Volcanoes National Park is iconic for its majestic mountain gorillas, mist-covered mountains and ancient forests teeming with the sounds of jungle life. With an incredible population of endangered gorillas within its verdant forest, the park offers sustainable gorilla trekking experiences, making it Rwanda’s major draw and one of Africa’s premier safari destinations.
Following your gorilla trekking adventure, you can also explore other rare species like the golden monkeys, hike various trails, and enjoy scenic views of the volcanoes.
About Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park is located in northwestern Rwanda, contiguous with Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo—all parts of the wider Virunga massif (a chain of dormant volcanoes).
Spanning 160 km² (16,000 hectares) of montane rainforest, the park encompasses five of the eight volcanoes in the Virunga range: Karisimbi, Bisoke, Muhabura, Gahinga, and Sabyinyo. Mount Karisimbi is the highest point, reaching 4,507 meters (14,786 feet), but most of the park lies at 2,000 meters, making acclimatization relatively easy.
Established in 1925, Volcanoes National Park is home to a significant population of mountain gorillas—protecting roughly one-third of the world’s remaining population. It is Africa’s easiest gorilla trekking destination, making it an ideal place to experience luxury gorilla safaris.
Twelve gorilla families have been habituated for daily trekking while others are dedicated solely for research purposes. These families include the Susa, Igisha, Karisimbi, Sabyinyo, Amahoro, Agashya, Kwitonda, Umubano, Hirwa, Bwenge, Ugyenda and Muhoza.
Gorilla Permits
A gorilla permit in Volcanoes National Park costs US$1500 for foreign non-residents, US$500 for foreign residents, and US$200 for East African residents and Rwandans. Each day, a maximum of eight trekking travelers are allowed to visit a specific habituated gorilla family, with a one-hour viewing time limit.
Furthermore, 10% of the proceeds from permits are fed back into surrounding communities to support conservation efforts, develop infrastructure and improve livelihoods through funding community projects.
Diane Fossey
Diane Fossey is the American primatologist and conservationist who spent 20 years of her life studying mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park from 1966 until her murder in 1985. Her sheer dedication to these primates ensured their safety from the terrors of poaching.
The international blockbuster ‘Gorillas in the Mist’ (1988) was filmed on location and chronicles her life’s work. The abandoned Karisoke Research Centre and her final resting place remain popular attractions and can be accessed on foot after a relatively strenuous 90-minute hike.
Kwita Izina
The Kwita Izina – an annual naming ceremony for newborn gorillas, inspired by Rwandan tradition of naming children, is well worth visiting. The ceremony usually occurs in September coinciding with the World Gorilla Day. Some of the activities include live music, dance and, of course, essential conservation talks.
Other Wildlife in Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park is a sanctuary for many other wildlife species, including the rare golden monkeys—a troop of which has been habituated for human visits, the elusive forest elephants, spotted hyenas, buffaloes, bush pigs, forest hogs, black-fronted duikers, and bushbucks.
Bird enthusiasts have more than 200 recorded species to look out for among which are many Albertine Rift endemics, such as the Rwenzori turaco, Shelley’s crimsonwing, and the Grauer’s broadbill and at least 29 endemic to the Rwenzori Mountains and the Virungas.
Things to do in Volcanoes National Park
1. Gorilla trekking
This is undoubtedly the most popular activity in Volcanoes National Park. It allows you to observe these gentle giants up-close in their natural habitat. Daily treks often begin at 8am with a briefing at the park headquarters. You are divided into groups of eight and assigned specific gorilla families to track under the guidance of expert guides.
2. Golden monkey tracking
Known for their striking golden and orange fur and energetic social interactions, golden monkeys are quite delightful to observe as they feed, groom and swing from one bamboo tree to another. A group can consist of about 100 individuals led by a dominant male. Daily treks depart from the headquarters in Kinigi at a cost of $100 per person.
3. Volcano hiking
Home to five of the eight volcanoes in the Virunga Massif, Volcanoes National Park offers some of the best and most accessible hiking trails. There are various routes to follow, all of which require a hiking permit and a guide. Some of the most popular include the Mount Karisimbi and Mount Bisoke trails.
4. Dian Fossey Trail
The Dian Fossey trail is located near the Karisoke Research Center. It involves a 30-minute drive from the park headquarters to the trail head to access the Research Center and 1.5 to 3 hours to hike to her grave site. Fitness is required for participants.
5. Cultural experiences
Enjoy a variety of immersive cultural experiences including visiting the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village (also known as the Gorilla Guardians Village), the Batwa Pygmy Community and the annual Kwita Izina Festival.
Best time to visit Volcanoes National Park
The best time to visit Volcanoes National Park, particularly for gorilla trekking is in the dry seasons of June to mid-September and December to February. There’s less downpour during these months, meaning the trails are less muddy and easier to navigate.
The wet seasons, from March to May and from October to November, are excellent for bird watching. During these periods, the park is lush and green with abundant food sources, which draw many species of birds, including migratory birds.
However, with a variety of activities to choose from, Volcanoes National Park remains accessible to visitors at any time of year.
How to get to Volcanoes National Park
Most international flights arrive at Kigali International Airport (KGL), the gateway to Rwanda, located on the outskirts of the capital, Kigali. Then you’ll travel northwest to Musanze (formerly Ruhengeri), which is the gateway to Volcanoes National Park and finally arrive at the park headquarters in Kinigi.
You can also fly to Musanze airstrip on daily, scheduled domestic flights or by helicopter from Kigali International Airport and take about 30 minutes.
Accommodation: Where to stay in Volcanoes National Park
There are several excellent lodging options within a few miles of the park headquarters in Kinigi, ranging from budget-friendly to high-end luxury. Here are our top picks to inspire your planning:
- Bisate Lodge: Bisate Lodge is renowned for its eco-friendly design inspired by traditional Rwandan culture and offers sweeping views of mesmerizing volcanic landscape.
- Singita Kwitonda Lodge: Nestled at the edge of the park, Singita Kwitonda Lodge is highly revered for its high-end experience and proximity to gorilla trekking routes.
- One&Only Gorilla’s Nest: Situated in the foothills of the Virunga Mountains just 5 minutes from the park headquarters, One&Only Gorilla’s Nest makes for a convenient base for gorilla treks in Volcanoes National Park.
- Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge is a community-owned lodge in Volcanoes National Park offering creature comforts, breathtaking views and excellent service.
- Virunga Lodge is a rustic hilltop retreat overlooking Rwanda’s jagged volcanic peaks. It offers an intimate and luxurious experience for those seeking to encounter gorillas in the wild.
Trips to Volcanoes National Park
