Adventure Gorilla Safaris
Volcanoes National Park
The premier safari destination in Rwanda for adventure holidays including the Mountain Gorillas and the endangered Golden Monkeys.
Volcanoes National Park is widely regarded as one of Africa’s most extraordinary wildlife destinations, drawing visitors from across the globe for one reason above all others: mountain gorillas. As one of only four protected areas in the world where these magnificent primates survive in the wild, the park holds a place of unrivalled importance in global conservation. The other three parks sharing this distinction are Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, both in Uganda.
Locally and officially known as Parc National des Volcans, the park sits in the Virunga Conservation Area (VCA) in the Ruhengeri district of northwest Rwanda. It lies approximately two to three hours by road from the capital, Kigali, making it surprisingly accessible for such a remote wilderness. Established in 1925, it is one of Africa’s oldest national parks, covering an area of around 160 square kilometres and sharing borders with Uganda’s Mgahinga Gorilla National Park to the north and Congo’s Virunga National Park to the west. Together, these three parks form the greater Virunga Conservation Area — a vital transboundary refuge for one of the planet’s most endangered great apes.
Five of the eight Virunga Massif volcanoes lie within the park’s boundaries: Mount Muhabura, Gahinga, Mount Karisimbi, Bisoke, and Sabyinyo. These dramatic peaks, draped in mist and montane forest, define the park’s striking landscape and offer some of the most rewarding hiking in East Africa. The park is also historically significant as the base from which renowned primatologist Dian Fossey conducted her 18 years of groundbreaking gorilla research, bringing global attention to the Virunga gorillas and laying the foundation for the conservation efforts that protect them today.
Sabyinyo Mountain
It holds a peak that shares three countries - Rwanda, Uganda and DR Congo.
Gorilla Trekking / Volcanoes NP
Volcanoes National Park offers some of the most dramatic hiking terrain in East Africa, with five climbable volcanoes to choose from. Each presents a different level of challenge and reward. Mount Karisimbi, at 4,507 metres the highest of the five, is a two-day climb rewarded with sweeping panoramic views across the Virunga landscape. Mount Bisoke offers a single-day hike to a stunning crater lake at its summit, while Gahinga is a shorter, more accessible climb through bamboo forest and open moorland. Sabyinyo and Muhabura each present their own challenges, with Sabyinyo’s jagged peak and Muhabura’s steep, rewarding ascent making them favourites among seasoned hikers. Guides are required for all volcano hikes and can be arranged through the park or your tour operator.
Adventure Hiking Safaris - Rwanda
Volcanoes sits in the great virunga massif with five mountains in Rwanda in Volcanoes National Park.
Bisoke Mountain
Mount Bisoke lies along the border between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, though its summit sits within Rwandan territory
Karisimbi Mountain
Mount Karisimbi rises to 4,507 metres, making it the tallest of the eight major peaks in its mountain range. This range forms part of the Albertine Rift, the western branch of the East African Rift.
Gahinga Mountain
Mount Gahinga sits between Muhabura and Sabyinyo, making it the smallest of the three volcanoes. Its summit features a swampy caldera.
Sabyinyo Mountain
Mount Sabyinyo, the oldest volcano in the range, sits northeast of Lake Kivu—one of Africa's Great Lakes—and west of Uganda's Lake Bunyonyi.
Golden Monkey Tracking
For travellers seeking a second primate encounter, golden monkey tracking is an excellent complement to gorilla trekking. These vivid, copper-and-black primates are found only in the Virunga highlands and are every bit as captivating as their larger cousins. The park has two habituated golden monkey troops, and treks to find them also depart from the Kinigi headquarters. Golden monkey permits are priced at USD 100 per person, making this one of the more affordable wildlife experiences in Rwanda.
Gorilla Trekking
Gorilla trekking is, without question, the defining experience of any visit to Volcanoes National Park. It involves venturing into the park’s dense forest in the company of a small group of visitors, guided by expert trackers, to spend a precious hour observing a habituated gorilla family in their natural habitat. The park is home to approximately 13 habituated gorilla groups, each of which can be visited by a maximum of eight tourists per day — a deliberate policy designed to minimise human impact and protect the gorillas’ wellbeing.
