Gorilla trekking is often the highlight of a Rwanda safari, but it does not need to be the only experience. After spending a powerful hour with mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park. Many travelers choose to extend their journey with complementary activities that showcase Rwanda’s biodiversity, culture, and landscapes.
Rwanda’s compact geography allows visitors to combine rainforest primates, savannah wildlife, lakeside relaxation, and cultural exploration within a short travel window. Whether you want another primate encounter, a Big Five safari, scenic hiking, or a cultural immersion, there are several meaningful activities to consider after visiting Rwanda Gorillas of Volcanoes National Park. This is one of the best Rwanda Safari experiences.
Golden Monkey Tracking in Volcanoes National Park
Golden monkey tracking is one of the most popular add-on activities after gorilla trekking. These endangered primates inhabit the bamboo forests on the lower slopes of the Virunga volcanoes.
Unlike gorillas, golden monkeys move quickly and energetically through the forest canopy. Their bright orange-gold fur creates striking contrast against green vegetation, offering excellent photography opportunities. The trek is generally less strenuous than gorilla trekking and often takes place at lower elevations.
Golden monkey tracking provides a second primate experience while you are already based near Volcanoes National Park, making it a logical and convenient extension.
Dian Fossey Tomb Hike
For travelers interested in conservation history, hiking to the grave site of Dian Fossey offers deeper context into Rwanda’s gorilla protection legacy.
The hike leads to the former Karisoke Research Center site between Mount Karisimbi and Mount Bisoke. Along the trail, guides explain Fossey’s pioneering research and anti-poaching efforts. The trek can be moderately challenging but rewards visitors with powerful historical perspective.
This activity connects directly to the conservation story behind the gorillas you encountered.
Mount Bisoke or Karisimbi Hiking
Adventure travelers may choose to climb one of the Virunga volcanoes after gorilla trekking. Mount Bisoke offers a one-day hike to a crater lake at its summit, while Mount Karisimbi requires a two-day trek due to its higher elevation.
These hikes provide dramatic panoramic views of Rwanda and neighboring countries. They also allow deeper immersion into the volcanic ecosystem that supports mountain gorillas.
Physical fitness is required, and proper hiking preparation is essential. For active travelers, volcano hiking adds a strong adventure element to the itinerary.
Lake Kivu Relaxation
After the physical effort of gorilla trekking, many travelers head to Lake Kivu for relaxation. Located a few hours from Volcanoes National Park, Lake Kivu offers scenic waterfront towns such as Gisenyi and Kibuye.
Activities include boat cruises, kayaking, swimming, and lakeside leisure. The calm environment provides a peaceful contrast to the intensity of forest trekking.
Lake Kivu works particularly well for honeymooners or travelers who want to balance adventure with downtime.
Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe Forest
If you want to continue exploring Rwanda’s primates, chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park offers a dynamic and energetic experience.
Chimpanzees move quickly through the canopy and communicate loudly, creating a different type of encounter compared to the calm presence of gorillas. Nyungwe also features a canopy walkway suspended above the forest, adding a unique perspective to the rainforest ecosystem.
Combine gorilla trekking and chimpanzee tracking, this creates a comprehensive primate-focused itinerary within one Rwanda.
Big Five Safari in Akagera National Park
Travelers who want a classic African safari after gorilla trekking can visit Akagera National Park in eastern Rwanda.
Akagera is home to lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards, and rhinoceros. Game drives across open savannah landscapes contrast sharply with the dense forest of Volcanoes National Park. Boat safaris on Lake Ihema allow close viewing of hippos and crocodiles.
This combination allows visitors to experience both rainforest primates and traditional savannah wildlife within a single trip, an extension to Serengeti National would add more spices to your bucket list as you could imagine seeing yourself surrounded by thousands of wildebeest and lions within Ngorongoro Conservancy.
There are two unique experiences, that is the wildebeest Migration that takes place between early June to September. The Curving season takes place between early January to late March where thousands give birth and preditors take this chance for easy meals.
Cultural and Community Experiences
Rwanda places strong emphasis on community-based tourism. Near Volcanoes National Park, visitors can participate in cultural village visits, traditional dance performances, and craft-making demonstrations.
Coffee tours in rural highlands provide insight into Rwanda’s agricultural heritage. These experiences create meaningful connections with local communities and demonstrate how tourism revenue supports livelihoods.
Cultural activities add depth to a wildlife-focused itinerary.
Kigali City Exploration
Before departing Rwanda, spending time in Kigali offers important historical and cultural context. A visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial provides understanding of Rwanda’s resilience and national transformation.
Kigali also features modern restaurants, art galleries, and vibrant coffee culture. The city’s cleanliness and organization often surprise first-time visitors.
Ending your trip in Kigali allows reflection and appreciation of Rwanda beyond its wildlife attractions.
Final Thoughts
Gorilla trekking may be the centerpiece of a Rwanda safari, but it is only the beginning. Golden monkey tracking, volcano hiking, Lake Kivu relaxation, chimpanzee trekking, Big Five safaris, and cultural visits all enrich the overall experience.
Rwanda’s small size makes it possible to explore diverse ecosystems without extensive travel time. Whether you prefer adventure, wildlife diversity, cultural immersion, or relaxation, there are meaningful activities to enjoy after gorilla trekking.
Plan Your Complete Rwanda Itinerary With Us
VolcanoesNationalPark.com specializes in designing full Rwanda safari itineraries that extend beyond gorilla trekking. We secure permits, coordinate accommodation, arrange transfers, and integrate activities across Volcanoes National Park, Nyungwe Forest, Akagera National Park, Lake Kivu, and Kigali.
If you are planning gorilla trekking and want to explore additional experiences afterward, contact VolcanoesNationalPark.com today. Our team will design a seamless and unforgettable Rwanda journey tailored to your interests.