Lying in the far northwest of Rwanda, Volcanoes National Park is popularly known for gorilla safaris in Rwanda. Also, since Rwanda Volcano National Park holds Golden monkeys, it’s a crucial site for golden monkey trekking in East Africa.

In French, Rwanda Volcanoes National Park is called Parc National des Volcans. It’s a spectacular park spanning 5 of eight volcanoes in Virunga Mountains that extends to three countries: Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. These breathtaking volcanoes in Rwanda Volcanoes Park include Mount Gahinga, Mount Sabyinyo, Muhabura, Karisimbi, and Mount Bisoke, which is summited with a lovely crater lake.

Though most visitors undertaking Volcanoes National Park Rwanda safari tours are fascinated by Mountain gorilla trekking expeditions, the activities in Rwanda Volcanoes national park are beyond this. On your adventure in this magnificent park, you can explore Dian Fossey tombs, the historical Musanze cave, and even the nearby breathtaking Twin Lakes.

Note that Dian Fossey is an American primatologist who introduced gorilla tourism in the world. Unfortunately, in 1985, she was found assassinated with machetes in her cabin, alleged to be poachers.

This lovely misty and ever-green tropical rainforest park, Volcanoes National Park Africa, can be explored any season of the year, although the dry season gives the best experience for gorilla safaris.

A guide to Rwanda Volcanoes National Park tours—all you need to know!

Location of Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

Volcanoes National Park (Parc National des Volcans) sits in the far northwest of this country and covers about 160 km2 of a rich medley of montane ecosystems, featuring lovely bamboo forests, swamps, open grasslands, and a heather vegetation zone. The park is near Musanze Town.

From Kigali International Airport, it’s about a 2–3-hour drive to this park.

Weather and Climate of Volcanoes National Park

Being a mountainous park, Rwanda Volcanoes park experiences a montane climate which is cool and receives rainfall almost year-round. On average, daytime temperatures in this park rise about 150 °C and can drop to 70 °C at night. Note that the temperatures hardly vary since it’re located near the Equator.

June–early September are the drier months and the long rain season is in March–May.

Quick Facts About Volcanoes National Park Rwanda

Some of the facts about Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda are:

• Volcanoes Rwanda park is one of the 3 national parks in East Africa to track Mountain gorillas. Globally, Mountain gorillas only live in Africa!
• Among national parks for tracking gorillas in Africa, Volcanoes Rwanda park is the most accessible
• It holds 5 volcanoes of the 8 Virunga mountains

Background & History of Volcanoes National Park: What Is the History of Volcanoes National Park?

In 1925, Volcanoes National Park Rwanda was gazetted as a park, and therefore, it’s among Africa’s oldest national parks. It was gazetted as a national park to protect the endangered mountain gorillas that dwell in the misty rainforests of the Virunga ranges—an area called Virunga Conservation Area.

Best Attractions in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda What to See in Volcano National Park?

Endangered Mountain gorillas are the main attractions in Volcanoes National Park but the list goes beyond these giant apes.

TOP ATTRACTIONS IN RWANDA VOLCANOES PARK

Below, we explore!

1. The Majestic Mountain Gorillas

Mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda, are among the most critically endangered primates on Earth. Amazingly, Mountain gorillas are the biggest apes on Earth, living only in Africa in the misty tropical rain forests of Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The best way to see Mountain gorillas in their gorgeous natural habitat is by undertaking mountain gorilla trekking.

Gorilla trekking tours in Rwanda are done by 12 mountain gorilla families and all the gorilla treks start early in the in the morning at 8 am with a gorilla tracking briefing. Hikes for gorillas take about 2–8 hours in Rwanda.

Travelers visiting Rwanda Volcano Park to track mountain gorillas should book their mountain gorilla trekking permit (gorilla permit) in time. Book the gorilla trekking permits before 3-6 months.

Seeing Mountain gorillas feeding is a safari moment to remember.  If you visit a Mountain gorilla family with baby gorillas, you’ll be amazed by their plays and the way they cuddle on the back of their mum.

2. Golden Monkeys

After the endangered mountain gorilla, the golden monkeys are the second main attraction in Volcanoes NP.

Golden Monkeys are rare primate species in Africa. These golden monkeys can only be spotted in Rwanda’s Volcano National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda.

Just like mountain gorillas, the golden monkeys also live in families. Theirs can be about 3–60 individuals.

Undertaking golden monkey adventures in Volcanoes Park, Rwanda, is the only way to encounter these charming primates in their natural habitat. Other wildlife species can be spotted along the trail.

In most cases, visitors spot these monkeys in the bamboo forest.

3. Stunning Volcanoes

The Volcanoes are also among the captivating attractions in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda. Rwanda Volcanoes park holds 5 of the eight volcanoes of the Virunga Mountains.

All these volcanoes offer wonderful hiking tours in Rwanda.

The main mountains in Rwanda Volcanoes park are:

1. MOUNT KARISIMBI

Mount Karisimbi- 4,507 m high, lies on the DR Congo border and that of Rwanda. Rwanda’s Mount Karisimbi holds 4 vegetation zones, including a montane forest, bamboo zone, heather, and the moorland at its summit.

