Volcanoes National Park sits along the Virunga Massif, a chain of dormant volcanoes straddling Rwanda, Uganda and the DRC. It's the birthplace of modern gorilla conservation, where Dian Fossey carried out her famous research, and today it offers some of the most accessible mountain gorilla trekking in Africa.
Gorilla Trekking
Track one of ten habituated gorilla families through bamboo forest.
Dian Fossey Tomb Hike
A moderate hike to the researcher's grave and former camp.
Golden Monkey Tracking
A lighter-effort alternative primate trek in bamboo forest.
Volcano Hiking
Summit hikes up Bisoke or Karisimbi for crater-lake views.
Quick Facts
Why Visit Volcanoes National Park
Rwanda offers some of the shortest average trekking times to reach gorilla families in the region, combined with excellent park infrastructure and easy access from Kigali, roughly two and a half hours by road.
What to Expect on a Trek
Groups of up to eight trekkers are assigned a gorilla family each morning, guided by trackers who locate the group in advance. Once found, visitors get one hour with the gorillas.
- Trekking can range from 30 minutes to several hours depending on the family's location
- Porters are available to hire locally and are recommended
- A minimum age of 15 applies for gorilla trekking permits
Planning Your Visit
Permits sell out well in advance, especially in peak dry seasons, so booking several months ahead is strongly advised.
Good to Know Before You Go
Planning ahead makes all the difference at Volcanoes National Park. Most visitors coordinate Gorilla Trekking with the wider Northwestern Rwanda region, and timing your trip around Jun – Sep & Dec – Feb generally offers the most rewarding experience.
- Book permits several months in advance, especially during peak dry season
- Wear sturdy, broken-in hiking boots and pack a rain jacket regardless of season
- A reasonable level of fitness makes the experience far more enjoyable
- Hire a local porter — it directly supports the surrounding community
Most travelers pair a visit to Volcanoes National Park with nearby highlights such as Nyungwe Forest, Akagera National Park — ask your safari consultant about combining sites into a single seamless itinerary rather than backtracking between stops.
