The Official Website of Volcanoes National Park Rwanda

Welcome to Volcanoes National Park Rwanda the comprehensive park guide featuring the most reliable & updated information about how to book a gorilla trekking permit, gorilla Families in Volcanoes, best time to go gorilla trekking , recommended high end & lower end Safari lodges within Volcanoes National Park.

Volcanoes National Park Rwanda this is the official site for Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda for all your Expert Advice – Visit Rwanda today.

This is the official website for Volcanoes National Park Rwanda. It’s a center guide with all information about the Volcanoes National Park Rwanda. Right from the History, location, activities, developments and all information about the park is sourced here.

You can reserve a gorilla trekking vacation to Rwanda or even a combined Rwanda safari through this information hub on volcanoes or with Rwanda Gorilla Trek. We completely explore Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and provide fantastic adventure deals that run throughout the country. Experience this breathtaking natural beauty as you travel across the rifted, rolling terrain that gives Rwanda its nickname, “The Land of a Thousand Hills.”

Volcanoes National Park Rwanda

Volcanoes National Park Rwanda is one of Africa’s most well-known national parks, the area is well-known for housing the rare, endemic, and critically endangered mountain gorillas. Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park has established itself as one of the world’s most upscale locations for gorilla trekking. Are you a fan and a jokester of Visit Rwanda? The mountain gorillas in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park are where all the happiness is found. So go on a mountain gorilla hike and stay in luxurious 5-star resorts.

Volcanoes National Park Rwanda is a portion of the vast Virunga Conservation Area, which is shared by three countries: the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, and Rwanda.

Volcanoes National Park Rwanda is northeastern area of Rwanda. The Virunga Massif, a chain of volcanoes that make up this region, is heavily defined by volcanic features. The park’s 160km2/s of land is covered in bamboo forests and tropical rain forests. There is a two and a half hour drive from Kigali.

History of Volcanoes National Park Rwanda

The Volcanoes National Park Rwanda was created in 1925. This park was as subdivision of the great Virunga National Park formally known as (Albert Cook National park) during the former Belgium colony.in other words the park was created as a result of the subdivision. In 3 parts, forming Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda the smallest with size of 33.7km2 , Volcanoes National Park as the second largest covering an area of 160 km² and Virunga Park as the biggest covering an area of 7,769 km². Volcanoes National Park Rwanda. is famous due to a number of factors majorly the existence of the endangered mountain gorillas, Golden monkey and hiking of the 5 volcanic mountain(Mt Gahinga, Sabinyo, Bisoke, Karisimbi and Muhavvura, all these Volcanic Mountain, the 3 are shared between Uganda and Rwanda , while the remaining 2 volcanoes are shared between Rwanda and Congo Drc) . This iconic park has made its name from the 1960 as the result of the work from the American primatologist who carried out mass sensitization of the entire world about the existence of mountain gorillas in this park.

In this lovely park, temperatures fall between 2000 or 4,507m meters for those going to hike Karisimbi. above sea level. So altitude is a bit over challenge sometimes but also the some level of fitness is necessary to those that go on the gorilla trek same as hikes to Bisoke and Karisimbi , because usually on the slopes of the volcanoes there Ice on Mount Karisimbi which is 4,507m . inside Volcanoes national park mountain gorilla live on the edges of the slopes of the volcanoes so during the trek its where we go after receiving a morning briefing about the gorillas and any other activity.

The volcano’s national park is one of the three. National parks that share the Virunga massif. There is Virunga national park in the DRC. Congo. And then, there’s Mgahinga national park In Uganda. And volcano’s national park in Rwanda.

Volcanoes National Park Offers a unique life time experience to those who wish to go gorilla trekking from their natural habitat. to be able to visit the volcano’s national park, You have to be of eligible, age, 15 years, and above especially to those who wish to go gorilla tracking, You have to have a valid gorilla permit. Last minute gorilla purchase might not be possible on the same day of the gorilla trek since one must have a validity 72 hrs per test so advance purchase of the gorilla permit and golden monkey permit must be taken into considerations. its better to have your gorilla permit purchased booked ahead of time and fully paid, at least a month ahead of time. before the date of visit.

In volcano’s national park, we have 20 mountain gorilla families that are habituated 12 of them. Is what are dedicated for regular gorilla tracking for visitors and eight of them are designated for the Diane Fossey research centre known as (Karisoke research centre fund) for researchers to continue doing their research work. Which works as token of appreciation, for the great work of the late Dianne Fossey during her work in the 60s and 70s. and to ensure the sustainability of the project although during the peak season all the 20 gorilla families get booked and the revenue helps in the sustainability and conservation work. Mountain gorilla, tracking requires a valid per. Test that is updated at least between 24 hours and Within 24 hours.

Mountain gorilla tracking is in the volcanoes national park is broken down into three different. or categories, depending on the fitness of the guests.

  • We have easy trek. Gorilla tracking, which is usually left for senior citizens people with mobility issues. People is sensitive altitude issues And then we have
  • Medium trek, which are for fairly people with in 45years-55 years those that can afford to do an average hike of about 4-5hrs
  • longer treks /challenging treks this is usually hikes that take about four/ five to seven hours or so. And even longer. Especially to those that want to spend more hours in the natural habitat.

In volcanoes park We do have porters porters/ shepherds . About. 80 percent of the men that Are reporters today. Used to be poachers that used to hunt game meat , duikers, Buffalos, and elephants within this park and eventually they were sensitized and they became great porters and they work under organized cooperative to ensure the sustainability of the endangered great apes.

