Where is Volcanoes National Park located?

Situated in the far northwest of Rwanda, Volcanoes National Park (Parc National des Volcans) spans over 160 km² and is home to a diverse range of highland ecosystems, including open grasslands, wetlands, bamboo, and a heather vegetation zone. Musanze Town is close to the park.

It takes roughly two to three hours to drive from Kigali International Airport to this park.

Climate and Weather of Volcanoes National Park Africa

Rwanda Volcanoes Park has a montane climate, which is chilly and wet virtually all year round due to its mountainous terrain. Day temperatures can rise to 15°C; however, at night, it can cool to about 7°C. Since this park is close to the equator, you’ll notice that the temperatures don’t really change.

The long rainy season in this gorilla haven runs from March to May, with the drier months being June through early September.

History of Volcanoes National Park Rwanda

Volcanoes National Park Rwanda, was one of the first national parks in Africa when it was gazetted in 1925. The Virunga Conservation Area, which is home to the critically endangered mountain gorillas in the misty jungles of the Virunga hills, is why it was gazetted as a national park.

Amazing Facts About Volcanoes National Park Rwanda- Parc National Des Volcans

• The park holds the highest concentration of Mountain gorillas in Virunga Conservation Area
• About 14 gorilla families are open for gorilla tracking tours in Rwanda Volcanoes NP
• This park in far northwest Rwanda holds 5 of the 8 Virunga massifs
• Over 200 bird species are recorded in Volcanoes Rwanda Park, including 17 Albertine endemic bird species
• It’s around 2-3 hours drive from Kigali city to Volcanoes park
• Volcanoes National Park offers the best gorilla trekking experience for time-bad travelers in East Africa

Key Attractions in Volcanoes National Park Rwanda

The primary draw of Volcanoes National Park is the endangered mountain gorilla, but there are other primates on the list as well.

The best things to see in Volcanoes Park Rwanda

1. The Mountain Gorillas

Among the most seriously endangered animals on the planet are the mountain gorillas. The largest primates on the planet, mountain gorillas are found exclusively in Africa, in the beautiful misty tropical rain forests of Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Trekking with Mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park Rwanda is the finest opportunity to witness them in their stunning natural ambiance.

Rwanda Volcanoes NP is home to about 14 Mountain gorilla families which are open for Rwanda gorilla safaris.

The gorilla treks begin at 8 a.m. with a briefing about gorilla tracking tours and they last for 2-8 hours.

Tourists who want to see Mountain gorillas in Rwanda should reserve their gorilla permits in advance. We recommend you book a gorilla trekking permit at least 3-6 months prior!

Witnessing the mountain gorillas eat is an unforgettable safari experience.  You will be astounded by the playfulness and the way the baby gorillas cuddle up on their mother’s back if you visit Rwanda family of mountain gorillas with babies.

2. Golden Monkeys

Within Volcanoes park, Golden monkeys rank second in popularity, after the critically endangered Mountain gorillas.

Globally, travelers can only see these monkeys exclusively in Rwanda’s Volcano National Park and Uganda’s Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Golden monkeys are among the rarest primate species in Africa.

The best way to see Golden monkeys in their natural habitat- Volcanoes National Park is by undertaking a golden monkey tracking tour which starts early morning just like gorilla trekking expeditions. On the trek, you may spot other wildlife species like Bushbucks and giant forest hogs.

Most of the time, tourists spot these vibrant monkeys in the bamboo forest.

3. Striking Volcanoes

One of the most fascinating sights in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is the volcanoes themselves. Five of the eight volcanoes in Virunga Mountains are located in Rwanda Volcanoes Park and all offer rewarding volcano hiking tours. Most of them are a natural habitat for Mountain gorillas.

The popular Virunga Mountains in Volcanoes National Park Rwanda are;

a)    Mountain Karisimbi

Standing at 4,507 meters above sea level, Mount Karisimbi shares borders with Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It holds 4 distinct vegetation zones including bamboo zone, montane tropical rain forest, heather, and moorland at summit.

This mountain is a Mountain gorilla habitat.

b)    Mount Bisoke

At 3,711m high, Mount Bisoke is well-known for its striking crater lake. Mount Bisoke borders both Rwanda and the DR Congo. Tourists on Mount Bisoke Hike will enjoy breathtaking views of Lake Kivu and other Virunga mountains.

It’s also a mountain gorilla habitat.

In Rwanda Volcano National Park, there are other mountains including:

• Mount Muhabura
• Ascend Mount Sabyinyo
• Mount Gahinga

4. The Tomb of Dian Fossey

One of the most liked Volcanoes National Park attractions is Dian Fossey tombs. Dian Fossey was a renowned American primatologist who spearheaded the initial conservation initiatives for the safety of Mountain gorillas in Africa/ gorilla tourism.

