10-Day Rwanda Gorillas & Kilimanjaro Hiking Tour
Our 10 days Rwanda Gorillas and Kilimanjaro Hiking Safari is perfect for hikers and travelers who wish to see mountain gorillas and climb Africa’s tallest mountain. Mountain gorillas are rare and gentle apes found only in the Virunga Mountains.
During this safari, you will enjoy gorilla trekking and spend an hour with these great primates in their natural habitat. You will also hike Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, one of Africa’s most rewarding hiking adventures. In addition, you will take a city tour in Kigali to visit attractions such as the Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre, local markets, and museums.
10-Day Rwanda Gorillas & Kilimanjaro Hiking Tour Highlights
- Visit Rwanda and Tanzania in one safari.
- Explore Kigali city and visit the Genocide Memorial Centre.
- Trek mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park.
- Learn about gorilla behavior and how to track them safely.
- See other forest animals and birds during the trek.
- Fly from Kigali to Moshi for your mountain adventure.
- Climb Mount Kilimanjaro using the Machame route.
- Enjoy views of forests, moorlands, and glaciers.
- Reach Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa.
- A great mix of gorilla trekking, hiking, and culture.
Brief 10-Day Rwanda Gorillas & Kilimanjaro Hiking Tour Itinerary
- Day 1: Kigali city tour
- Day 2: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
- Day 3: Gorilla trekking
- Day 4: Drive to Kigali, fly to Moshi, and relax
- Day 5: Drive to Machame Gate and trek to Machame Camp
- Day 6: Trek to Shira Camp
- Day 7: Hike to Barranco Camp
- Day 8: Trek to Barafu Camp
- Day 9: Hike to Uhuru Peak and descend to Mweka Camp
- Day 10: Descend to Mweka Gate and transfer to the airport
Detailed 10-Day Rwanda Gorillas & Kilimanjaro Hiking Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Kigali city tour
Your 10-day safari begins with a city tour in Kigali. Meet your guide at the agreed location and visit key attractions such as the Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre, museums, art galleries, local markets, and milk bars. After the tour, head to your hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 2: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
After breakfast, leave your hotel and drive to Volcanoes National Park, home of the endangered mountain gorillas. It is one of only four national parks in Africa where these gorillas can be found. The road trip offers scenic views of Rwanda’s famous thousand hills. Arrive and check into your lodge for dinner and rest.
Day 3: Gorilla trekking day
After an early breakfast, go to the park headquarters for a short briefing. You will learn about gorilla behavior and the rules for trekking, such as keeping a safe distance, avoiding noise, and not feeding the animals.
Start the trek with a park ranger through the forest, where you might see other wildlife such as birds, plants, and small primates like black and white colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, and vervet monkeys. Once you locate a gorilla family, spend one hour with them and take photos. The entire trek usually lasts between 3 and 8 hours. Return to your lodge for relaxation and dinner.
Day 4: Drive to Kigali, fly to Moshi, and relax
Have breakfast and drive back to Kigali. Board your flight to Tanzania and arrive at either Arusha or Moshi Airport. Meet your driver-guide, who will brief you about your hiking schedule. Transfer to your hotel in Moshi, where you can relax or explore the town’s attractions such as markets and local museums. Dinner and overnight stay at your hotel.
Day 5: Drive to Machame Gate and trek to Machame Camp
After breakfast, transfer to Machame Gate for registration and a short briefing. Get your equipment ready, hire porters, and begin the hike through the montane forest. You may spot monkeys like the black and white colobus, red-tailed, and vervet monkeys along the trail.
Arrive at Machame Camp in the evening and enjoy your first night in the mountains after dinner.
Day 6: Trek to Shira Camp
After breakfast, continue your trek toward Shira Camp through the moorland zone, where the vegetation becomes shorter. This section is shorter and less steep than the previous day. Lunch will be served on the way.
Arrive at Shira Camp in the afternoon, located at 3,845 meters above sea level, and enjoy views of Kibo Peak and its glaciers. Dinner and overnight stay at the camp.
Day 7: Hike to Barranco Camp
Today’s trek includes some uphill and downhill sections and takes about 6 to 7 hours. You will pass the Lava Tower, which stands at 4,640 meters. Barranco Camp, your overnight stop, is known for its beautiful setting below the Barranco Wall. Dinner and overnight stay at the camp.
Day 8: Trek to Barafu Camp
After breakfast, climb the Barranco Wall using both your hands and legs for support. The trail has several ups and downs and offers great views. Stop for a picnic lunch at Karanga Valley before continuing to Barafu Camp, which means “ice” in Swahili.
Once you reach the camp, drink plenty of hot fluids, have a hearty dinner, and rest early to prepare for the summit hike.
Day 9: Hike to Uhuru Peak and descend to Mweka Camp
Wake up around midnight and start your final ascent to the summit using headlamps or spotlights. After about five hours of hiking, reach Stella Point on the crater rim. Continue to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa at 5,895 meters above sea level.
Take photos and celebrate your achievement, then descend to Barafu Camp for a warm meal and a short rest. Continue down to Mweka Camp for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 10: Descend to Mweka Gate and transfer to the airport
After breakfast, descend to Mweka Gate, where you will be greeted with traditional songs and drumming by your hiking team. Sign out of the park, say goodbye to your crew, and transfer to the airport in Moshi for your departure flight.
This marks the end of your Rwanda Gorillas and Kilimanjaro Hiking Safari.
