

Hiking and Trekking Adventures in Volcanoes National Park and Nyungwe National Park. Rwanda is a hiking and trekking safari paradise, offering amazing trails for every experience level—from novices who prefer easy walks, to experienced trekkers who desire a physical challenge and expansive views from atop some of the country’s highest peaks. Wild Planet Safaris arranges hikes and treks in two of the country’s top-notch protected areas: Volcanoes National Park and Nyungwe National Park.
Hiking and Trekking Adventures in Volcanoes National Park and Nyungwe National Park. Volcanoes National Park is primarily known for mountain gorilla treks, but the distinct trails in the park bring additional insight into other types of flora and fauna. Most guests are able to enjoy the Dian Fossey Grave Shrine Hiking Tour, a one- to two-hour trek to the site of her home and research camp.
Hiking and Trekking Adventures in Volcanoes National Park and Nyungwe National Park. Set in the heart of East Africa, Rwanda offers an extraordinary landscape of mist-covered mountains, lush rainforests, and diverse ecosystems—making it a premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts. With Wild Planet Safaris, your journey into the wild becomes a seamless blend of adventure, discovery, and expert guidance.
Hiking and trekking in Volcanoes National Park and Nyungwe National Park reveal the country’s most captivating natural treasures. From tracking mountain gorillas through bamboo forests to exploring ancient canopies alive with birds and primates, each step immerses you deeper into Rwanda’s rich biodiversity. Whether you seek gentle nature walks or challenging पर्वत ascents, these iconic parks offer unforgettable experiences tailored to every level of explorer.

Hiking and Trekking Adventures in Volcanoes National Park and Nyungwe National Park. The journey takes you into the heart and mind of the woman best known for her extensive study and passionate protection of the mountain gorillas, which began in the Democratic Republic of Congo and ended tragically with her death in Rwanda. We are touched by the response of guests who see first-hand where Ms.
Hiking and Trekking Adventures in Volcanoes National Park and Nyungwe National Park. Fossey spent her days and nights, as well as where she is laid to rest next to many gorillas killed by poachers, including Digit, her most cherished mountain gorilla.
Hiking and Trekking Adventures in Volcanoes National Park and Nyungwe National Park. Walking in her footsteps in the montane forests of Rwanda will certainly be a special part of your exploratory tour of the country. For advanced hikers who plan to visit Volcanoes National Park, we recommend the hikes to the summits of Mount Karisimbi and Mount Bisoke.
Mount Karisimbi is a dream comes true for those who seek a botanical travel experience and want to see many of Africa’s most exotic plant species. The mountain is part of the volcanic Virungas range and features several distinct zones that differ slightly, from the dry western slopes to the humid eastern slopes. The zones begin at about 1,300 meters and continue to the summit, at 4,507 meters; they include supratropical mountain forest, orotropical bamboo forest, orotropical cloudforest, orotropical ericaceous forest, and altotropical grassland and woodland.
Hiking and Trekking Adventures in Volcanoes National Park and Nyungwe National Park. The summit is capped with snow and may be crowned by a unique lenticular cloud, a rare sight that adds to the mystical quality of the peak. Along the way you pass the Dian Fossey Grave Shrine and may even observe some of the diverse wildlife species living on the mountain.
Hiking and Trekking Adventures in Volcanoes National Park and Nyungwe National Park. At 3,711 meters, Mount Bisoke is slightly shorter than Mount Karisimbi but offers one of the most challenging trekking experiences in Rwanda. After a two-hour walk from Bisate Village, you weave your way into dense jungle and begin the climb to the top.
Hiking and Trekking Adventures in Volcanoes National Park and Nyungwe National Park. At the summit is Lake Ngezi, one of the most scenic and remote locations in Rwanda, which will certainly linger in your memories for many years after your active bush holiday. You cannot swim in the lake, but we encourage all of our guests to take ample photographs to have keepsakes of their time at the top of Mount Bisoke.
Hiking and Trekking Adventures in Volcanoes National Park and Nyungwe National Park. If ever a park was designed for hikers and trekkers visiting Africa, it would be Nyungwe National Park in southwestern Rwanda. The park is designed with a network of trails to provide every guest with a superior nature-centric vacation. The guided walks can last from one to seven hours, based on your fitness level and desired engagement in the park’s spectacular beauty.
