Welcome to Volcanoes National Park Rwanda, one of the most famous gorilla trekking destinations in the world. Located in northwestern Rwanda, this park protects the Rwandan portion of the Virunga Mountains. The park is home to mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, and the grave of Dian Fossey, the legendary primatologist who dedicated her life to saving gorillas from extinction.
Bwindi Primate Safaris offers gorilla trekking permits and tours in Volcanoes National Park Rwanda. The park is easily accessible from Kigali, making it a popular choice for travelers with limited time. The trekking here is generally easier than in Bwindi because the gorillas live on the lower slopes of the volcanoes. However, permits are more expensive.
Volcanoes National Park Rwanda protects a significant population of mountain gorillas. The park has several habituated gorilla families available for trekking. Each family has a name and a story. The most famous family is the Susa group, which was studied by Dian Fossey. Other families include the Amahoro group, known for its peaceful nature, and the Kwitonda group, named after a silverback known for his gentle behavior.
Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park Rwanda begins early in the morning. You meet your guide at the park headquarters, where you are assigned to a gorilla family based on your fitness level and preferences. The trek can take anywhere from thirty minutes to three hours, depending on how far the gorillas have moved since their last location was recorded. When you find them, you spend one hour watching them eat, play, groom, and interact.
Permits for Volcanoes National Park Rwanda must be booked well in advance. Only a limited number of permits are issued each day. Book your gorilla trekking tour with Bwindi Primate Safaris to secure your permit.
In addition to gorillas, Volcanoes National Park Rwanda is home to golden monkeys. These beautiful primates have bright golden-orange fur and are much more active than gorillas. Golden monkey trekking takes two to three hours. You hike through bamboo forest with a ranger. When you find the golden monkey troop, you spend one hour watching them leap between bamboo stalks and feed on leaves and shoots.
Golden monkey permits for Volcanoes National Park Rwanda are less expensive than gorilla permits and easier to obtain. Combine golden monkey trekking with gorilla trekking for a full primate experience in Rwanda.
Dian Fossey arrived in Volcanoes National Park Rwanda in 1967. She established the Karisoke Research Center between two volcanoes and began studying mountain gorillas. Over the next eighteen years, she fought tirelessly against poachers who killed gorillas for their body parts. Her book, Gorillas in the Mist, was published in 1983. A movie of the same name was released in 1988.
Dian Fossey was murdered in her cabin in December 1985. Her killer has never been identified. She is buried next to her favorite gorilla, Digit, in the forest near the research center. Visitors to Volcanoes National Park Rwanda can hike to her grave. It is a moving experience. The grave is simple, with a wooden cross and a plaque. The forest surrounds it. Gorillas sometimes visit the area.
The hike to Dian Fossey’s grave takes approximately two hours round trip. It is steep in places but suitable for most fitness levels. Your guide will tell you stories about her life and work. It is a powerful tribute to a woman who gave her life to save gorillas.
Volcanoes National Park Rwanda offers volcano hiking in addition to primate trekking. Mount Bisoke is the most popular volcano for hiking. The hike takes four to five hours round trip. The trail passes through bamboo forest, then montane forest, and finally alpine vegetation. Near the summit, you find a stunning crater lake. The water is green and still, reflecting the sky and the surrounding crater walls.
The hike to Mount Bisoke is steep and can be muddy. Good hiking boots are essential. A guide accompanies every hiker. The best time for volcano hiking is during the dry seasons when the trails are less slippery.
The best time to visit Volcanoes National Park Rwanda is during the dry seasons: June to September and December to February. During these months, the trails are less muddy and trekking is easier. The views from the volcanoes are clearer. The weather is mild, with warm days and cool evenings.
The wet season from March to May and October to November has advantages too. The forest is greener and the flowers are blooming. Permits are sometimes easier to obtain because there are fewer visitors. Lodges offer lower rates. However, the trails become very muddy and slippery. Trekking is still possible, but you should expect rain and prepare accordingly.
Accommodation near Volcanoes National Park Rwanda suits every budget. For luxury travelers, Bisate Lodge offers stunning火山 views and beautiful cottages. Singita Kwitonda Lodge is another luxury option with a focus on conservation. For mid-range travelers, Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel and Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge offer comfortable rooms and good food. For budget travelers, Hotel Muhabura and Kinigi Guest House provide basic but clean accommodation at affordable prices.
Bwindi Primate Safaris can arrange accommodation in any of these properties as part of your custom safari itinerary. We recommend staying as close to the park headquarters as possible to minimize early morning drive times.
Volcanoes National Park Rwanda is located approximately two hours from Kigali International Airport. The drive is on good paved roads. This is one of the main advantages of trekking in Rwanda. You can fly into Kigali in the morning, drive to the park, and trek gorillas the next day.
Many travelers combine Volcanoes National Park Rwanda with gorilla trekking in Bwindi. The drive between the two parks takes approximately four hours. This allows you to trek gorillas in both countries on a single trip. For a complete itinerary, explore our combined Rwanda and Uganda gorilla trekking tours.
Volcanoes National Park Rwanda offers easier trekking, excellent accommodation, and the chance to visit Dian Fossey’s grave. The park is easily accessible from Kigali, making it perfect for travelers with limited time. When combined with gorilla trekking in Bwindi, you have the ultimate East African primate safari.
Contact Us today to start planning your trip to Volcanoes National Park Rwanda. Our expert guides will ensure your trek is safe, educational, and unforgettable.
