Tucked in the North-western corner of Rwanda on the borders of Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, Volcanoes National Park is the premier safari destination in Rwanda and the best place to trek mountain gorillas – one of the most sought-after travel experiences in the world.
Volcanoes National Park is dominated by ancient, mist-swathed mountains and emerald forests, spanning approximately 62 square miles of Mountain forest with five of its eight volcanoes making up the Virunga Mountains. The park is contiguous with Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda. Together, these three parks form the Great Virunga Conservation Area, famous for offering encounters with endangered mountain gorillas. The Virunga Mountains are home to more than half of the remaining mountain gorilla population, which is about 1,064 according to the recent census.
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All five of the Virunga Volcanoes in Rwanda are dormant, and their presence in the park is no less dramatic for their dormancy. Virunga Mountains found in Volcanoes National Parks are Mounts Karisimbi (4,507m), Bisoke (Visoke) (3,711m), Sabyinyo(3,669m), Gahinga (3,474m), and Muhabura (4,127 m). The park’s highest point is the peak of Mount Karisimbi (4,500 meters), and most of the park lies over 2,000 meters above sea level (however, it is not high enough to cause altitude sickness).
The altitude range within Volcanoes National Park has contributed to the considerable variation in vegetation types, changing from tropical and bamboo forest types at low altitudes to montane forests and marshes, and small lakes extending between each volcano. This medley of geological and climatic factors has contributed to the importance of biodiversity and conservation of Volcanoes National Park.
Mountain Gorilla Trekking Families in Volcanoes National Park
With 12 habituated gorilla families, Volcanoes National Park is the world's premier gorilla trekking destination. These families have been trained to be less hostile to visitors through the gorilla habituation process, and visitors can visit and stay in their presence for a set period of one hour. Rwanda’s gorilla families include
- Amahoro Gorilla Group – led by a calm dominant silverback Ubumwe, this
gorilla group is named a local slug meaning peace mainly resides uphill which
requires you to endure a steep climb to eventually get into its territory, but the
climb is always worth it. - Hirwa Gorilla Group - This gorilla family was formed by different members from exciting gorilla families including Group 13, Susa, and Sabyinyo. Silverback –Munyinya after leaving Susa with 2 females, collected other members along the way and eventually formed his gorilla group – Hirwa.
- Sabyinyo Gorilla Group – led by a dominant silverback Guhonda. Named after
the Sabyinyo Volcano, this impressive family is perfect for visitors interested in
long-distance treks. It is found near the park headquarters. - Kwitonda Gorilla Group – led by Silverback Kwitonda, a name that translates as
“humble one”. This gorilla family migrated from the Democratic Republic of Congo and permanently settled in Rwanda. Trekking this gorilla family is moderately difficult because it ranges far from the upper slopes of Mt. Muhabura. - Group 13 / Agashya Gorilla Group - initially, this gorilla group had only 13
members, thus the name. Currently, it has about 25 members, and it is led by
Silverback Agashya, which explains the name change. - Umubano Gorilla Group – Led by Silverback – Charles who broke off from
Amahoro Gorilla Group, he left with some females from the same gorilla group to form Umubano which is translated as living together. - Ugenda Gorilla Group – named Ugenda for its unique behavior of roaming from
place to place around the Karisimbi area. - Susa (A) Gorilla Group – This is the largest gorilla group in Volcanoes National Park
The park with 41 gorillas, studied by Dian Fossey. This gorilla group is
Known for having the rare twins named Byishimo and Impano, the family lives in the high mountains, making it difficult to trek, but it rewards you with its sheer size upon sighting it. - Karisimbi/ Susa – B Gorilla Group – This gorilla group split from the Original
Susa (A) Group has 2 Silverbacks. It is best for seasoned hikers who enjoy
the hiking experience as much as the gorilla sightings. - Titus Gorilla Group – this family was named after Silverback Titus, who was
born during the days of Dian Fossey’s research at Karisoke. - Bwenge Gorilla Group – this family was formed by Silverback Titus after
breaking away from females from other groups. Bwenge is translated as “Wisdom”, the group occupies mainly the slopes between Karisimbi and Bisoke Mountains.
Safari Activities To Do in Volcanoes National Park
Gorilla Trekking
Gorilla trekking is the main Rwanda safari activity in Volcanoes National Park, this once-in-a-lifetime experience is adventurous, exciting, and fun.
