Volcanoes National Park - Gorilla Trekking, Dian Fossey Hike, Golden Monkey Tracking

Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda is one of the best gorilla tracking destinations in Africa. This magnificent gorilla park lies in Northwestern Rwanda and it is accessible within 2 to 3 hours’ drive from Kigali capital city. It was established in 1925 making it one of the oldest gorilla trekking safaris park in Africa and its creation was primarily to host a section of the mountain gorillas that presently make up a total population of about 1063 individuals on planet earth.

Volcanoes National Park occupies an area of about 160sq.kms and hosts a rain-forest, five of the eight scenic volcanoes; Karisimbi (4507m), Muhabura (4127m), Bisoke (3711m), Sabyinyo (3634m) and Gahinga (3474m). This gorilla safari park also makes up part of the vast Virunga Conservation Area (VCA) and this also covers the Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Volcanoes National Park is also known as Parc National Des Volcans and Dian Fossey conducted about 18 years research on gorillas in this gorilla safari park. However, she was mysteriously murdered in 1985 and she was buried next to her lovely gorilla; Digit.

Attractions in Volcanoes National Park

Wildlife in Volcanoes National Park

Safaris to Volcanoes National Park let you explore diverse wildlife species in wild. This protected area is popular home to the rare mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, buffaloes, forest elephants, bush pigs, duikers, bush bucks, spotted hyenas, giant forest hogs, black and white colobus monkeys and a lot more. They are inhabited in varied habitats which are distributed in Volcanoes National Park despite its small size.

Birdlife in Volcanoes National Park

About 200 bird species are estimated to be in Volcanoes National Park thus making it one of the most remarkable birding sites in Rwanda. The birds to expect to look out on Rwanda birding safaris in this protected area include the Rwenzori Turaco, Archer’s ground robin, Grauer’s rush warblers, Rwenzori double collared sunbirds, strange weaver, handsome francolin, collared apalis, moorhen long crested eagle, paradise flycatchers, grey throated tit, red faced woodland warblers, Rwenzori Batis, dusky crimson wing and a lot more.

Tour activities to do in Volcanoes National Park

Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park is by far a bucket-list primate experience among travelers on Rwanda safaris. It involves trekkers exploring anyone of the 10 habituated gorilla groups in this gorilla safari park which include Susa A, Karisimbi, Sabyinyo, Hirwa, Bwenge, Kwitonda, Amahoro, Umubano, Agashya and Ugenda. It is possible to trek mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park provided that you have a valid gorilla permit and you are above 15 years.

Gorilla trekking permits in Rwanda can be booked at $1500 per person and you can reserve one plus your gorilla tour through our reservation team or directly through reservation team at Rwanda Development Board (RDB). Interested visitors on Rwanda gorilla trekking tour to Volcanoes National Park are advised to reserve their permits in advance to avoid last minute booking which may come with lots of disappointments given the high demand for gorilla permits.

Golden monkey tracking in Volcanoes National Park

Tours to Volcanoes National Park also take you through a trek to see golden monkeys. Trekking to view golden monkeys is exceptionally one of the thrilling primate safaris experience you shouldn’t miss out. Golden monkeys are some of the most beautiful primates in the world and a permit can be reserved at $100 per person.

Bird watching in Volcanoes National Park

Bird watching in Volcanoes National Park is another most astonishing experience offered to tourists on Rwanda safaris. It involves birders spotting diversity of bird species including among others Rwenzori Turaco, Archer’s ground robin, Grauer’s rush warblers, Rwenzori double collared sunbirds, strange weaver, handsome francolin, collared apalis, moorhen long crested eagle, paradise flycatchers, grey throated tit, red faced woodland warblers, Rwenzori Batis. You are reminded to come along with a pair binocular and a good camera.

Dian Fossey tomb hike in Volcanoes National Park

On Rwanda gorilla tour, a hike to Dian Fossey tomb site should be a must-do and you will certainly be rewarded with lots of memorable experiences. This is for you to have an in-depth exploration about conservation legacy of Dian Fossey, a renowned conservationist who conducted research in the Virunga volcanoes for about 18 years, set up Karisoke research station to help her during research activities. She also set up the Digit Fund which is presently known as Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund.

Exploring the Twin Lakes

Lake Ruhondo and Lake Burera are the 2 magical twin Lakes any nature lover on Rwanda safaris in Volcanoes National Park should consider a must-visit. A visit to these water bodies also allows you to explore the beautiful Russumo waterfalls with a chance to identify birds like African marsh harrier, grey throated tit, cinnamon breasted bee-eaters to mention but a few.

Hiking adventures in Volcanoes National Park

Hiking adventures in Volcanoes National Park involve hikers to explore the scenic Virunga Volcanoes especially Karisimbi and Bisoke. Volcano hiking in anyone of these Virunga Massifs rewards hikers with lots of thrilling experiences and opportunity to enjoy exceptional view of the stunning surrounding areas.

Explore the Musanze Cave

A visit to Volcanoes National Park on Rwanda safaris also presents you with opportunity to explore the historic Musanze Caves in Musanze district. These caves date back to 65 million years ago and they comprise of about 31 entrance points. They cover a distance of about 2kms and it can take you about 2 hours to have a complete walk.

Cultural tour

Rwanda tours in Volcanoes National Park are complete when you incorporate a visit to Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village for cultural tour. A cultural trip to this community lets you get the best of Rwandese unique traditions, lifestyles, dances and music performances to mention but a few.

When to visit Volcanoes National Park

There is no specific time to visit Volcanoes National Park because it is an all year-round destination. However, gorilla trekking is best done in this gorilla park in the dry months of the year starting in June, July, August, September and December, January, February. On the other hand, it is also possible for you to visit this protected area in March, April, May and October, November which are the wet months of the year. These are the best months to go for birding tours in Volcanoes National Park.

Where to stay in Volcanoes National Park

Gorilla tours or birding safaris in Volcanoes National Park are complete only with availability of accommodation facilities. The notable lodges to spend a night in this park include Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge, Bisate Lodge, Kinigi Guesthouse, Muhabura Hotel, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Gorilla Volcanoes Lodge, Da Vinci Lodge, Bisate Lodge.

How to reach Volcanoes National Park

Volcanoes National Park is easily reachable by road. It takes you about 2 to 3 hours to drive from Kigali capital city of Rwanda to Northwestern side of the country. Alternatively, you can connect from Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and this covers about 3-4 hours’ drive via Katuna/Chanika border.