat. Once your viewing is complete, you'll return to your hotel to freshen up and have lunch. After lunch you will start your scenic drive to Lake Kivu and overnight in the region.
Day 04 : Lake Kivu
In the morning you will explore the lake by taking a boat tour. If you are looking for something more active you can opt to go kayaking. After the time on the lake you will have a walk to see an authentic fishing village in action. You'll have lunch at a location at the lake – you will be enjoying lunch and have a taste of the spoils of the lake. You'll overnight again on the shores of Lake Kivu. You'll have the opportunity to both explore the quaint colonial town and (if time allows) even take a dip in the vast freshwater lake's cool waters.
Day 05 : Lake Kivu - Kigali
You'll have breakfast on Lake Kivu and then return to Kigali. Upon arrival in the Rwandan capital, you'll enjoy a half-day city tour to the Natural History Museum, the haunting Genocide Memorial, and the local craft markets. You might also wish to have lunches at Hotel Mille Collines - better known as 'Hotel Rwanda.
Moments along the way
Frequently asked questions
0101. What is included in my safari package?+
Your package page lists the inclusions for that itinerary. These may include accommodation, park or conservation fees, safari transport, guiding, meals, drinking water and airport transfers where specified. Please check the Package Included section for the exact services covered by your selected tour.
0202. What is not included in the safari price?+
Typical exclusions are listed in the Package Excludes section and may include international flights, visas, personal insurance, tips, private expenses and optional activities. We recommend reviewing the specific itinerary before booking.
0303. What is the best time to go on safari in Tanzania?+
Tanzania can be visited throughout the year. The best period depends on the parks, wildlife experience and season you want. Cajanus Safaris can help match your travel dates with the right parks and safari style.
0404. Can you arrange a private or tailor-made safari?+
Yes. Safari itineraries can be adapted around your travel dates, preferred accommodation level, interests, pace and budget. Contact Cajanus Safaris to discuss a private or tailor-made journey.
0505. What should I pack for a safari?+
Light, comfortable clothing, a warm layer for early mornings, closed walking shoes, sun protection, insect repellent, personal medication, a reusable water bottle and a camera are useful. A detailed packing recommendation can be provided before departure.
0606. How do I confirm my safari booking?+
Submit the booking form with your preferred dates and traveller details. The Cajanus Safaris team will review the request, confirm availability and respond with the next steps for securing your itinerary.