Camping At Volcano View Campsite

the guides did great job getting us to a family of gorillas. The hike was slippery in places but the guides held our hands and our gear and were so attentive to us. We were never fearful, even though we got so close to the family including the silverback. Very well organized, made us feel good about all the conservation efforts being done for the gorillas.

I did this as a one day solo trip from Kigali. The day started with a 4:30am pick up. We arrived in Volcanoes NP around 7am where we registered and met our guide and 2 other tourists hiking for the day. As we started the hike, we were joined by soldiers from the Rwandan army. They escorted us 'for our protection' as we were on the DRC border and the forest is full of wildlife. The hike itself it tough. I'm an athletic male in my 20s and found it challenging, it's constant climbing. The crater was filled with cloud/fog when we reached the top but cleared after ~15 minutes. We had lunch at the top and hiked back. I was planning on hiring hiking boots at the start of the trail for $5 but we were told the trail was dry so I made do with my running shoes, I slipped a few times on the way back but nothing serious. Take lots of water - I'd recommend arriving hydrated and taking 2-2.5 litres with you. We enjoyed a beer and some chicken&chips once we got back to the start. The day trip cost me $325. Most of the expense came from the transport to and from Kigali (hiking permit was $75 and $50 for a guide). If not in a hurry, I'd recommend catching a bus from Kigali to Muzanze (~€3.5 one way), staying there the night before and then catch a bus back from Muzanze to Kigali (or to wherever) in the evening. I ended up traveling to Gisenyi the following day and only later realised I should have gone there from Muzanze instead of going back to Kigali - but that was solely due to my lack of research. I arranged the trip through Simon in BGE, he was excellent - super quick at responding and he arranged everything for me at very short notice (the day before!). A big thanks to Simon.

My girlfriend and I went hiking Mont Kabuye with Beyond The Gorilla Experience. Theodore, the manager, was very helpful and responsive for the booking, he answered all our questions and provided us with all the information we needed to plan our hike. Our guide Ferdinand was wonderful, he shared some fascinating facts about the local culture, he was very attentive to our needs and even helped us buy some local banana beer on our way back. The hike itself was a truly unique experience!

Beyond the gorillas offers very professional and friendly services. We spend a lot of time with them and they are truly wonderful. The scenic walk around the vulcanos is not just a scenic walk, it also shows a lot about the agricultural life in this area. Janviere is an amazing guide! Rarely met someone that is so knowledgeable about the area and still very eager to learn more!! If you look for the kinda tour that offers experienced guides that tell you what you want to know in a natural way, this is the place to go! Will definitely use their services again elsewhere in the country. Murakoze cyane

My family recently did a 2-day overnight hike up Mt. Karisimbi. When we booked our permits with RDB, they recommended Beyond the Gorillas Experience to be our outfitter. Theodore, the founder and head of the company, was very professional, responsive, and helpful as we planned the details (including roundtrip transportation from Kigali). We were a group of 7 adults of varying ages and levels of fitness. For most of us, the hike was quite difficult. We spent most of the hike shin-deep in mud, which is what made it so strenuous (if the trail was dry, it would’ve been much easier). Thank goodness for our team of porters, arranged by Beyond the Gorillas Experience, who not only carried all of our bags, food, tents, etc., but also helped many of us up the mountain – they were amazing. It took us about twice as long as expected to reach the overnight camp – we arrived just before sundown. The next morning, only three of us proceeded from the campsite to the summit. Beyond the Gorillas arranged for our camping equipment, which was of good quality (we brought our own sleeping bag liners; wished we’d each brought an inflatable camping pillow, ear plugs and extra layers for the chilly night!) Meals were basic but tasty, particularly after a long day first day – and our team of porters spontaneously serenaded us with songs around the campfire before dinner. Views of Mt. Bisoke and the other volcanos from both the campsite and the summit were breathtaking! We also caught a view of mountain gorillas on the way up! Make sure you have plenty of water and snacks for both days. We ran out of water on the second day, and one member of our group became seriously dehydrated on the hike down. Fortunately, we were greeted by the Beyond the Gorillas Experience team with lunch, drinks, and foot massages upon our return. Even though it was more challenging than we’d bargained for, it was a fun, once-in-a-lifetime experience. We’re grateful to Theodore and his team for helping us to create wonderful memories!

My friend and I had an incredible experience with Beyond the Gorillas. We went during the rainy season in May as lone budget backpackers and were initially a little confused as to how to arrange the trekking and seeing the monkeys on a budget. After enquiring with Migano Cafe (an excellent spot for lunch!) in Masanze, we were introduced to Theodore who arrived within 5 minutes to answer all our questions. He provided us with transport from our hostel to the Headquarters to buy our park permits and then onwards to the starting point of the treks both days (4x4 required as the terrain is very rocky!). We were also provided with good trekking shoes (essential), waterproof trousers, jackets, socks and gaters in addition to as much water as we wanted. Our driver Gabriel would then be waiting each day when we finished the activity to drop us back at our accomodation. He was always very punctual and helpful. He really went out of his way to make sure we had everything we needed-driving us to multiple cash points when we had trouble with the card machines (much easier to pay in cash/USD for everything!!) and helping us to communicate with hostel staff when we had a problem with accomodation (above and beyond their job description). Beyond the Gorillas really helped to take the stress out of organising something which could be logistically tough! It is very clear that all company members just want their clients to have the best experience possible. Definitely recommend!