Hiking and Trekking Adventures in Volcanoes National Park and Nyungwe National Park. For inexperienced and beginner hikers, we highly recommend the 2.1-kilometer Igishigishigi Trail for incredible views that overlook the Canopy Trail; Karamba Trail to see a former goldmine, army camp, and market; and Muzimu Trail, which winds through remote eucalyptus and pine forests.
Hiking and Trekking Adventures in Volcanoes National Park and Nyungwe National Park. Experienced hikers delighted by birdwatching along the ravines of Uwinka Trail can also revel in the four waterfalls found along the Imbaranga Trail, which is less than 10 kilometers long. The most advanced trekkers are invited to challenge themselves along the Congo-Nile Divide Trail; it takes several days to cover the entire 227 kilometer route, which follows the Nile and Congo rivers.

Several other moderately difficult trails are available to accommodate the desires and abilities of our guests. Umgote Trail offers a plethora of avian fauna and primates amid rainforests and mountain ridges speckled with flowers. On a clear day, you can see Kibira National Park in Burundi.
Hiking and Trekking Adventures in Volcanoes National Park and Nyungwe National Park. If you love waterfalls, we recommend Umoyove Trail, which is lined with towering trees, and Isumo Trail, which takes you through tea fields and along rainforest ravines. As an alternative, take Kamiranzovu Trail to visit the park’s wetlands, as well as a swamp and waterfall.
Hiking and Trekking Adventures in Volcanoes National Park and Nyungwe National Park. The volcanic geology of Nyungwe National Park is spotlighted along Bigugu Trail and Irebero Trail, which encircles two of the highest peaks. Both of these trails also offer impeccable views of Lake Kivu. Pack an energetic picnic lunch and hike along Ngabwe Trail, which features two paths to the summit. You may even want to stay overnight at a campsite.
Hiking and Trekking Adventures in Volcanoes National Park and Nyungwe National Park. Although you will have many chances to witness Africa’s primates during your wilderness trip, Nyungwe National Park offers one of the best trails for spotting chimpanzees. Ruzuki Trail is an exhilarating hike that enlivens your body and senses and also offers great views of Banda Village.
Hiking and Trekking Adventures in Volcanoes National Park and Nyungwe National Park. However deeply you wish to immerse yourself in Rwanda’s natural beauty, the country offers a multitude of trails to suit your interests. Study the most delicate details, breathe in high mountain air, witness wildlife in a pristine setting, and be awed by unparalleled views–all in one place.
The beating of your heart and the low rumble of a massive, yet peaceful silverback are the only sounds you hear as you peer through the dense rainforest vegetation to witness, for the first time, some of the world’s last remaining mountain gorillas of the Virungas. Slowly, you release your breath, stifling a giggle as you watch the antics of infant gorillas and its family members. Your nature-seeking travel has brought you to Volcanoes National Park in northwestern Rwanda, and now it dawns on you that this moment will change your life forever.
Hiking and Trekking Adventures in Volcanoes National Park and Nyungwe National Park. The world’s love for these amazing creatures stems from the work of famed primatologist Dian Fossey, who dedicated her life to studying and protecting the now critically endangered gorillas. Because so few are left on the planet, seeing them in their natural habitat is a heartwarming experience that will deeply touch your soul and spirit.
Hiking and Trekking Adventures in Volcanoes National Park and Nyungwe National Park. Your senses are heightened thanks to this Rwanda’s gorgeous scenery, your sense of adventure is sparked, and your concern is aroused for the conservation and protection of this species. Mountain gorilla trekking is the primary reason international guests safari in Rwanda, and you will have the opportunity to see some of the 880 or so left in the wild.
Visits to the 10 gorilla families habituated to humans in Volcanoes is tightly regulated; with only 80 permits issued each day, we recommend that you plan activities for your gorilla wilderness holiday well in advance, especially if you are coming to Africa during the height of the tourist season.
Hiking and Trekking Adventures in Volcanoes National Park and Nyungwe National Park. The treks to locate the gorillas are one to four hours long, depending on which family you are visiting and the availability of food sources at that time of year. As you traverse the trail, you may see elusive spotted hyenas, buffaloes, black-fronted duikers, forest elephants, and other mammals.
