Lying in the heart of Africa is a spectacular Volcanoes National Park (VNP) Rwanda, home to the most sought-after apes –the rare mountain gorillas that share the same habitat with endangered golden monkeys. The 2 primate species survive mostly within the Virunga Region and some parts of the Albertine Rift area.  

Volcanoes National Park is Rwanda’s most visited park thanks to its exhilarating gorilla trekking experiences. A visit to this park is a lifetime opportunity for you get up close and personal with a massive silverback in the wild plus several other family members. 

Location and the size of the park

Volcanoes National Park Rwanda is a stunning national park located in the Northwestern part of the country. This park spans only 160 sq.km, protecting 5 Virunga Volcanoes (Gahinga, Muhabura Volcanoes, Bisoke, Sabyinyo and Karisimbi Volcanoes) and a lush rainforest. This is one of the oldest African parks established in 1925 primarily to protect the present endangered mountain gorillas in the wild. 

Located in Ruhengeri/Musanze district, Northwestern Rwanda, Volcanoes NP borders the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). It is in this protected area where the prominent primatologist –Dian Fossey conducted the first study on the behavior of mountain gorillas. Her legacy is still evident with Dian Fund and Karisimbi Research Centre still supporting the research journey Dian Fossey began. 

Volcanoes N/Park is positioned at an altitude of 3300m and 4507m. The park’s landscape is distinct with scenic volcanoes including Muhabura 4127m, Gahinga 3474m, Karisimbi 4507m and Sabyinyo Volcanoes 3636m. Other features that define Volcanoes N/Park’s unique landscape include the beautiful Lakes, Rivers, bamboo forest and misty tropical rainforest.

Main attractions in Volcanoes N. Park of Rwanda 

Wildlife species

The different fauna that make Volcanoes Park most popular include the rare mountain gorillas (Gorilla beringei beringei) and about 30% of these world’s 1063 surviving creatures all reside within this park. The other diverse mammal species include golden monkeys, forest elephants, African buffaloes, harnessed bushbucks, black-fronted duikers, spotted hyenas, vervet monkeys, forest hogs, and others. 

Bird species

There are also over 200 species of avifauna living in this park with over 13 species and 16 subspecies endemic to the Virunga and Rwenzori Mountains. The check list of Volcanoes NP bird species includes the Rwenzori double collared sunbird, Rwenzori batis, brown woodland warblers, red-faced woodland warblers, Archer’s ground robins, Dusky turtle dove, handsome francolins, African long-eared owl, palm nut vultures, Rwenzori nightjars, brown necked parrot, strange weaver bird, scarlet tufted sunbird, lagden’s bush shrikes, Kivu ground thrush and more.

At the boundaries of this park, there exists Buhanga Eco-Park one of the oldest forests which holds the country’s most intriguing folklore and Musanze caves that date back to over 62 million years.

Top activities to do in and around Volcanoes NP

Gorilla trekking experience 

Volcanoes National Park Rwanda is most popular for its memorable mountain gorilla trekking adventures. The park is one of the 4 destinations on earth where the only 1063 surviving mountain gorillas live and holds up to 12 fully habituated gorilla families. These include Sabyinyo gorilla group, Hirwa group, Amahoro family, Kwitonda, Karisimbi or Susa B, Titus, Ugenda, Pablo, Umubano, and more.

On a single day, strictly one gorilla family is visited by a maximum of 8 guests each group led by an experienced guide. As of 2024, a valid gorilla permit in Rwanda can be obtained at USD 1500 and this applies to all visitors. Your permit and the entire gorilla trip should be booked early enough and avoid last minute stress. We encourage all our guests interested in trekking with mountain gorillas in Rwanda’s Volcanoes NP to always book their permits/trips at least 2-4 months before the actual date of visiting the park to see these apes.

Everything is made easier when you deal with the local tour operator because we are the people on ground. We go through all the steps required for a gorilla permit or trip to be successfully planned/booked. Some of the key items you must consider packing for your gorilla tour include a good camera which is free of a flashlight, waterproof daypack, a sweater, insect repellents, hiking sticks, a pair of snacks, long-sleeved shirts, rain jacket, medical or first aid kit, and long-sleeved shirts plus trousers.

Golden monkey tracking 

Golden monkey tracking is a complete immersion into the lush bamboo forest of Rwanda in search of the beautiful golden monkeys. This is a 2-4 hour trek with an experienced guide. A single golden monkey permit is issued at USD 100 per guest and a normal golden monkey trek can last for 2-3 or more days.

Birding 

A total of 200 species of birds survives in the varying habitats of Volcanoes Park and they include Doherty’s bush shrikes, Dusky crimson wings, Rwenzori double collared sunbird, brown necked parrots, African eared owl, lagden’s bush shrikes, Dusky turtle doves, scarlet tufted sunbird, archer’s robin chat, handsome francolins, strange weaver birds, Rwenzori nightjars and others.

Volcano hiking

Volcano hiking is an exceptional experience you should consider a must-do on a tour to Volcanoes Park. The main areas of interest for volcano hiking in this park include Mount Karisimbi –the tallest of all the 8 renowned Virunga Volcanoes and lies at an elevation of 4507m; Bisoke and Muhabura Volcanoes.

Dian Fossey trek/hike

The day hike to the Dian Fossey tomb site offers a deep understanding on Dian Fossey’s inspirational gorilla conservation journey. This is a 3-hour trek and visitors are accompanied by an experienced guide. Dian Fossey took 18 years studying behaviors of gorillas in the wild till 1987 when she was mysteriously murdered. USD 75 is the fee for anyone intending to embark on a hike to the Dian Fossey tomb site 

Visit Lake Burera and Ruhondo

Lying adjacent to Volcanoes NP are spectacular Lake Burera and Ruhondo, the twin lakes worth visiting before or after the gorilla trek. While on twin lake tour, expect to enjoy a boat ride and you will have great sights of birds and spectacular views of the surrounding areas.

Cave expedition 

A visit to Musanze caves is such a memorable thing. The caves date back to 62 million years and stretch up to 2 km in length, formed due to volcanic eruption effect. 

Cultural encounters

The best place to enjoy the best of Rwanda cultural safari experience while at Volcanoes NP is the Iby’Iwacu Village. At Iby’Iwacu cultural village, you have a chance to explore the distinct cultures, traditions and norms of the Rwandan people.

When to visit the park

Visits to Volcanoes Park can be done at any time of the year although the most favorite time is the dry season. The dry months in this protected area are also ideal for gorilla trekking run from June, July, August, September, December, January to February. 

Accommodation –best places to stay 

The list of accommodation options in and around Volcanoes NP is long but top places to stay include Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, One&Only Gorilla Nest, Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Virunga Lodge, Bisate Lodge, Le Bambou, Garden Palace, Kinigi Guesthouse, and others.

Getting there 

By road; Volcanoes NP is the most accessible African gorilla tour destination, reachable within 2-3 hours’ drive from the heart of Kigali and from Kabale/Kisoro via Katuna or Chanika border, you spend between 4 and 5 hours’ drive.