5-Day Golden Monkey Trekking, Bisoke Hike & Lake Kivu Tour

Golden Monkey trekking from Kigali

The adventure begins with an essential and early 4:30 AM pick-up from Kigali. This is critical to ensure timely arrival at the Kinigi park headquarters for your briefing. By 7:00 AM, you’ll be meeting your expert park guide for the Golden Monkey Trekking. Unlike the gorillas, the Golden Monkeys live in the lower-lying bamboo forests and are incredibly active and playful. This hour with them is pure joy as their golden fur flashes through the canopy. After the trek, we check in to the beautiful Grotta Resort for a well-deserved lunch. In the afternoon, you will visit the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund. This inspiring conservation hub allows you to connect deeply with the legacy of gorilla protection and the ongoing scientific work that makes primate trekking possible

Overnight back at Grotta Resort

Bisoke Hike & Iby'Iwacu Cultural Village

Today is for the adventurer. After an early breakfast, we head back to the park headquarters for a briefing on the Bisoke Hike Tour. Towering at 3,711 meters, this full-day ascent is strenuous but widely considered the most rewarding single-day hike in the Virungas. The trail takes you through diverse montane vegetation, and the reward is spectacular: a stunning crater lake at the summit. Returning in the afternoon, tired but triumphant, you will transfer to the nearby Gorilla Guardians Village (formerly Iby'iwacu). This cultural village offers a meaningful, interactive experience. You won’t just watch a show; you’ll be invited to participate in traditional drumming, dancing, and hear stories about the pre-colonial Rwandan Kingdom, connecting you to the heart of the local community.

Overnight back at Grotta Resort

Transfer to Lake Kivu for Night Fishing Experience

After breakfast, we take a scenic, approximately 3.5-hour transfer from the volcanic highlands to the shores of Lake Kivu in the charming town of Kibuye. The drive itself is beautiful, traversing the 'Land of a Thousand Hills' into the Rift Valley. We check into the tranquil Cormoran Lodge, renowned for its stunning lake views.

As the sun sets, you'll embark on a unique and authentic cultural experience: Night Fishing with local fishermen. You'll join their traditional wooden boat, observing how they use ancient fishing techniques, including their signature triangular nets and mesmerizing lamps to attract fish. It’s a quiet, reflective, and truly immersive evening under the expansive African night sky.

Overnight: Cormoran Lodge

Napoleon Island Boat Trip & Relaxation

A day dedicated to the peaceful exploration of Lake Kivu. Following a leisurely breakfast, we set off on a comprehensive boat trip. The main stop is Napoleon Island, named for its shape. Here, you can take a short, moderately challenging hike to the summit to find a dense colony of fruit bats hanging in the trees, alongside spectacular panoramic views of the lake and surrounding green hills. The afternoon is reserved for deep relaxation. Whether you choose to read on the lodge terrace, take a dip in the lake’s fresh waters, or simply watch the fishing boats glide by, this downtime allows the intensity of the mountain trekking to fully dissipate.

Overnight at Cormoran Lodge.

Transfer to Kigali for Departure

After a final, relaxed breakfast overlooking the waters of Lake Kivu, we begin the approximately 4-hour scenic drive back to Kigali. This final drive is an opportunity to reflect on your journey—the athletic accomplishment of Bisoke, the joy of the Golden Monkeys, and the peaceful cultural moments on Lake Kivu. Your guide will ensure a timely transfer to Kigali International Airport (KGL) for your departure flight, or to your next accommodation.