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Local hills hiking: A 2.5-hour journey to spectacular views and local lifestyle
4.9
16 Ratings
Gakenke
Embark on a thrilling 2.5-hour hike to the top of a 2,660-meter hill, where you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views, local culture, and visits to landmarks like Mushubi primary school and Bagenge Rock.
Duration:
6 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
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Highlights
- Gakenke Market - Gakenke market is known for its booming trade where bananas amongst athers fruits and vegetables as well as staple foods are sold.This open-air market is a community gathering.
![](https://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/attractions-splice-spp-720x480/12/3f/38/23.jpg)
What's Included
- Snacks
What's Not Included
- Private transportation
Additional Information
The journey to the peak takes roughly 2.5 hours, with a 2-hour descent. The hill stands at about 2,660 meters above sea level. Hikers are treated to stunning vistas of surrounding hills, picturesque scenery and landscapes, and get to experience the local village life. Interesting stops include Mushubi primary school, before reaching the hill’s summit, and attractions such as Burera and Ruhondo lakes, along with the Bagenge Rock, among others.
Location
Gakenke
Near Nemba Hospital
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.9
(16 Ratings)
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1 star
Scocker
Jun 18, 2024
Fabulous two days. - Had two fabulous days with Esther who met me at my hotel and organised for me to trek to Dian Fossey’s grave site and a half day walk around the fields towards Besoke. It was truly magical. I thought being solo it would be hard to organise, especially at such short notice. Esther speaks beautiful English and I really enjoyed her company. Very professional. She also organised my transport back to Kigali.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Tour53496522171
Mar 11, 2023
Wonderful hike with Allen and Jeanette - Just me and two lovely knowledgeable ladies doing a great hike with wonderful vistas. About 90 mins outside Kigali ( pick up and return is extra) the hike started with some straight uphill but pace was very calm and lots of breaks as I needed. Lots of wonderful information on the city and country as well and gorgeous views everywhere. Excellent guides and a wonderful experience! Will definitely contact this team for any other visits to Rwanda.
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Mngiraffes
Jun 17, 2022
Beautiful experience in land of thousand hills! - Local hills hiking is just what the title says.
We got transport from/to Kigali for additional price.
Our guides Justin and Francis were kind and knowledgeable. Shared a lot of information not only about Mt. Kabuye but about Rwanda culture, people and history.
Hiking to the peak of Mt. Kabuye was moderate difficulty. But at the peak 3 course meal is waiting for you! That was even too much food :)
For us, the highlight of the hike were spontaneus talks with local people and children on the streets and school.
We really enjoyed it!
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Tom
Feb 5, 2022
Enjoyable walk and camping - We booked a walk up Mount Kabuye, we were met at the starting point and given our briefing and met the guide (allan) and the porters. There is secure parking on site, so you can leave the car overnight.
It took us a few hours to reach the top, the pace was as we required and breaks are at your ease, there was never a rush to get us to the top. The guide had some snacks just in case you need a hit of sugar. There are also Jibu water points to refill your water as you go up. Its a nice walk, with only a couple of steeper parts, otherwise gradual and the final part in through the woods which is nice!
On arrival we were greeted by the team at the top. The set up is nice, we a few wooden builds to host kitchen and dinning. We were fed tea, snack and then a large lunch which was well cooked and enjoyed by all guests (they ask dietary requirements before hand).
Our tents with mat, sleeping bag provided by Beyond Gorillas are set up for you, allowing you to enjoy a bit of time by a covered fire pit. The fire is great spot to spend the evening before and after another tasty evening meal (and a bottle of wine).
In the morning, we had breakfast and headed back down in under 2 hours.
Overall its a nice out of Kigali experience, the guide was excellent and the service at the top was also great.
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Senior_sol
Oct 12, 2021
Mt Kabuye Trail Hike - I'm a 60 yr old woman, I walk all the time at home but boy was I surprised when Mt. Kabuye turned into a trial & tribulation but thanks to Kwame(porter)& Theo (owner). I was able to complete the trail hike, yes I was the last member of our group to reach the lodge but it was so gratifying to be able to complete the hike. I got cheers.. All of the Beyond Gorillas staff were absolutely the most helpful; kind,attentive and provided a 1st Class Customer Experience and the chef prepared delicious meals using locally grown produce. I recommend Beyond Gorillas Experience.
