5-Day Volcanoes and Dian Fossey Legacy Safari

Safari Overview

For travelers fascinated by primate research and conservation, this 5-day safari explores Volcanoes National Park with gorilla trekking and visits to sites associated with Dian Fossey, the famous primatologist who dedicated her life to protecting mountain gorillas. This journey blends life-changing wildlife encounters with a profound exploration of conservation history, set against the dramatic backdrop of Rwanda’s Virunga volcanoes .

The park is part of the greater Virunga Massif, a transboundary mountain range spanning Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. It contains five of the eight volcanoes in the Virunga chain: Karisimbi, Bisoke, Muhabura, Gahinga, and Sabyinyo. These ancient volcanoes, covered in mist and rainforest, create a dramatic and ethereal setting that leaves visitors in awe .

Safari Highlights

Gorilla Trekking – A life-changing encounter with endangered mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park
Dian Fossey Legacy Tour – Visit the grave site and former Karisoke Research Center, learning about the primatologist who saved the gorillas
Golden Monkey Tracking – Observe these playful primates endemic to the Virunga Mountains
Mount Bisoke Hike – Trek to a stunning crater lake with panoramic volcano views
Cultural Experience – Visit Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village for traditional dance and storytelling
Scenic Drives – Journey through Rwanda’s “Land of a Thousand Hills” with breathtaking views

Brief Travel Plan

Day 1: Kigali → Volcanoes National Park
Day 2: Gorilla trekking
Day 3: Dian Fossey Grave & research sites
Day 4: Nature walks & crater exploration
Day 5: Return to Kigali → Departure

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali – Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your Serengeti Wildlife Safaris representative. After a brief safari orientation, you will begin your scenic drive to Volcanoes National Park in the northwestern part of Rwanda. The journey takes approximately 2.5 hours .

As you travel, enjoy breathtaking views of Rwanda’s rolling hills, vibrant villages, and picturesque countryside landscapes known as the “Land of a Thousand Hills” . The smooth road network makes this one of the most accessible gorilla trekking destinations in Africa .

Upon arrival, settle into your lodge with stunning views of the Virunga volcanoes. The area’s cool climate and lush scenery provide a peaceful introduction to your adventure. In the evening, enjoy dinner and a briefing on the days ahead.

Meals: Dinner | Drinking water included

Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

A Life-Changing Encounter with Gentle Giants

This is the highlight of your Rwandan safari. Wake early for breakfast, then proceed to the park headquarters at Kinigi for a detailed briefing by Rwanda Development Board rangers. The briefing covers trekking guidelines, safety measures, and behavioral protocols to ensure respectful interactions with the gorillas .

Volcanoes National Park is home to 12 habituated gorilla groups and offers arguably the world’s most consistent gorilla trekking . You will be assigned to a specific gorilla family based on your fitness level and begin your trek through dense bamboo and montane forests.

The hike traverses lush vegetation, with terrain varying from moderate slopes to steeper sections. Along the way, you may spot birds, small mammals, and signs of gorilla activity, heightening anticipation . Due to the high number of habituated groups, on any given day you will encounter a group within an hour’s walk, though some treks last from 5 to 7 hours for keen hikers .

When you encounter the gorilla family, you will spend one unforgettable hour observing them in their natural habitat. Watch the silverback lead with quiet authority, mothers groom their infants, and juveniles tumble through the vines . The gorillas’ intelligence, social dynamics, and gentle curiosity leave a profound and lasting impression.

After the trek, return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation. The afternoon is reserved for rest and reflection, allowing you to absorb the experience.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Drinking water included

Day 3: Dian Fossey Legacy Trail – Grave Site & Karisoke Research Center

Walking in the Footsteps of a Conservation Legend

Today is dedicated to exploring the legacy of Dian Fossey, the American primatologist who dedicated her life to protecting mountain gorillas . She set up a research camp in the valley between Mount Karisimbi and Mount Bisoke, naming it Karisoke Research Center in 1967 .

