Rwanda's mountain gorillas are a common way to introduce the country, but they are only one part of its history. Beyond the well-known primates is a place where traditional culture, volcanic landscapes, forests, lakes, tea country, and amazing birdlife are all surprisingly close to each other. Rwanda's official tourism information lists 703 bird species and 29 Albertine Rift Endemics. The country's small size also lets you see a lot of different landscapes in one trip.

This cultural experiences of Rwanda will show you a different, calmer side of the country. You won't just be rushing from one famous site to the next; you'll have time to listen to birds around the lakes, walk through a sacred forest, meet locals, see traditional crafts, learn how farming is still a part of everyday life and engage in our 1k Tree ReGreen Initiative event with youth and elders of the community. 
It will also be easy to switch between adventure and comfort. A tough climb up to a high altitude will be balanced by peaceful time by Lake Kivu and friendly interactions with locals. About 3,700 meters high is Mount Bisoke. The western highlands and volcanic areas of Rwanda are cooler than the warmer lowlands.

For tourists who have been to typical safari spots before, the variety in a relatively small country will be appealing. One morning might start with mist around the Virungas and end with a calm evening by a lake. Another day might find you in tea fields listening to farmers talk about the crop that has become one of Rwanda's main exports. Rwanda got its first tea plantations and factories in 1952, and many of them are now open to visitors.

During the trip, comfort will still be a top priority, but the experience won't become an overly expensive Rwanda luxury safari. Your private road transportation, carefully planned activities, sensible itinerary, and warmth local service will make the experience feel polished while still leaving time for spontaneous photos, conversations, and quiet times. Once your reservation is confirmed, you will be given exact information about your accommodations.

Difficulty Level

Overall, this itinerary will be moderate but one day of hiking on Mount Bisoke will be difficult. For most cultural tours, visits to birdwatching  destinations, road transfers, and activities by the lake, you will only need to be able to walk normally. However, some community paths and natural trails may be uneven, muddy, or sloped. Because Rwanda is made up of volcanoes, the weather can change quickly, especially in the mountains.

To hike Mount Bisoke in Volcanoes National Park, you will need to be in the optimum condition possible. You should be able to handle walking uphill for several hours and working out at a high altitude.

You won't need to know how to climb very well, but having good walking shoes, a good level of cardiovascular fitness, and patience will make the experience a lot more fun. Adults who like to be active, couples, families with minimum 15 years old kids who are in good enough physical condition(same age limits to go mountain gorilla trekking), solo travelers, and private small groups can all go on the trip. For wheelchair users, the part that goes up Mount Bisoke won't work, but the parts that go along the road and the lake can usually be changed to work better for their needs.