This remarkable woman sacrificed her life as a result of her unwavering bravery and commitment to Mountain. In 1985, this American primatologist was found brutally murdered in her cabin with machetes on the head.

Don’t miss reaching out to her Karisoke Research Centre while you’re exploring Dian Fossey tomb tour

5. Musanze Caves

Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park Musanze Cave is quickly gaining popularity as a travel destination. The remarkable Musanze Caves are said to have originated during the Virunga Volcanoes volcanic outbursts approximately 65 million years ago.

Musanze Caves spans over two kilometers and it holds a wonderful passage with steps leading down into the cave’s darker interior. Hundreds of people used this cave as a hiding place during the Rwandan Genocide in 1994.

During the Volcanoes National Park tour, most visitors explore this cave the same day after the mountain gorilla trekking adventure.

Musanze cave hikes were opened up in 2013 by the Rwanda Development Board.

Other wonderful attractions around Volcanoes Park

• Ibyiwacu Cultural Center
• The Twin Lakes, commonly visited after mountain gorilla trekking

Best Things to Do in Volcanoes National Park Rwanda

If you’ve been wondering what to do in Volcanoes National Park on your Rwanda safari tour, you’ve come to the right place!

Below are the top tourist activities in Volcano National Park;

1. Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda Volcanoes National Park

Rwanda gorilla tours are the main activities in Volcanoes National Park. It’s among the motives why tourists visit Rwanda Volcano park!

Gorilla trekking is an amazing wildlife safari experience in Volcanoes National Park Rwanda! It provides you a rare opportunity to see the majestic Mountain gorillas, the cool humanlike giants that live in misty steep slopes in tropical rainforests.

During the gorilla trek, travelers must observe Mountain gorilla trekking rules and follow all the guidelines of the ranger. Upon spotting these humanlike mighty giants, don’t use flash photography. These flashlights stress Mountain gorillas. Let’s respect gorillas in their natural habitat!

Note, Rwanda gorilla trekking safaris in Volcanoes National Park offer the same experience as that in Mgahinga Park, Uganda & Congo Virunga National Park- originally named Albert National Park by Belgian colonial authorities.

Gorilla families in Rwanda Volcanoes National Park- How many gorilla families are in Volcanoes National Park?

Here are the 14 gorilla groups to trek during Rwanda gorilla safaris:

• Amahoro gorilla family
• Igisha
• Suza
• Karisimbi
• Isimbi
• Kigoma
• Kwitonda
• Noheli gorilla family
• Agashya
• Kwisanga
• Urwengo
• Muhoza
• Sabyinyo
• Umubano

Crucial points to note about Rwandan gorilla trekking tours in Volcanoes National Park;

• Guests should reserve their gorilla permits in Rwanda Volcanoes Park prior to the gorilla tracking date. The gorilla permits sold each day are limited.
• A maximum of eight persons are permitted to track a gorilla family each day
• Travelers with flue are strictly not allowed to track Mountain gorillas in Rwanda
• It’s safe to go gorilla trekking in Rwanda. Most groups of Mountain gorillas are accustomed to human presence. Similarly, park rangers from the Rwandan army make sure that visitors are secure in the tropical forest during gorilla treks

COST FOR GORILLA PERMITS IN RWANDA VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK

For international visitors, the cost of a gorilla permit in Rwanda Volcanoes National Park is USD 1,500 per person. A gorilla trip (a 1 day gorilla trekking tour) to Volcanoes NP typically costs $1700, which includes, gorilla permits, as well as transfer charges.

2. Hiking Volcanoes in Rwanda Volcano National Park

Out of the five mountains in Rwanda’s Volcanoes Park, hikers typically hike Mount Bisoke and Mount Karisimbi. The majority of volcano hiking excursions in Volcanoes Park Rwanda take place before the day dedicated to gorilla trekking.

No hiking experience is needed!

3. Golden Monkey Trekking

One of the top activities in Rwanda Volcanoes National Park is golden monkey tracking.

Before the trek starts, travelers will be briefed on the dos and don’ts during this adventure. Golden monkey tracking is almost similar to mountain gorilla tracking excursions but, the only difference is that its trek is friendly. The activity lasts for about 4-5 hours.

While on the trek, it’s usually hard to miss spot wildlife species like bushbucks & Black fronted duikers along the trail.

4. Bird Watching in Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda

One of the best national parks in Rwanda for birding trips is Volcanoes National Park. In Rwanda Volcano Park, more than 200 bird species have been identified, including 17 Albertine species.

At the top of Mount Bisoke, birdwatchers may glimpse the vulnerable Grauer’s swamp warbler & the Scarlet tufted sunbird.

During a birding safari in Volcanoes park, other bird species to search for are the Ruwenzori double-collared sunbird, Baglafecht weaver, and Rwenzori Turaco. The most common birds include; Doherty’s bush-shrike, Brown-necked parrot, Strange Weaver, Red-faced woodland warbler, and Ruwenzori Apalis.