Primate Treks, Canopy Walks, and Wildlife Safaris in Volcanoes National Park,Nyungwe National Park, and Akagera National Park

Hiking and Trekking Adventures in Volcanoes National Park and Nyungwe National Park. The canopy is filled with the chatter of birds, and you may even sight a galago peering back at you. If your schedule allows for an additional day at Volcanoes National Park, we can arrange a special outing to locate the golden monkeys, as well as many other rainforest denizens. You will require a separate permit to track golden monkeys.
Hiking and Trekking Adventures in Volcanoes National Park and Nyungwe National Park. If hiking tops the wish list for your dream vacation in Africa, we recommend that you visit Nyungwe National Park, another protected forested area in southwestern Rwanda that is home to an intact population of more than 500 chimpanzees. You will visit the primates at Cyamdungo Forest or near Uwinka Forest, the two communities open to guests.
Hiking and Trekking Adventures in Volcanoes National Park and Nyungwe National Park. In addition to chimpanzee trekking, Nyungwe National Park is known for having the highest diversity of primate species in one location. Species include black and white colobus, silver monkeys, golden monkeys, Dent’s mona monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, owl-faced monkeys, and grey-cheeked mangabeys, to name just a few.
All of these scampering creatures can be observed on specialized primate tours with Wild Planet Safaris. Primates are just some of 85 species of mammals in the park, which share this unique ecosystem with more than 300 bird species including the great blue turaco, goliath heron, giant hornbill, hamerkop, and red-breasted sparrow hawk.
Hiking and Trekking Adventures in Volcanoes National Park and Nyungwe National Park. In addition to fauna walks, we recommend that you take advantage of the Nyungwe Canopy Walk for a unique perspective of the forest, as well as the many hiking tours available, which range from one to seven hours long. You can even trek in the footsteps of anthropologists, conservationists, and explorers along the Congo-Nile Divide Trail.
No African tour would be complete without a classic wildlife safari experience, and Rwanda will exceed your every expectation. Akagera National Park is the only protected savannah in the country, and many plains game find refuge within the park boundaries. Both rare and common species can be observed on the open expanses, as well as in the papyrus swamps, woodland hills, and lakes. Birdwatchers may prefer the swamps, where sitatunga and shoebill storks are often seen. If you’re searching for large mammals then the grasslands are the place to be. Elephants, zebras, topis, buffalos, roan antelopes, klipspringers, impalas, rhinos and many other herbivores graze quietly here.
Akagera National Park was once void of lions, but these majestic felines were reintroduced in recent years and join leopards, side-striped jackals, and hyenas as the park’s primary hunters. You can witness all the park’s flora and fauna on Big 5 game drives, specialized boating tours, nature-walks, and birding safaris. We recommend that serious bird lovers take a boat excursion on Lake Ihema. The leisure fishing at Lake Shakani is also exceptional.
Hiking and Trekking Adventures in Volcanoes National Park and Nyungwe National Park. Rounding out your ideal Rwanda trip itinerary, you can spend two or three days at Lake Kivu, one of the unsung gems in this part of Africa. Avifauna and fish species are the primary animal life in this region. Your schedule can include taking leisurely walks along the beach to see the unique hot springs, lazing in the sun, and touring the nearby villages, memorials, and other points of interest.
Hiking and Trekking Adventures in Volcanoes National Park and Nyungwe National Park. Should you still have a bit of pent-up energy, try your hand at fishing, kayaking, windsurfing, biking, sailing, and beach volleyball. Just a quick boat ride away from the shoreline is the islands of Napoleon, Bugarama, and Nkomo, which offer intriguing ecosystems to explore. You can even swim in its blue water waters; thanks to the absence of crocodiles and hippos, Lake Kivu is one of the safest lakes in Africa.
Hiking and Trekking Adventures in Volcanoes National Park and Nyungwe National Park. Hiking and trekking through Volcanoes National Park and Nyungwe National Park offer more than just scenic routes—they provide a deep, personal connection to Rwanda’s extraordinary landscapes and wildlife. From misty volcanic slopes to ancient rainforest trails, every step reveals something remarkable and unforgettable.
Hiking and Trekking Adventures in Volcanoes National Park and Nyungwe National Park. With Wild Planet Safaris, you can experience these iconic destinations with expert guidance, thoughtful planning, and a commitment to creating meaningful travel experiences. Whether you’re seeking a challenging trek or a leisurely nature walk, your adventure will be tailored to match your interests and pace.
For more information or to begin planning your journey, we invite you to contact us—your unforgettable Rwandan hiking adventure awaits.
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