What else can you do in Volcanoes National Park besides gorilla trekking?

Beyond gorilla trekking, Volcanoes National Park offers: golden monkey trekking (USD $100, the only place in the world to see this species); the Dian Fossey tomb hike to the original Karisoke Research Center (2-3 hours each way); the Bisoke volcano day hike to a crater lake at 3,711 metres; the Karisimbi 2-day summit ascent to Rwanda's highest point at 4,507 m; and the Sabyinyo summit hike to the tri-border junction of Rwanda, Uganda and DRC.

What is golden monkey trekking in Volcanoes National Park?

Golden monkey trekking is a guided visit to a habituated group of golden monkeys (Cercopithecus kandti) in the bamboo forest of Volcanoes National Park. The golden monkey is found only in the Virunga Volcanoes. The permit costs USD $100 per person. The format mirrors gorilla trekking (guided walk to the group, one hour with the animals) but is shorter and at lower altitude. Park regulations do not permit gorilla and golden monkey trekking on the same day.

How long is the Dian Fossey tomb hike to Karisoke?

The Dian Fossey tomb hike from Kinigi park headquarters to the Karisoke Research Center takes approximately 2 to 3 hours each way — a 4 to 6-hour round trip depending on pace. The trail climbs through montane forest to the camp where Fossey lived, worked for 18 years, and was buried alongside Digit the gorilla. A guide and park fees apply.

Is it worth doing the Bisoke volcano hike?

Yes. The Bisoke day hike is the most rewarding of Volcanoes NP's volcano hikes for the effort required. The 5 to 7-hour guided return ascent to 3,711 metres reaches a spectacular circular crater lake at the summit. It is strenuous but achievable without technical experience. Best done in dry season (June-September or December-February) for clearer summit conditions.

How do I get to Volcanoes National Park from Nairobi?

Fly from Nairobi JKIA to Kigali International Airport (approximately 1 hour 20 minutes) on RwandAir, Kenya Airways or Ethiopian Airlines. From Kigali, private road transfer to Kinigi park headquarters takes approximately 2 to 2.5 hours via Musanze. Total journey time: approximately 4 to 5 hours from Nairobi.

How long should I spend in Volcanoes National Park?

Two nights minimum for gorilla trekking plus one additional activity. Three nights to add a volcano hike alongside gorillas and golden monkeys. Four nights for the most complete experience (gorilla trek, golden monkeys, Fossey hike, Bisoke). Add one night in Kigali for a total of 3 to 5 nights in Rwanda as a standalone or Kenya-Rwanda combined itinerary.

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Crescent Shores Retreats

Kenyatta Ave, Naivasha

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About CSR

Crescent Shores Retreats is a safari tour operator based in Naivasha, Kenya, built on a simple belief: every journey should be as unique as the traveller taking it.