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Volcanoes National Park Rwanda

Rwanda

Volcanoes National Park

Volcanoes National Park protects the Rwandan side of the Virunga Massif, a chain of eight volcanoes shared with the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda. Five of the peaks, including Karisimbi, Bisoke, Muhabura, Gahinga and Sabyinyo, rise within Rwanda’s borders, their slopes cloaked in montane and bamboo forest.

Gazetted in 1925 as part of Albert National Park, Africa’s first national park, Volcanoes today protects around a third of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, alongside golden monkeys, buffalo and forest elephant. It was here that primatologist Dian Fossey established the Karisoke Research Center in 1967, and the park’s gorilla trekking program remains one of Africa’s most sought-after wildlife experiences.

What to Expect

Gorilla trekking permits cost $1,500 per person and must be booked well in advance through the Rwanda Development Board. Each trek is capped at eight visitors per habituated family, and can involve anywhere from thirty minutes to several hours of hiking through dense, often muddy terrain.

Activities & Wildlife

From tracking mountain gorillas and golden monkeys to hiking volcanic peaks and visiting Dian Fossey’s grave, Volcanoes National Park is Rwanda’s premier primate destination.

A mountain gorilla family in the misty forests of Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

Volcanoes National Park is home to around a third of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, spread across a dozen habituated families. Treks begin at 7 a.m. from Kinigi park headquarters and can take anywhere from thirty minutes to several hours through dense, high-altitude forest before visitors spend a strictly limited hour with the gorillas.

Kigali International Airport, Rwanda

Getting to Volcanoes National Park

Volcanoes National Park sits roughly 100 kilometers northwest of Kigali, about a 2 to 3 hour drive on a paved road through Rwanda’s terraced hillsides to the town of Musanze and on to the park’s Kinigi headquarters, where treks begin each morning at 7 a.m. Most visitors fly into Kigali International Airport and arrange a private transfer or self-drive for the scenic journey north.

When to Go to Volcanoes National Park

Best Time to Go

Best Good Mixed Jan Feb Mar Apr May June Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec

Best time to visit Volcanoes National Park

The dry seasons, June to September and December to February, are the most comfortable for gorilla trekking: trails are firmer and the volcano views are clearest. The long rains in March to May and the shorter rains in October to November make treks muddier, but gorilla sightings continue and permits are often easier to secure. Gorillas move up and down the slopes with the seasons, so trek length varies more than the weather.

Know before you go

  • Permits are limited and must be booked well ahead, especially for June to September and the December holidays. We arrange permits for every itinerary.
  • Minimum age is 15 for gorilla trekking.
  • Groups are small. Trekkers are placed in groups of up to eight per gorilla family, and the time with the gorillas is limited to one hour.
  • Keep a distance of about seven metres from the gorillas and never touch them. If you are unwell, tell your guide, because gorillas are vulnerable to human illness.
  • Fitness. Treks range from an easy hour to a strenuous half day on steep, muddy, high-altitude terrain. A porter is a good idea.
  • What to wear. Long trousers, gaiters or socks over trousers, waterproof boots, gloves and a rain jacket.

Frequently asked questions

What is there to do besides gorilla trekking?

Golden monkey tracking, a hike to Dian Fossey's grave and the Karisoke research camp, climbs of Bisoke and Karisimbi volcanoes, and visits to the Iby'Iwacu cultural village.

Which gorilla families can I visit?

Several habituated families live in the park, including Susa, Sabyinyo and Amahoro. Your guide matches you to a family based on your fitness and the day's conditions.

How do I reach the park?

It is near Musanze, about two to three hours by road from Kigali, which makes it one of the easiest gorilla destinations to reach.

How many days do I need?

Two nights is enough for one trek, but three to four nights lets you add golden monkeys and a volcano hike.

Is Volcanoes better than Bwindi?

Volcanoes is quicker to reach and more comfortable. Bwindi has more gorilla groups and is more rugged. Many guests visit both.

Is it safe?

Rwanda is known for being safe and well organised, and the park is carefully managed.

Combine Volcanoes National Park with

Volcanoes pairs with Nyungwe Forest for chimpanzee and canopy walks, and Akagera National Park for classic savannah game viewing. Cross into Uganda for Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or Mgahinga. See all Rwanda safaris or contact us to plan.

Accommodation

Where to Stay near Volcanoes National Park

Mahogany Springs

Accommodation

Mahogany Springs

Kinigi, Musanze, Rwanda

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Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel

Accommodation

Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel

Kinigi, Musanze, Rwanda

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Accommodation

Volcanoes National Park Safaris

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