4 Finest Days of Self Driving in Volcanoes National Park – Rwanda.
This four days self drive trip is so favorite and among the most popular itineraries taking you to the popular home of mountain gorillas and other primates and wildlife in the Virunga massif. Known as the land of a thousand hills, with warm and welcoming natives, the drive takes you through the rolling hills dotted with terraced gardens and homesteads.
During your stay, enjoy a moment with the mountain gorillas, the scenic views of Mount Bisoke, Cultural interactions at the gorilla guardian’s village and an educative visit to the Ellen de generes Campus of Dian Fossey Fund.
Day to day itinerary.
Day 1 of 4
Start: Kigali International Airport / Hotel in Kigali
Destination: Volcanoes National Park (Musanze)
Drive time: 2.5 hours
Welcome to the Land of a thousand hills. Meet your car rental company representative, read through, check the vehicle and all the documentation, sign the rental agreement pay the rental balance and later set off to drive at your pace but following the traffic rules and a speed limit of 60 km /hr.
Beginning with brief city tour, visit the Kigali genocide memorial site, Kimironko market and any craft centre. Visit a fine restaurant for lunch, after which, set off for Musanze. dinner and overnight at your booked accommodation or camping grounds.
Day 2 of 4
Destination: Volcanoes National Park
Activity: Gorilla tracking and Ibyiwachu Cultural Centre
Ready for a memorable experience? that every nature lover longs for. Join other visitors and park guides at Kinigi park centre for the gorilla tracking excursion. In a group of 8 trekkers and armed ranger guides, venture into the park jungles to meet one of the twelve gorilla families that call this park home. Stay in their presence for an hour to enjoy a calm memorable moment with the gentle giant apes.
Wind up your day with cultural encounter at the gorilla guardian village commonly referred to as the Ibyiwachu cultural centre. Enjoy the best of Rwanda history, culture and tradition.
Day 3 of 4
Destination: Volcanoes national Park
Activity: Bisoke hike
The day’s activity involves hiking one of the five volcanos that comprise volcanoes national park. Mount Bisoke standing at 3711m above sea level. through a 6 hour round trip, enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the mountain and the neighboring volcanos, rare mountain wildlife and the beautiful crater lakes in the middle along the hiking trail and at the top of the volcano.
Optional: Dian Fossey Tomb Hike
Another adventurous hike in the volcanoes national park that leads trekkers to the gravesite of Dian Fossey, a great researcher who dedicated her life to mountain gorilla protection. The hiking trail is located between Mount Bisoke and Karisimbi and provides clear views of the volcanoes in the park. It is a 4 hours hike.
Day 4 of 4.
Start: Volcanoes National Park (Musanze)
Destination: Kigali
All is well, that ends well. here is the final day of your self drive trip to Volcanoes National park-Rwanda. As you drive back to Kigali, visit the Ellen De Generes Campus to learn about gorilla conservation and their environment protection following the efforts of Dian Fossey. Drive to Kigali to meet a representative from your car rental company either at the airport or your desired hotel.
Hoping you had a fine self-drive adventure.
Trip Inclusions
- Vehicle delivery at the airport of hotel in Kigali.
- Car rental with unlimited mileage
- Vehicle insurance
- 24/7 roadside assistance
- Vehicle documentation
- Rental agreement
- Gorilla trekking permit
- Bisoke / Dian Fossey tomb hiking permit
Exclusions
- Personal insurance
- Flight tickets and Visa
- Accommodation and meals
- Driver guide
- Tips and souvenirs
- Optional activities