Treks begin early in the morning with a briefing at the Kinigi headquarters, usually at around 7:30am, before groups head off to their assigned families. The actual trek into the forest starts at 8:00am. Depending on the gorillas’ movements and the terrain, trekking can take anywhere between two and six hours, taking you through bamboo forest, steep volcanic slopes, and thick undergrowth. The physical challenge is more than worthwhile — the moment you come face to face with a silverback in the wild stays with you for life.
A gorilla trekking permit is mandatory and costs USD 1,500 per person. Given the high demand and limited daily places, permits are best secured well in advance through Rwanda Development Board or via a reputable tour operator who can handle the booking process on your behalf.
Gorilla and Golden Monkey Safaris
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Gorilla Safaris and Hiking
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Gorilla and Cultral Safaris
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Volcanoes Tours Rwanda
While mountain gorillas are the headline attraction, Volcanoes National Park supports a diverse array of wildlife across its montane forests, bamboo zones, and open grasslands. Mammals such as spotted hyenas, elephants, buffaloes, bush bucks, black-fronted duikers, and vervet monkeys inhabit the park alongside the iconic golden monkeys — another endemic primate found only in the Virunga highlands. The black-and-white colobus monkey is also a frequent sight, leaping through the forest canopy.
Birding; The park’s extraordinary avifauna makes it a serious birding destination in its own right. Guided birding walks can be arranged through the park, with routes tailored to target specific species or habitats. The bamboo zone is productive for warblers and apalis species, while the higher elevation moorlands offer opportunities to spot the iconic Rwenzori turaco and the scarlet-tufted malachite sunbird. Early morning is the best time for birding, when activity is at its peak.
Musanze Caves Tour: Just a short distance from the park entrance, the Musanze Caves are a fascinating geological attraction formed by volcanic activity over 65 million years ago. The caves stretch for approximately two kilometres and were opened to visitors in 2013. A guided walk through the caves provides an insight into the region’s volcanic history and is a worthwhile add-on to any visit to the area.
Cultural Encounters: Rwanda’s cultural heritage is as rich as its natural environment, and a visit to the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village — also known as the Gorilla Guardians Village — offers a memorable window into local Rwandese traditions. Here you can enjoy traditional music and dance performances, learn about local craftsmanship, and hear the stories of former poachers who have been transformed into conservation ambassadors and cultural guides. The village makes for a meaningful and enjoyable addition to any gorilla trekking itinerary.
Twin Lakes — Lake Burera and Lake Ruhondo: Located just a short drive from the park, the Twin Lakes of Burera and Ruhondo are among the most scenic spots in northern Rwanda. A boat ride on either lake offers beautiful views of the surrounding hills and volcanoes, as well as excellent birdwatching opportunities along the shoreline. The peaceful atmosphere and stunning scenery make the lakes a perfect place to unwind after the exhilaration of a gorilla trek.
3 Days Volcanoes NP
2 Days Volcanoes Tour
4 Days Rwanda Adventure
10 Days Best of Rwanda
Best Time to Visit
Volcanoes National Park is a year-round destination, and you can trek gorillas every month. That said, the dry seasons are generally the best time to visit, especially for gorilla and golden monkey trekking, as the trails are less muddy and navigation through the forest is easier. The long dry season runs from June to September and is the most popular period for visitors. The short dry season, from December to February, is another excellent window. For birdwatching, the wet seasons — March to May and October to November — are the most productive, as migratory species are present and forest activity is at its most vibrant.
Where to Stay
The area around Volcanoes National Park offers a wide range of accommodation to suit every budget and style of travel. At the luxury end of the spectrum, properties such as Bisate Lodge, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Virunga Lodge, and One&Only Gorilla’s Nest offer world-class facilities and immersive wilderness experiences. Mid-range options include the Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge, Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge, Kwitonda Lodge, and Gorilla Volcanoes Lodge. Budget travellers will find comfortable and welcoming accommodation at Kinigi Guesthouse, among others.
