Volcanoes National Park
Located on the north-west tip of Rwanda, the 160km2 Volcanoes National Park is a premier park known for its once-in-a-lifetime trekking experiences up-close the mountain gorilla and the endemic golden monkey. The park forms the greater Virunga mountain conservation area that spreads across the borderlines of Rwanda, Uganda and the DRC where more than half of the global population of the endangered mountain gorillas occur.
Volcanoes National Park is one of the oldest national parks on the continent established in 1925 to protect the mountain gorilla and its fragile montane habitat. It was here on the slopes of Mt. Sabyinyo where the first specimen of mountain gorilla was first collected and introduced to western science by the Belgian Captain Robert von Beringie in 1902.
Later on, notable scientists including the famous Dian Fossey, made pioneering studies into the unique lifestyle, behavior and adaptations of the mountain gorillas within their fragile environment. These groundbreaking studies have led to awareness for protection and conservation efforts that have saved this species from the blink of extinction.
Volcanoes National Park Biodiversity
Volcanoes National Park lies within the Albertine Rift Area, an ecological biodiversity hotspot supporting various endemic flora and fauna. The park covers 5 volcano peaks that form the greater Virunga chain of mountain ranges and support over 200 species of birds including 17 Albertine Endemics (ARE) making it a prime bird hotspot for montane birding. Primates include mountain gorillas and golden monkey while other large mammals include mountain buffalo, black-fronted duiker and bushbuck.
Top Attractions and Activities to do while at Volcanoes National Park
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Mountain Gorilla Trekking Experience at Volcanoes National Park
A trekking experience up-close a family of the mountain gorillas, spending time watching it as it moves about and across their montane habitats is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Volcanoes National Park offer daily treks up to 12 habituated gorilla family groups and visitors require to obtain trek permits in advance.
A gorilla trekking day at Volcanoes NP begins with visitors personally checking-in visitor’s center of Kinigi at 7am, where briefing and all guided treks begin. Visitors are then grouped in smaller units to be led by knowledgeable ranger guides to a designated gorilla family home range. On locating gorillas, the visitors will spend one-full hour, observing, photographing or just being in the company these endangered apes.
Daily trek experience duration varies with the gorilla group’s home range and daily weather, but 3-6 hours is normal. Browse through our well curated FAQ on mountain gorilla trekking expereince to find more tips and inspiration.
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Golden Monkey Trekking Experience at Volcanoes NP
Golden monkey trekking expereince is the next exciting adventure while at Volcanoes National Park. Highly active and photogenic, the golden monkey is an Albertine rift endemic living in large troops numbering over 100 individuals led by a dominant male. Diet largely includes bamboo shoots, leaves, and insects.
A golden monkey trekking experience begins with a briefing session at the visitors’ center, from where ranger guides share the safety regulations and expectations about the trek. Just like on a mountain gorilla trek, visitors get to spend one-full hour with golden monkeys to observe, watch the behavior, traits and photograph these beautiful primates.
The full trek duration varies daily but 3-5 hrs is normal. Trek permits can be paid by Visa card at the visitor center on the day of tracking or better purchased in advance.
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Bird Watching in Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park is Rwanda’s best birding hotspot featuring on our Rwanda classic birding tours where highlights include Albertine Rift Endemics and high-altitude montane specialist. The park’s checklist of 180 bird species includes 17 Albertine Rift Endemic and other montane specialists.
Top bird highlight species at Volcanoes National Park include, Handsome Spurfowl, Rwenzori Double-collared Sunbird, Rwenzori Batis, Dusky Crimsonwing, Rwenzori Turaco, Archer’s Robin, Regal Sunbird Strange Weaver.
Other high-altitude specialists include; Lagden Bush-shrike, Mountain and Augur Buzzards, Kandt’s Waxbill, Eastern Mountain Greenbul, Rwenzori Hill Babbler, Western Citril, White-tailed Blue-flycatcher, Tropical Boubou, the high-altitude Scarlet-tufted Sunbird ticked on flowering Lobelia. The birding activity begins early morning with checking in at the visitors center for ranger guides.
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Visit Dian Fossey’s Museum
While at Volcanoes National Park, a visit to the Dian Fossey Karisoke Research Centre now named The Ellen DeGeneres Campus. The tour at this complex offer deep insights into the groundbreaking study works on mountain gorillas and the conservation efforts to these great apes, their fragile ecosystems and the neighboring communities.
The complex houses a museum with exhibits that comprises interpretive panels about mountain gorillas, a model of Dian Fossey’s workstation and some of her personal artifacts. Next to the museum hall is a research and education center that continues a study on these endangered apes and their fragile habitats. Outside the main buildings are attractive natural gardens that offer insights into various vegetational types within the gorilla natural habitats.
The museum is open everyday from 9am-5pm where a suggested minimum donation of 20 USD is accepted upon entrance. These donations go directly into supporting the conservation of these great apes.
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Hiking Adventure at Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park offers the best montane hiking expereince to any of the five extinct volcano peaks protected under this park. These volcano peaks form the greater Virunga mountain range chain that is shared between Rwanda, Uganda and the DRC. A hiking adventure to any of these peaks provides insights into the diverse flora and fauna at these higher altitudes and stunning all-round panoramic views of the entire Virunga landscape.
Daily hiking options at Volcanoes NP vary from as short as 4 hrs to One Full and Multi-Day hike plans. Reasonable fitness is required, and high-altitude advisory precautions must be sought.
Day Hikes Tours while at Volcanoes NP
The most popular hike is; a One-Day Trek to Dian Fossey’s former station and now her final resting place lying at 2980m altitude.
This highly recommended hike (up to 6-hours on average) takes one through the footsteps of the most celebrated gorilla researcher to date! It was on these slopes that in 1967 that the young and unknown Dian Fossey dedicated her life to learning about the mountain gorillas. Her work brought to the attention of the world deep insights into the ecology of mountain gorillas, raised awareness of their conservation and protection within their native rainforest homes. Her untimely death on 26th Dec 1985 was unfortunate but her legacy lives on and her ape friends now flourish. Her lifetime work on Gorillas is recorded in the Gorillas in the Mist book and film.
Other Day hikes include;
- Two-Day hikes to Mt. Karisimbi peak 4507m.
- One-Day hike to Mt. Bisoke peaks at 3711m with an outstanding crater lake.
- One-Day hike to Mt. Sabyinyo 3634m.
- One-Day hike to Mt. Gahinga 3474m.
- One-Day hike to Mt. Muhabura at 4121m, suitably arranged as a 2-Day hike.
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Take a Cultural Experience at Ibyi’wachu Village
While at Volcanoes NP, explore the vibrant Rwandan culture at Gorilla Guardian Village formerly (Ibyi’wachu village) that offers a community experience that showcases a typical Rwandan history and traditions, great entertainment, and a chance to share smiles, dance, and aspirations. This highly recommended experience includes a demonstrative tour through agricultural farms to learn about various local crops and a chance to interact with a typical local lifestyle, shop local handicrafts made by local women and community cooperative groups.
Getting to Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park lies about 112 km from Rwanda’s capital city of Kigali, requiring up two and half hours of drive. A great accommodation selection of all comfort and budget from super luxury to mid-range lie within the visitors center at Kinigi village but also within Musanze town 12-km away.
Accommodation near and around Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park is served with a wide of top accommodations that suits all categories of travelers here. The accommodation properties include super-luxury properties will all inclusive offers, to mid-range luxury and standard properties with standard amenities. These excellent facilities which boasts a typical Rwanda’s warm hospitality are located around Kinigi town near the park headquarters and as far as Musanze town only 12 km away.