They carry your bag, but they can Also if needs arise they can put you on stretcher to those with mobility issues during the gorilla trek can be put on stretcher If needs arises.
The park became a battle field in the Rwanda civil war of 1992 greatly known as Rwanda Genocide. This affected all research and tourist activities including gorilla trekking. Not until 1999 when the stability has witnessed in the country, the park’s activities were resumed.

However, there were still sporadic incursions by rebels from the Democratic Republic of the Congo into the park. The Democratic Force for the Liberation of Rwanda is one of the rebel organizations. Many thanks to the Rwandan army for always acting immediately to put a halt to these rebel actions. A guarantee of no harm is currently offered to visitors choosing to undertake gorilla trekking in this area.

Volcanoes National Park Rwanda

The Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda is breathtakingly gorgeous, home to a remarkable diversity of wildlife, famous volcanoes, and montane forests.


MOUNTAIN GORILLA TREKKING IN RWANDA-Life of a silverback gorilla in Volcanoes national park.


VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK GORILLAS IN RWANDA- Discounted mountain gorilla trekking permits in Rwanda

What to see & Do in Volcanoes National Park Rwanda

Volcanoes National Park Rwanda

Gorilla Trekking 

most frequently considered and a top goal for many visitors to Volcanoes National Park. A total of ten habituated gorilla families are available for hiking in Volcanoes National Park. Nothing is more rewarding than bumping into the forest, getting exhausted in the quest, and relaxing into the 5-star hospitality. The park has continued to be the only upscale location to hike gorillas from. About half of the gorillas in the Virunga Mountains live in the Volcanoes Park, which is also where the majority of the Virunga Conservation is located. Having a permission from the Rwanda Development Board RDB is required to go gorilla trekking at Volcanoes. The cost of a trekking permit in Volcanoes National Park is $1500, and you may only spend up to an hour with the gorillas there.

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golden monkey money tracking Rwanda

Golden Monkey Tracking

Beautiful, critically endangered golden monkeys are indigenous to the Virunga woodlands. Trekking is another popular activity in Volcanoes National Park that draws thousands of visitors to this jungle. Volcanoes National Park has made a significant contribution to this activity. Golden monkeys are magnificent animals that no traveler should overlook when on a safari in Rwanda. Travelers can only observe golden monkeys in their native habitats in the national parks of Volcanoes Rwanda and Mgahinga gorillas. Fortunately, golden monkey trekking only costs $100, making it more affordable than going in search of gorillas.

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Musanze caves hike

Musanze Caves Hike

On your Rwanda safari to Volcanoes National Park, make sure to explore the Musanze caves. You are led into these caves by knowledgeable guides who fill you in on the history, riddles, and other information about Rwanda. READ MORE

weather and climate of volcanoes national park Rwanda

Volcano Climbing

Three extinct volcanoes can be found at Volcanoes National Park in addition to fauna. As a result, visitors to this park have the added benefit of ascending to the top of any Volcano, which rewards them with breathtaking views of the rolling hills of Rwanda, Kigali, the Virunga volcanoes, and the nearby villages. The most often ascended volcano is Mt. Karisimbi, and the experience is worthwhile. READ MORE

Dian Fossey Grave Hike

Visiting the Tomb of Dian Fossey

One of the best primatologists of all time is Dian Fossey. Her tenacity and daring helped the Volcanoes National Park drastically cut down on animal poaching, especially that of mountain gorillas. Mountain gorillas would likely be gone by today if not for her efforts. She is also credited for developing novel techniques to accustom gorillas to human presence in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park by mimicking their calls and winning the trust of the dominant male. Today, hundreds of people travel to her burial, which is situated between Mount Karisimbi and Mount Bisoke, to pay respects to this outstanding conservationist. The three-hour, $75 guided hike lasts about
One will be able to understand what she went through, her tenacity, and her enthusiasm for the gorillas as they scale the volcanoes to her former base. Please view our 3 Day Dian Fossey Memorial Visit Package and Rwanda Gorilla Tour.
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How to Get to Volcanoes National Park Rwanda

How to get to Volcanoes National Park Rwanda by Road via Musanze and by Air to Park.

Depending on which directions that you’re coming  from,

From  Gisenyi, you can access the park via the Gisenyi Goma road which is approximately 70 km, which takes 1 hour and 30 minutes  drive by car via the Nyabihu road, upon reaching Musanze district, you turn left on Cyanika Uganda road where you drive for about  900m where you will take another left a turn that takes you straight for almost 11km, on very narrow road that is full of pedestrians and cyclists maximum speed limit should be observed to avoid heavy penalties given the speed limit is 60km/hr . you will head to  Kinigi town where you find a big sign post that reads well come to volcanoes national  park headquarters.

By Road

The road is the quickest and least expensive way to travel to Volcanoes National Park. If you have booked a gorilla safari in Volcanoes through a tour operator, you will be booked into a private car that will take you from Kigali to the park. The drive from Kigali to Volcanoes in Musanze is so fascinating because it winds through undulating hills and picturesque landscapes, providing travelers with magnificent and breathtaking views of the surrounding area.

By Air

Helicopter flights to Volcanoes National Park

The fastest way to get to the Volcanoes National Park from Kigali is by air (Akagera Aviation). From the international airport in Kigali, there are daily scheduled helicopter flights to the Volcanoes in Musanze, which are run by Akagera Aviation.


MOUNTAIN GORILLA TREKKING AT VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK-What is the best time to see gorillas in Rwanda

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