While on the Mount Karisimbi hike, colorful bird species and unique animal species and plants will be spotted along the way. The views of the steep slopes of Mount Karisimbi are breathtaking.

1. MOUNT BISOKE

Mount Bisoke, 3,711 m high, is popular for its eye-catching crater lake. Though Mount Bisoke spans Rwanda and DR Congo, its summit is in Rwanda.

During this hike, you’ll enjoy views of other Virunga Volcanoes and killer views of Lake Kivu, etc.

Other mountains in Rwanda Volcano national park:

• Mount Muhabura
• Mount Sabyinyo and
• Mount Gahinga

4. Dian Fossey Tombs

The tombs of Dian Fossey are among the popular attractions in Volcanoes National Park.

Dian Fossey is a renowned American primatologist who first led the conservation efforts in Mountain gorilla protection in Africa. This great lady lost her life due to her great courage and determination to conserve Mountain gorillas.

This American primatologist was found brutally killed in her cabin in 1985. Fossey was cut twice with machetes in the head. As you explore Dian Fossey Toms, pay a visit to her Karisoke Research Center as well.

Without Dian Fossey, gorilla trekking tourism wouldn’t be in existence!

Search out for the movie “Gorillas in the Mist” shot in this park to see the great works of Fossey

5. Musanze Caves

Volcano National Park Musanze Cave is becoming a popular tourist attraction in Rwanda. Musanze caves are an amazing cave complex believed to have formed about 65 million years ago during the volcanic eruptions of Virunga Volcanoes.

Rwanda Musanze Cave is roughly 2 km long. It holds a tunnel with steps that take you into the darker region of the cave.

In the 1994 Rwanda Genocide, this cave acted as a hiding ground for hundreds of people.

This cave can be explored on the same day of Mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park.

The Rwanda Development Board opened up adventure tours to these magical caves in 2013.

Other Amazing Attractions Around Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda, Worth Exploring During Rwanda Safaris

• The Twin Lakes, usually explored after tracking Mountain gorillas
• Ibyiwacu Cultural Center
• The beautiful scenery of the park
• Other amazing animal species in Rwanda volcano park include forest elephants, buffalos, and the black-fronted duiker.

Top Things to Do in Volcanoes National Park, Tourist Activities in Volcanoes National Park to Do

Asking for what is there to do in Volcanoes National Park Rwanda, what to do in Volcanoes National Park, here we go!

The best things to do in Volcano national Park, Rwanda:

1. Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

Among things to do in Volcanoes National Park, mountain gorilla trekking is the top safari highlight. It’s one of the reasons why travelers visit Rwanda Volcano Park!

Gorilla tracking adventures in Rwanda Volcano Park are remarkable! They grant you a golden chance to encounter mountain gorillas—the cool giants of the misty and hilly tropical rain forest.

The tracking experience in Volcano Park takes roughly 2–8 hours and starts early in the in the morning with a briefing. On the gorilla trekking trail, you should keep maximum silence and follow the ranger’s rules & regulations.

Gorilla trekking adventure highlight is an encounter with these humanlike gentle giants.

As you take photos and videos of Mountain gorillas, avoid using a flashlight; it stresses them and can make aggressive.

Rwanda gorilla trekking expeditions are comparable to those in Mgahinga park of Uganda and Congo’s Virunga National Park; initially, Albert National Park named by Belgian colonial authorities.

THE 12 GORILLA FAMILIES IN VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK RWANDA

Have you been looking for how many gorilla families are in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda, Here they are:

1. Sabyinyo gorilla Family
2. Hirwa Family
3. Susa Family
4. Karisimbi Gorilla Family
5. Kwitonda Family
6. Umubano Gorilla Family
7. Amahoro Gorilla Group
8. Susa Gorilla Group
9. Bwenge Gorilla Family
10. Agashya Family and
11. Ugyenda Gorilla Group
12. Titus Gorilla Group

Brief Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Highlights

• Gorilla permits in Rwanda Volcanoes park must be booked before the gorilla tracking day. Gorilla permits are limited and a group of 8 people is allowed to encounter a gorilla group.
• Rwanda gorilla trekking voyages are safe. Most gorilla groups are used to human presence. Likewise, the Rwandan army (park rangers) ensures that guests are safe in the jungle

COST FOR GORILLA PERMITS IN RWANDA VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK, 

The gorilla permit in Rwanda Volcanoes National Park costs 1500 USD for each person for foreign residents. Approximately, a gorilla tour to Volcanoes National Park costs $1700, inclusive of the fees for the driver guide, gorilla permit, and entrance fees.

2. Hiking and Climbing Volcanoes in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

Mount Karisimbi and Mount Bisoke are usually hiked out of the 5 mountains in Volcanoes Park, Rwanda. Volcano hiking expeditions on Volcanoes national park tours are mostly done before the gorilla trekking day.

3. Tracking Golden Monkeys in Rwanda Volcanoes Park

golden monkey tracking experience is also one of the main things to do in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda.

These adventures start with an early morning briefing from the park headquarters before you head into the forest to look for these vivid monkey species. On the golden monkey tracking trail, be expecting to encounter rare animal species such as the Black-fronted duiker.

