Volcanoes National Park – Ultimate Rwanda Safari Guide

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Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda is one of the three parks in Africa where mountain gorilla trekking is carried out. Gorilla trekking and golden monkey tracking in Volcanoes National Park are purely life-transforming experiences that reward visitors with up-close encounters with these endangered creatures in their natural habitat.

This ultimate guide therefore features all you need to know about Volcanoes National Park and will help you plan an unforgettable experience on a Rwanda safari.

Volcanoes National Park at a Glance

Volcanoes National Park is located in northwestern Rwanda bordering Uganda to the southwest and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to the southeast in the misty Virunga Mountain ranges. The park was established to protect the forest-clad steep slopes of the Virunga massif and the endangered mountain gorillas from ruthless poachers.

Volcanoes National Park comprises a rich mosaic of montane ecosystems that embrace the evergreen bamboo forest, open grassland, swamp, and heath. It sprawls over 160 km2 (62 sq mi) of rainforest, encompassing five of the eight volcanoes in the Virunga Mountains, which include Karisimbi, the highest at 4,507 m, Bisoke with its verdant Crater Lake, Muhabura, Gahinga, and Sabyinyo.

This great wildlife park was a base for the renowned American primatologist Dian Fossey, who carried out her research about gorillas. Volcanoes National Park was the first wildlife park established in Africa in 1925.

Tracking mountain gorillas through the mysterious intimacy of the misty rain forest, alive with the chirping of over 200 colourful bird species and the chattering of the rare golden monkeys, is only one of the truly unique experiences on a safari in Volcanoes National Park.

Attractions in Volcanoes National Park

The heard but rarely seen bushbaby

Volcanoes National Park is popular for gorilla trekking and home to other primate species such as chimpanzees, a host of monkeys (colobus and golden), L’Hoest’s, blue and vervet olive baboons, owl-faced Dent’s, and the nocturnal potto and bushbabies.

Within the boundaries of Volcanoes National Park is Buhanga Eco-Park, an ancient forest holding Rwanda’s most intriguing folklore and Musanze Caves, formed 62 million years ago after the last estimated volcanic eruption.

It also offers excellent birding opportunities, and about 200 bird species have been recorded in this park, among which are 17 Albertine Rift Endemics. Other thrilling activities in Volcanoes National Park include hiking, canoeing, mountain biking, and village encounters.

Activities in Volcanoes National Park

1. Gorilla trekking

Volcanoes NP

Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park involves hiking through dense bamboo forests and steep slopes in search of a family of habituated mountain gorillas in the Virunga massif. Gorilla trekking is a unique opportunity that allows visitors to see endangered gorillas up close in their natural habitat.

The final encounter with a 430-pound silverback is considered to be one of the most exciting and unforgettable wildlife encounters in Africa. Experienced guides and trackers lead small groups of no more than eight trekking travelers up the bamboo-covered slopes to spend one precious and awe-inspiring hour just a few metres away from the gorillas.

2. Golden monkey tracking

Bisate-Lodge

Golden monkeys live in bamboo forest vegetation on the slopes of Volcanoes National Park. There are two habituated golden monkey communities available for tracking in Volcanoes National Park. One group roams the slopes of Mount Karisimbi and the other roams the bamboo forest of Mount Sabyinyo. Both groups have a population of about 80 individuals.

Golden monkey tracking is a standalone excursion which starts from the Kinigi headquarters at 8:00 a.m. once each day. Visitors are encouraged to be at the park headquarters in time to prepare for the activity.

3. Volcano climbing

Volcanoes National Park offers two hiking options: the day hike and the overnight hike. The day hike takes you to Mount Bisoke, one of Virunga’s dormant volcanoes which stands at 3,700 meters and has a crater lake at its summit.

The overnight hike follows Virunga‘s second-highest volcanic summit, Mount Karisimbi. This trail traverses a range of plant zones, including Afro-montane, bamboo, and savannah. It is considered one of the most difficult hikes in Volcanoes National Park. Mount Karisimbi has a snowcapped peak in the dry months of June, July, and August. 

4. Explore Musanze Caves

These ancient tunnels were formerly used to store food supplies by Rwanda’s former rulers during times of unrest. They are now quite a sight to witness while visiting Volcanoes National Park. The cave ceilings are strewn with bats, whose eyes gleam when you shine a spotlight on them. A visit inside these caverns is a trip down memory lane, as you’ll walk through the tranquil tunnel with thick dewdrops hitting its floor.

5. Community walk

Iby’iwacu village also known as Gorilla Guardians Village is adjacent to the park making it a great spot to explore before leaving Volcanoes National Park. You will experience Rwanda’s unique culture, from consuming traditional meals and drinks like banana beer to tasting the local herbal remedy harvested and brewed fresh from the garden.

After satisfying your curiosity, relax to the traditional music, dance, and folklore performed by the locals and dance groups.

Best time to visit Volcanoes National Park

Best time to visit Volcanoes National Park: The best time to visit Volcanoes National Park is in the drier months from June to September and mid-December to February which are most convenient for gorilla trekking.

There are minimal chances of a downpour, meaning the trails are dry, not slippery and easily accessible. This makes hiking through the forest terrain quite easy and enjoyable. The weather is relatively good compared to other months.

Additionally, wildlife viewing is excellent during this time, with animals concentrated around waterholes. We still recommend visitors carry their waterproof clothing even during these drier months, as this equatorial climate is very unpredictable. Since this is the peak season, expect prices to go slightly higher on accommodations and other facilities.

On the other hand, travelers on budget safaris will prefer visiting Volcanoes National Park in the wet seasons of March to May and October to early December. During these months, accommodations have low occupancy and also offer discounts, which is an added advantage.

Besides, these months are associated with low demand for gorilla permits, which guarantee visitors the opportunity to encounter these endangered apes without competition.

Generally, gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park is an all-year-round activity, and therefore visitors have the opportunity to enjoy everything the park has to offer no matter what time of year they visit.

How to get to Volcanoes National Park

Volcanoes National Park is situated in Musanze, previously known as Ruhengeri. It is easily accessible from Gisenyi, Kigali, or the airport. The drive to the park takes 2 hours. That means one can go gorilla trekking on the same day and drive back to Kigali.

You will be required to arrive at the headquarters of the Rwandan Office for Tourism and National Parks (ORTPN) in Kinigi, at the park entrance, by 7:00 a.m. If you have a one-day gorilla trekking excursion, you will probably have to wake up very early for your trip to be on schedule.

Where to stay in Volcanoes National Park

Accommodations in Volcanoes National Park range from mid-range to luxury options. Please refer to Where to stay when gorilla trekking in Rwanda for detailed accommodation options

Singita-Kwitonda-Lodge-Exterior
Photo: Singita-Kwitonda-Lodge-Exterior.

Note: We recommend booking accommodation in Volcanoes National Park through a local tour operator, who usually includes it as part of a tour.

Combining Volcanoes National Park with other destinations.

We will help you arrange a memorable Volcanoes National Park safari combining trips to or from other parks in Rwanda, such as Nyungwe Forest National Park, Akagera National Park, and Gishwati Mukura National Park, or neighbouring destinations like Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania.

Ready for an adventure?

These safaris are meant to inspire your planning. They give you a clue as to how different destinations and experiences work together. We will help you plan an exciting trip that suits your travel style and fulfill your dream African adventure.