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Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park offers the most accessible gorilla trekking
With experience in the world, the park hosts 12 habituated gorilla families open for gorilla trekking. The treks normally start at the park headquarters in Kinigi with a briefing, and after you are escorted by park rangers into the misty forests looking for the endangered mountain gorillas. The trek to find gorillas takes approximately 2 to 6 hours, and once you spot a gorilla family, you are allowed to be in their presence for one full hour, watching them feed, care for each other, and play.
To take part in gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, you need to have a gorilla permit costing $1,500 per person per trek. Each gorilla family is limited to 1 visit per day by a group of not more than 8 people.
Golden Monkey Trekking
Golden monkeys are other endangered primates protected in Volcanoes National Park, these beautiful primates thrive within the bamboo forests. Golden monkey trekking is another exciting primate experience to do in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, the forest has habituated golden monkey groups open for visitors. This exciting experience starts with a briefing at the park headquarters, then heads into the forests of Volcanoes led by a guide. Unlike gorilla trekking, finding golden monkeys takes a much shorter time and when you find them, you are allowed only one hour in their presence being entertained by their playful nature and taking amazing pictures.
Bird watching
Volcanoes National Park is listed among the Important Birding Areas in Rwanda and is one of the best places to go for bird watching. There are over 200 recorded bird species within Volcanoes National Park, including species endemic to the Albert Rift Valley.
Bird species to look out for on a birding safari in Volcanoes National Park include Lagden’s bushshrike, African Green Broadbill, Kivu Ground Thrush, Rwenzori Batis, and Black Cuckoo among others.
Dian Fossey’s Tomb Hike
A hike to Dian Fossey’s Tom is a recommended safari activity to do in Volcanoes National Park, the hike gives tourists a learning experience about the works of the famous American primatologist – Dian Fossey and her life in the misty forests.
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Dian Fossey dedicated her life to researching mountain gorillas. She set up a research camp in the valley between Mount Karisimbi and Mount Bisoke, thus the name “Karisoke”. Unfortunately, she was murdered by unknown individuals and buried among the gorillas – her favorite creatures.
Volcano Hiking/Climbing
If you are a fan of hiking, Volcanoes National Park is a perfect destination for you. The park offers day and overnight hike options. The Day Hike takes you to Mount Bisoke –one of the volcanoes in the Virunga Ranges standing at 3700 meters with a crater lake at the top.
The overnight hike takes on Mount Karisimbi, the second-highest volcanic peak in the Virunga Ranges. Along this trail, you are diverse vegetation zones from bamboo and Afro-Montane to savannah. The hike is known to be challenging and rewarded with a snow-capped peak, especially in the dry season of June, July, and August.
Visit Ib’Iwacu Cultural Village
The Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village, also known as the Gorilla Guardians Village, is a must-visit while on a Rwanda Safari to Volcanoes National Park. This village is situated close to the park, making it very accessible. Here, you get to learn about the local Rwandan culture and traditions, interact with the local people, and try preparing or even eating the traditional meals and drinks such as banana juice or brew banana bear, visit the local medicine man, and be entertained by local dances and drama.
Where to stay in Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park has a range of accommodation facilities ranging from luxury, mid-range, and up-market. These establishments are found in Kinigi, Musanze, and are approximately a 30-minute to 1-hour drive from the park headquarters.
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Some of the accommodations in Volcanoes National Park
- Bisate Lodge
- Kwitonda Lodge
- Â Virunga lodge
- Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge
- One & Only Gorilla Nest
- Le bambou gorilla lodge
- Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
- Kinigi guesthouse
- Â Muhabura hotel
- Garden place hotel
How to Get to Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park is situated in a 3-hour drive from Kigali City to Musanze, the closest village to the park. Musanze is a half–hour drive from the headquarters at Kinigi, where visitors are required to check in by 7 am on the day of their visit.
There are no flights available between Kigali and Volcanoes National Park. Instead, all visitors should either hire a vehicle (often with a local driver) or opt to join a guided tour with transfers included.
Best Time to Visit Volcanoes National Park
Gorilla trekking in Rwanda can be done year-round, however, the country and park receive heavier rainfall in September – November and March-May which makes the trails muddy and difficult to hike.
There is still a marked difference between the dry and rainy seasons. The weather is generally drier and hotter between June and September, and again from December to February. December to February is the most preferred month to go gorilla trekking in Rwanda.
During March and May, and again from September to November you can expect more frequent and heavier rain showers. Muddy roads and paths can become tricky to handle.
Ready for the ultimate gorilla adventure? Let GoExplore and our expert team craft the perfect itinerary for you. Explore, trek, and connect with nature in Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park. Your unforgettable journey starts here!