The Hike begins with a briefing at the park headquarters in Kinigi at 7:00 AM, followed by a 30-minute drive to the base of Mount Bisoke . The trail takes you through some of the most beautiful areas of the park, with rare plant life and stunning views of the Virungas .

After approximately 1–3 hours of hiking, you will reach the Dian Fossey grave site and the ruins of the original Karisoke Research Center. The site includes a gorilla graveyard where Fossey buried gorillas that were poached, including her beloved Digit, who was killed in 1977 .

The gravesite is located in a beautiful meadow at the bottom of Mount Bisoke, with beautiful old trees, twisted branches, and hanging vines . Fossey’s own grave is nearby, along with the remains of the Karisoke camp, now largely overgrown but marked by interpretive signs .

Learning Experience:

Understand Fossey’s ground-breaking research on gorilla behaviour
Learn about the threats gorillas faced from poaching and habitat loss
Discover how Fossey’s work led to the habituation of gorilla groups for tourism
Appreciate how gorilla trekking revenue now supports conservation

The hike is of moderate difficulty and doable by anyone with basic fitness, though it can be challenging in wet conditions due to mud. Proper hiking shoes are essential . Porters are available for hire at the starting point .

Return to your lodge for dinner and reflection on this powerful and emotional experience.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Drinking water included

Day 4: Nature Walks – Crater Exploration & Cultural Experience

Today offers flexibility to explore more of what Volcanoes National Park has to offer. Choose from the following activities (some at additional cost):

Option 1: Golden Monkey Tracking
Trek through bamboo forests to observe the playful golden monkeys, endemic to the Virunga Mountains. These energetic primates live mainly in bamboo zones and are less physically demanding to track than gorillas . You will spend one hour with them, watching their acrobatic displays and social interactions. Permits are typically $100 per person.

Option 2: Mount Bisoke Hike
Climb Mount Bisoke (3,711 metres), a moderate one-day hike that rewards you with stunning views of the Virunga volcanoes and a beautiful crater lake at the summit . The hike takes approximately 6 hours round trip and is suitable for fit travelers .

Option 3: Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village
Visit the Gorilla Guardians Village (formerly Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village), a community-based tourism initiative where former poachers now work in conservation. Experience traditional dances, drumming, and storytelling. This immersive cultural visit supports local livelihoods while enriching your travel experience .

Option 4: Modern Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund Campus
Visit the world-renowned Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund near Volcanoes National Park, a modern center dedicated to gorilla conservation, scientific research, education, and community development .

In the evening, enjoy a final dinner with views of the volcanoes.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Drinking water included

Day 5: Return to Kigali – Departure

After breakfast, begin your scenic journey back to Kigali. Along the way, your guide will make stops for local crafts and scenic viewpoints.

En Route Options (time permitting):

Kigali Genocide Memorial – A powerful and moving tribute to the victims of the 1994 genocide
Caplaki Craft Village – Browse traditional Rwandan art and souvenirs
Local Markets – For last-minute shopping and cultural immersion

Arrive at Kigali International Airport for your departure flight, carrying with you the profound memories of gorillas in the mist, the legacy of Dian Fossey, and the beauty of Rwanda.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch | Drinking water included

End of Tour

Inclusions

Airport transfers (Kigali – Volcanoes NP – Kigali)
Gorilla Trekking Permit ($1,500 value)
All park entry and conservation fees
Guided hike to Dian Fossey grave site and Karisoke Research Center
Golden monkey tracking (if chosen)
Mount Bisoke hike (if chosen)
Cultural visit to Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village (if chosen)
Private 4×4 safari vehicle with English-speaking driver-guide
All meals as indicated (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Bottled drinking water
Accommodation as described in the itinerary

Exclusions

International flights
Rwanda visa fees
Travel and medical insurance
Tips and gratuities for guides and lodge staff (suggested $10–$15 per person per day)
Personal expenses (souvenirs, laundry, phone calls, etc.)
Alcoholic and soft drinks
Optional activities not listed in the itinerary

Book Your Safari