Come with a camera to take lovely photos and record videos of these vivid monkeys.

4. Bird Watching in Rwanda Volcanoes National Park

Volcanoes NP is counted among the great destinations for birding tours in Rwanda. Over 200 bird species have been recorded in Rwanda Volcano Park, including 17 Albertine endemic bird species.

While birding in the park, the scarlet tufted sunbird and the vulnerable Grauer’s swamp warbler are spotted at the summit of Mount Bisoke.

Other bird species to look for while on Volcanoes National Park safari tours include the Baglafecht weaver, Rwenzori Turaco, and Ruwenzori double-collared sunbird. Doherty’s bush-shrike, Brown-necked parrot, Strange Weaver, Red-faced woodland warbler, and Ruwenzori Apalis are also common.

Rwanda Volcanoes National Park offers year-round birdwatching tours.

More Rwanda Volcano National Park: Things to Do

Here are other fascinating activities in Volcanoes National Park you should try out:

• Exploring Musanze Caves, mostly done after tracking Mountain gorillas
• Visiting the Ibyiwacu Cultural Center near the park
• Visit Dian Fossey tombs and her Karisoke Research Centre

Best Time to Visit Volcanoes National Park

The best time of year to visit Rwanda Volcanoes National Park for gorilla trekking, or volcano hiking, is during the park’s dry seasons. It runs from June to mid-September and again from December to February. This is because the trails are easily accessible, dry, and not sleepy.

March to May is the long wet season, whereas October to November is a short rainy season. Gorilla trekking remains possible but you just have to be ready for rain and a fairly challenging hike.

One benefit of gorilla trekking during the rainy season is that it’s cost-friendly! It’s low season so many lodges offer discounts to visitors.

Accommodation in Rwanda Volcanoes National Park: Where to Stay Near Volcano National Park

Lodges in Volcanoes National Park cater for any class of traveler coming for Rwanda gorilla safaris. They range from budget, mid-range & luxury facilities. Most of them are around the park in areas like Musanze and Kinigi, while others are about an hour’s drive from park headquarters.

The BEST GORILLA SAFARI LODGES IN RWANDA VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK

• Bisate Lodge, commonly used by travelers coming to track Mountain gorillas in Rwanda
• Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel
• Sabinyo Silverback Lodge
• One & Only Gorilla Nest
• Kinigi guesthouse
• Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge
• Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
• Garden Place Hotel
• Kinigi Guesthouse

Rwanda Safari Packing List for Volcanoes National Park: What to Pack for a Gorilla Trek in Volcanoes National Park

As you visit Rwanda Volcanoes National Park for a gorilla trekking adventure, we advise you to move with the following for a rewarding safari experience:.

Recommended packing list for gorilla trekking tours in Rwanda Volcanoes National Park:

• Ø Waterproof walking boots
• Ø A camera for photo shooting when you encounter Mountain gorillas and other wildlife species
• Insect repellents keep away bugs as you’re in the jungle tracking Mountain gorillas
• Long-sleeved pants and shirts
• A simple backpack will keep your necessities as you track Mountain gorillas
• A rain jacket will be of great help just in case rain finds you in the jungle tracking Mountain gorillas
• Sunhats and sunscreens
• Medical kit with some painkillers and bandages

Common FAQs About Rwanda Volcanoes National Park

1. How Do You Get to Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda?

Rwanda’s Volcano park can be accessed using both air and road transport. Tourists using air means from the Democratic Republic of Congo or Uganda will first fly to Kigali International Airport. Then, from here, you’ll enjoy a scenic 2- to 3-hour drive to park headquarters in a safari vehicle.

2. Can I Tour Volcano National Park on My Own?

It’s possible to arrange a gorilla safari in Rwanda’s Volcanoes NP but most travelers who visit Rwanda gorillas use tour operators. They have incredible knowledge in booking gorilla permits, logistics, and reserving hotels even in busy seasons. Personally, you might find challenges!

A tour to Volcano National Park in Rwanda is worth undertaking with a tour operator. This applies while on Congo gorilla trekking safaris in Virunga National Park.

3. How Much Time Do You Need at Volcano National Park, Rwanda? How Long to Spend at Volcano National Park?

The time to spend in Rwanda Volcanoes NP is greatly determined by the tourism activities you wish to do in this park. Travelers can choose to stay at Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park for at least 1 day or a full week.

4. Is Volcano National Park worth it?

Rwanda Volcanoes National Park is worth a visit! Volcano Park Rwanda offers visitors numerous memorable safari activities, such as gorilla trekking, golden monkey trekking, and volcano hiking, among others. 

Rwanda tours can be incomplete without gorilla trekking tours in Volcanoes National Park.

Apart from tracking Mountain gorillas in this renowned park in Africa, you’ll enjoy golden monkey tracking, bird watching, and even volcano climbing, to mention but a few. It’s possible to add wildlife safaris in Akagera National Park and Nyungwe forest chimp trekking tours to your Rwanda safari in Volcano Park. Talk to our East African safari specialist for all inquiries about safaris in Rwanda.