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P3012cadanm
Oct 7, 2021
Mount Kabuye camping is a must-do! - camping on the top of Mount Kabuye is a beautiful experience. The camp is set in beautiful, quiet green forest with stunning views across Rwanda's peaks. The camp facilities are basic (simple tent provided, basic seated toilet, shower is a hot water bucket and a jug to pour it over yourself) but it's comfortable (mattresses in the tents, beer and wine available), and the catering team up there are out of this world - they delivered a full 3 course dining experience, with a great chef at the helm (they ably and happily catered for me as a vegetarian too), eating around warming fire pit.
We spent 2 nights there as part of a mountain bike trip. Would definitely return just for the camping and location (binoculars for birding recommended) and the very helpful and super friendly staff.
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Esiu2021
Apr 20, 2021
Hike Mount Kabuye with BGE - Mount Kabuye hike. The team BGE organise it very well. stunning view and incredible story they tell who we reach the summit. And the customer care including food are excellent. Do not hesitate to Hike with BGE
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Punawa
Oct 26, 2020
Unforgettable hike, don't miss it - During covid-19, we were the only international tourists traveling the country. We did not have much plans and we found them on a daily basis.
Being told about “Beyond the Gorillas Experience” by our guesthouse, we contacted them super easily via WhatsApp. Within 10 minutes chatting with Theodore, we had organized our activity for the next day.
We had chosen a local hike near Musanze to Mount Mbwe.
They were super professional from start to end. Our guide and driver were waiting on time at the guesthouse. We drove with our rental car to the starting point and let the keys to their driver to bring the car at the end of the hike.
We started around 1700m altitude to reach the top at 2200m which took a good 1h30 (excluding breaks) at a very good pace as our guide was very fit. He had to slow down a little as some parts are extremely steep for European standards.
This hike will amaze you from start to finish. Views are spectacular, through villages, plantations, fields, forest till you finally reach the lake on the other side. You cannot make it more authentic as we were alone spectating the local day-to-day life. You encounter many people who seem happy to see you with their big smiles but also wait for you to make a wrong step and have a good laugh at you.
Some parts are very tricky especially when you start to descent. Terrain is dry, ultra-steep, sliding. Take good shoes, descent slowly and be careful. But your eyes won't believe the beauty of the surroundings.
Our guide was just the best you could have dreamed of. Not only was he super kind, attentive and talkative about anything but he had such a broad knowledge of nature. He knew every single bird we could see and he tells you a lot about Rwanda. Don't be shy asking any questions your might have. We are so grateful to have met him.
After the descent, we arrive at the Ruhondo lake where a small boat was waiting for us. We drove for 40mins to a small island with just one house. There, food was waiting for us (rice, vegetables, beef, potatoes...) That was so good and a lot. The scenery was just unrealistic. Beautiful moment, beautiful time. Everybody is so kind, everything is so well organized, very impressive.
After that, we took the boat again for a short trip to the electrical power plant where our rental car was parked.
This hike was the best time we have spent in Rwanda. There is everything you could look for during your trip: physical challenge, amazing landscapes, interactions with locals, good food, knowing about Rwanda culture/society.
They are still developing and improving their activities. We had a long talk with Theodore who was interested in a feedback of our activity. Wish them all the luck possible for their future.
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15qamera
Feb 3, 2020
Mount Kaboye Hike - The Mount Kaboye Hike with beyond the gorilla team was amazing experience and it was well organised. I will definitely recommend BGE for any kind of trips.
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Reggielombard
May 14, 2023
Decent hike 2 hours outside Kigali - great view of the hills and country life - Booked this hike with less than 24 hours and they did everything to arrange it all at short notice including the pick up from my hotel in kigali .
The start of the hike is about 2 hours outside kigali and is a moderate hike . A proper moderate hike - it is not an easy one .
It's just over 1000m of climbing and took me about 2 hours 10 mins of walking to complete (excluding a 10mins pit stop when we got guava from a local farmer and stopped to eat then ) . The original guide to top is 3.5 hours and that would allow for lots of stopping /breaks
Track is a dirt/earth road most of the hike with a little Forrest at the top! Do take the pole that is offered - I was reluctant to take it b it was glad I did as parts are extremely slippery- my butt did hit the ground on the way down on one occasion.
At the top you are treated to drink of your choice and some freshly cooked snacks - I highly recommend the ginger tea - was fantastic . Do tell them your dietary requirements as they are very flexible !!!
The way down was slightly different to way up so plenty of variety of scenery and Francis is full of information on all the plants and vegetation!
Overall great trip - John the driver arrived early and was a very safe driver and I was back in Kigali by 4pm
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