Volcanoes National Park

Experience the magic of Volcanoes National Park — Rwanda’s premier gorilla trekking destination, offering breathtaking rainforest hikes, volcanic scenery, and rare primate encounters.

The Ultimate Gorilla Trekking Destination

Discover Volcanoes National Park

Volcanoes National Park (Parc National des Volcans), located in the northwest of Rwanda, is one of Africa’s most iconic national parks and a premier destination for wildlife enthusiasts. Famed for its mountain gorillas, stunning volcanic landscapes, and rich biodiversity, Volcanoes National Park offers an unforgettable experience for nature lovers and adventure seekers. A visit to this park provides the rare opportunity to trek and encounter the endangered mountain gorillas, making it a must-see for any serious wildlife traveler.

Why Visit Volcanoes National Park?

✔ The Mountain Gorillas – A Once-in-a-Lifetime Encounter
Volcanoes National Park is home to over half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, making it the most sought-after destination for gorilla trekking in Africa. Trekking through the dense forests and misty slopes of the Virunga Volcanoes, you’ll have the unique opportunity to come face-to-face with these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.

Gorilla trekking permits: Permits are limited and often book up months in advance due to the park’s popularity, so it’s essential to plan your trip well ahead of time.
Gorilla families: Volcanoes National Park is home to several habituated gorilla families, including the famous Susa Group (featured in the documentary Gorillas in the Mist) and other families like Amahoro, Hirwa, and Sabyinyo.
Gorilla trekking experience: Each trek is led by experienced guides who provide information about gorilla behavior, conservation efforts, and the park’s flora and fauna.

✔ Dramatic Landscapes – Explore the Virunga Volcanoes
Volcanoes National Park is set within the Virunga Mountain range, which consists of six volcanoes: Karisimbi, Bisoke, Muhabura, Gahinga, Sabyinyo, and Karisimbi. These dormant volcanoes create a stunning backdrop for trekking and wildlife viewing. The park's high-altitude terrain offers diverse ecosystems, from bamboo forests and alpine meadows to moorlands, providing a wide variety of habitats for wildlife.

Karisimbi Volcano: The highest peak in the Virungas at 4,507 meters, known for its lush forests and dramatic summit views.
Bisoke Volcano: Famous for its crater lake and scenic hiking trails, providing breathtaking panoramic views.
Gahinga Volcano: A smaller volcano with a peaceful atmosphere, perfect for hiking and exploring the park’s unique biodiversity.

✔ Rich Biodiversity – Flora and Fauna of the Virungas
In addition to mountain gorillas, Volcanoes National Park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including other primates, forest elephants, buffaloes, and over 200 bird species. The park’s varied landscapes provide habitats for a unique mix of species, including:

Golden monkeys: These endangered primates are commonly seen in the park and are a popular addition to the trekking experience.
Forest elephants: Smaller and rarer than their savannah counterparts, these elephants are occasionally spotted in the park’s dense forests.
Birdwatching: Volcanoes National Park is a haven for birdwatchers with species like the Rwenzori turaco, Giant forest hog, and Black-headed oriole.

Top Activities
How to Get There
Best Time to Visit
Where to Stay

Top Activities

Gorilla Trekking – Meet the Mountain Gorillas

The highlight of any visit to Volcanoes National Park is undoubtedly gorilla trekking. The trek can take from 30 minutes to several hours depending on the location of the gorilla family you are visiting, but the reward is a once-in-a-lifetime experience of spending time with these magnificent animals. The trek involves navigating through dense jungle and rugged terrain, making it a challenging but immensely rewarding adventure.

Trekking tips: Wear sturdy shoes, bring a light rain jacket, and prepare for muddy conditions. Hiring a porter is recommended to help carry your gear and provide support during the trek.

Golden Monkey Trekking

For those looking to add more primates to their itinerary, golden monkey trekking is an excellent alternative to gorilla trekking. These playful and colorful monkeys are found in the bamboo forests of Volcanoes National Park and are easily visible during treks. Golden monkeys are an endangered species, and this trek offers an up-close encounter with one of Rwanda’s most fascinating primates.

Hike to the Crater Lakes of Bisoke Volcano

The Bisoke Volcano offers one of the most scenic hikes in Volcanoes National Park. The hike to the crater lake at the summit is a challenging but beautiful adventure, passing through lush forests, meadows, and rugged volcanic landscapes. Upon reaching the summit, hikers are rewarded with breathtaking views of the emerald-green crater lake and surrounding landscapes.

Difficulty: Moderate to difficult, depending on weather conditions and fitness level.

Mount Karisimbi Trek

For experienced trekkers, a summit trek to Mount Karisimbi, the highest of the Virunga Volcanoes, offers an unforgettable adventure. The trek takes two days, with an overnight stay at the base camp before reaching the summit the following day. From the summit, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding volcanic peaks and the lush landscapes below.

Difficulty: Challenging; appropriate for experienced trekkers due to high altitudes and rugged terrain.

Visit the Dian Fossey Tomb and Research Center

Dian Fossey, the renowned American primatologist, spent much of her life studying mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park. Her work contributed greatly to the conservation of the species. Visitors can hike to her tomb located in the park and visit the Dian Fossey Research Center, where you’ll learn about her life’s work and the conservation efforts that continue today to protect gorillas.

How to Get There

Best Time to Visit

Where to Stay

Book Your Volcanoes National Park Safari Today

If you’ve always dreamed of seeing the magnificent mountain gorillas in their natural habitat, Volcanoes National Park is the destination to make it happen. Contact us today to book your trek to meet the gorillas and experience the magic of Rwanda’s stunning volcanoes, rich biodiversity, and captivating culture.

Combine Volcanoes National Park with Other Destinations

Volcanoes National Park is often combined with other Rwandan attractions:

Nyungwe Forest National Park – For primate trekking, including chimpanzees, and enjoying the forest’s rich biodiversity.
Akagera National Park – For classic safari experiences, offering wildlife like lions, elephants, and giraffes in Rwanda’s savannah.
Lake Kivu – A beautiful freshwater lake perfect for relaxing, boat trips, and cultural visits.

Experience With us

Whether you are on a trip at this time or choose to travel with us in the future, with our flexible travel policy, thorough guidance, local expertise, and unwavering support, leave your worries behind – you will always be in safe hands. We care so that you can travel carefree.