Birdwatching tours in Rwanda Volcanoes National Park are open year-round.

Additional Activities in Volcano National Park Rwanda

• Musanze Cave exploration, primarily done after mountain gorilla tracking
• Visiting the nearby Ibyiwacu Cultural Center
• Undertaking a tour to explore Dian Fossey tomb and the Karisoke Research Center

What Is the Best Time to Visit Volcanoes National Park Rwanda?

It’s possible to visit Rwanda Volcanoes park any time of the year but, the most ideal time is during the dry season. Trekking with gorillas in Rwanda volcanoes park in dry months makes the gorilla trek easier as the trail is normally dry and rainfall showers are minimal in the day. Rwanda’s dry months include June early September & December-February.

In Rwanda- the Land of a Thousand Hills, the long wet season runs from March to May, whereas the short rainy season is from October to November. It’s still feasible to go gorilla trekking, but you’ll need to prepare for rain.

Tracking Mountain gorillas in a rainy season is an added benefit of being reasonably priced! Since it’s off-peak season, several lodges provide guests discounts.

Accommodation in Volcanoes National Park Rwanda- Where to Stay in Volcano National Park Rwanda?

All types of tourists visiting Rwanda for gorilla safaris are catered to by the lodges in Volcanoes National Park. They include luxury, mid-range, and affordable options. Some of them are around an hour’s drive from the park’s headquarters, while the majority are just within Musanze & Kinigi town.

POPULAR GORILLA SAFARI LODGES IN VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK RWANDA-h4

1. Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel
2. Bisate Lodge, a popular choice for tourists visiting Rwanda to track mountain gorillas
3. Kinigi Guest House
4. Sabinyo Silverback Lodge
5. Guesthouse Kinigi
6. The Garden Place Hotel
7. Gorilla View Mountain Lodge
8. The Gorilla Lodge Le Bambou

Packing List for Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda Safari Packing List

Travelers on Rwanda gorilla trekking tours in Volcanoes National Park should park the following items for a rewarding gorilla adventure;

• Waterproof walking boots
• A camera for photo shooting
• Insect repellents keep away bugs in the rainforest when tracking mountain gorillas in the rainforest
• Long pants and even long-sleeved shirts
• A simple backpack to hold all your essentials while tracking Mountain gorillas
• A rainjacket
• Sunscreen & sunhats
• A medical kit that includes bandages and some other medications

The above packing list can work during gorilla trekking tours in DR Congo’s Virunga National Park and Bwindi Uganda gorilla trekking safaris.

FAQs About Volcanoes National Park Rwanda

1. What is Unique About Volcanoes National Park Rwanda?

Volcanoes NP is a beautiful scenic park renowned for its Mountain gorillas and even Golden monkeys. The Virunga ranges covered in bamboo forests and lush tropical rainforests also hold breathtaking scenery ideal for photo shoots.

2. How to Get to Volcanoes National Park Rwanda? : How Do I Get From Kigali to Volcanoes National Park?

You can travel by car or by plane to reach Rwanda’s Volcano Park. Travelers arriving by flight from Uganda or the Democratic Republic of the Congo will first land at Kigali International Airport. After that, take a 2- to 3-hour picturesque drive in a safari vehicle to reach the park headquarters.

3. Can I Tour Volcano National Park on My Own Adventure?

In Rwanda’s Volcanoes NP, it’s possible to plan your own gorilla safari; however, most visitors who come to see the gorillas in Rwanda use tour operators. Travel agents have great knowledge of arranging trips. That’s to say, they can’t fail to reserve a gorilla permit, or a hotel room even during the peak travel seasons.

4. How Much Time Do I Need At Volcano National Park Rwanda?

The tourism activities you want to engage in while visiting Rwanda Volcanoes National Park will dictate how much time you spend there. Visitors can opt to spend a minimum of one day or a maximum of one week at Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park.

5. Is It Worth Going to Volcanoes National Park? : Why Do People Go to Volcanoes National Park?

It’s worth going to Rwanda Volcanoes National Park! Among the many exciting safari activities that Volcano Park Rwanda provides are hiking up a volcano, trekking with gorillas, and golden monkey trekking.

Volcanoes National Park safari is the highlight of most Rwanda safari destinations. Although tourists in this park can enjoy many activities, Mountain gorilla trekking is the most loved! Others include golden monkey tours, volcano climbing, and much more. There are various attractions to explore as well!

For a notable Rwanda tour in Volcanoes Park, you should also complement other places on this vacation, for instance, Nyungwe Forest & Akagera NP. Kigali city tours and Rwanda genocide memorial visits await you also.

For all questions regarding safaris in Rwanda, get in touch with our friendly safari specialist.