Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park is located in the northwestern part of Rwanda, covering an area of 160 sq km (62 sq mi) of equatorial rainforest. The park is named after the chain of dormant volcanoes, with Kasirimbi at 4,507m being the highest. The park has a total of eight volcanoes in the Virunga Mountains. It is home to the endangered species of mountain gorillas and the rare golden monkeys.
The park is a must-see for all Rwanda Gorilla Safaris since it has the largest concentration of mountain gorillas in the Virunga Conservation Area. Additionally, Volcanoes Park is home to other wildlife species, including the spotted hyena, buffaloes, black-fronted duiker, bushbuck and elephants. Volcanoes National Park harbours an estimated 200 bird species, with at least 29 endemic ones. The golden monkey trekking complements the gorilla trekking, a rare and exciting experience not to be missed.
Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park is arguably the best place in the world to observe the endangered mountain gorillas. This is where Dian Fossey started the habituation of these gentle giants decades ago. Other activities in the park include golden monkey trekking, a hike to Dian Fossey’s former camp, and several strenuous climbs to the volcanic peaks. Volcanoes National Park protects the Rwandan sector of the Virunga Mountains, a range of dormant and active volcanoes that straddle the Ugandan and Congolese borders. The dramatic scenery consists of a chain of freestanding mountains, connected by forested saddles. The gorillas are often found along these saddles, in enormous groves of bamboo.
The most popular activity is gorilla trekking, which gets you close to one of the world's most iconic wild creatures. Wildlife enthusiasts can also track golden monkeys in the bamboo zone. Other day hikes include the walk to Dian Fossey's grave at the abandoned Karisoke Research Center and ascent to the scenic crater lake atop Mt Bisoke. Activities are all guided and undertaken as day excursions from outside the park.
Wildlife Experience
Aside from mountain gorillas, you can track one of the habituated troops of golden monkeys, one of which numbers up to 100 individuals. This endangered species is an Albertine Rift endemic. Buffalo and elephants are quite common in the forest, but they are skittish and rarely seen. Smaller animals present include bushbuck, bushpig, giant forest hog, black-fronted duiker and side-striped jackals.
Birdlife Experience
With about 200 species recorded (including 17 Albertine Rift endemics), Volcanoes National Park offers great bird watching. However, most of the park’s special birds can also be seen in Nyungwe National Park, which is set up better for birding. Local specialties are the vulnerable Grauer’s swamp warbler and the scarlet-tufted sunbird, which can be found on the summit of Mt Bisoke.
Locate the Volcanoes National Park
Getting There
By Air: For the ultimate experience, take a scheduled scenic helicopter flight from Kigali International Airport to Musanze Airstrip. The airstrip is located a 25-minute drive from the park’s headquarters. Set your eyes on the rolling hills from the air with a flight time of 30 minutes, which gives you the most unique and scenic transfer experience. There are no scheduled domestic flights from Kigali to the park.
By Road: You can easily access Volcanoes National Park by road. The drive from the capital, Kigali, takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes. Road transport is the most used means given the short distance, which covers approximately 110 km. Enjoy your road drive on a 4WD vehicle as you pass the scenic, cool and serene rolling hills before arriving at Kinigi Park’s headquarters.
Best time to visit
Volcanoes National Park is open for gorilla trekking and hiking throughout the year. Sightings of gorillas are almost guaranteed and don’t depend on the weather. However, the trails become very slippery in heavy rain and hiking is definitely easier in the Dry season months, from June to August, and to a lesser extent in September, January and February.
