Nestled in northwestern Rwanda, Volcanos National Park is one of the most visited tourist destinations in Rwanda. The bamboo forest park is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, particularly those seeking a once-in-a-lifetime encounter with the majestic mountain gorillas. Volcanoes National Park covers Rwanda’s share of the Virunga Conservation Area bordering Mgahinga Gorilla Park in Uganda and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Volcanoes Park was a center for Dan Fossey, an American primatologist, during her research and campaign on gorilla conservation and tourism, Vegetation in Volcanoes National Park mainly comprised of tropical and bamboo forests, Montane forests, thickets, Swamps, Marshes, Meadows and grasslands among others. The diverse vegetation types favor the habitation of various wild animals and birds that reside there
Top Activities in Volcanoes National Park
Mountain Gorilla Trekking
Sheltering over 400 mountain gorillas, Volcanoes National Park is a center of gorilla trekking experience in Rwanda. 10 gorilla families have been habituated to trekking in the park, rewarding travelers with a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Gorilla trekking is undoubtedly the crown jewel of the park, attracting a high number of travelers from all parts of the world. Enjoy a trek through lush rainforests and bamboo forests to observe these gentle giants in their natural habitat. Gorilla trekking Permits are limited and must be booked in advance. Each permit to trek mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park costs $1500, allowing you to trek
Golden Monkey Tracking
Second to mountain gorilla trekking, golden monkeys are yet another interesting venture done in Volcanoes National Park. Tracking these playful primates through the bamboo forests of Volcanoes Park is an experience of its kind that you should not miss on your Rwanda safari. Golden monkey communities have been habituated for trekking and each permit costs $100
Volcano Hiking
Embark on a challenging but rewarding hike up one of the five volcanoes: Karisimbi, Bisoke, Muhabura, Gahinga, or Sabyinyo on your Rwanda safari. Mount Karisimbi, located on the borders of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo is the highest Volcano in the Virunga Conservation Area, standing at 4,507 meters above sea level. The slopes of these Volcanoes are home to the endangered mountain gorillas and other primates, which you can meet on a good day. The summit of the volcanoes offers stunning views of the beautiful parks, farms, and homesteads
Hiking to Dian Fossey’s Gravesite
YES, a visit to the graveyard of Dian Fossey is a not-miss on your safari to Rwanda. Dian Fossey is an American primatologist who lost her to poachers during her campaign to save the endangered mountain gorillas that were on the verge of extinction. A hike to her graveyard is a sign of respect to the renowned primatologist at her final resting place.
Visit Twin Lakes
Visit the twin Lakes of Bulera and Ruhinda for a scenic boat cruise and cold breeze. Enjoy scenic views of Lake Bulera and Lake Ruhondo where you will meet and interact with local people who share their daily lifestyles, traditions, norms, and customs
Nature Walks
Explore the diverse ecosystems of Volcanoes National Park on guided nature walks with Authentic Africa Safaris. The walking trails take you to specific points such as waterfalls, caves, and other interesting spots within Volcanoes National Park. The walk through the forest offers you a chance to see animals such as chameleons and several ground reptiles. You can also spot various medicinal herbs during a nature walk in Volcanoes National Park
Bird watching
Sheltering over 200 bird species, Volcanoes National Park is undeniably a haven for birders. 17 bird species in Volcanoes National Park are endemic to the Albertine Rift and should not be missed on your African Birding safari. Some of the notable birds seen in Volcanoes National Park include the Black crowned Waxbill, Ruwenzori Double Collared Sunbird, Ruwenzoi Turaco, Common stonechat, Dusky Turtle Dove, African Long Eared owl, and strange weaver, among others. June to August and some part of September is the best time for bird watching in Volcanoes National Park while Migratory birds are best seen from November to April.
Cultural Visits/ Community Tourism
Immerse yourself in the local culture by visiting nearby villages. Especially the Iby’iwacu Cultural Village (Gorilla Guardian Village) to learn and experience the traditions, norms, customs, and beliefs of local people. Visiting local communities is an indirect way of supporting local livelihood communities by participating in community-based tourism projects and buying locally made products
Best Time to Visit Volcanoes National Park
The dry seasons (June to September and December to February) are generally the best times to visit, with less rainfall and clearer skies. However, the park can be visited year-round. This time is generally good for trekking through the jungle as you search for the endangered primates and also for nature walking. However, there is a high demand for gorilla permits which require booking
What to Pack to Volcanoes National Park
Once you make up your mind to visit Volcanoes National Park, make sure your travel bag is packed already. Some of the things you should carry on your Rwanda safari to Volcanoes National Park include
- Comfortable hiking boots for easy trekking and hiking through the jungle
- Rain gear for the forest rains
- Warm layers (temperatures can drop significantly at higher altitudes and night)
- Insect repellent to protect you from harmful bites
- Sunscreen
- Binoculars especially for birders
- Camera with extra battery to capture the best moments with mountain gorillas
Where to stay in Volcanoes National Park
For a night stay, Volcanoes National Park entails a long list of budget midrange and luxury accommodation facilities offering you comfortable and enjoyable food and sleeping services. Some of the best places to stay in Volcanoes National Park include Bisate Lodge, Davinci Gorilla Lodge, Virunga Lodge. Tiloreza Safari Lodge, Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge, Five Volcanoes Boutique Lodge, Sabyinyo Silverback Gorilla Lodge, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge and Kinigi Guest House, among others. Authentic Africa Safaris helps you reserve a room at your favorite Lodge
How to book a safari to Volcanoes National Park
Booking a Rwanda safari to Volcanoes National Park can be done in two ways. Firstly, choose any one of the licensed travel operators offering Rwanda safaris. Authentic Africa Safaris is one of the reliable travel operators in Rwanda. We offer customized Rwanda safaris including gorilla trekking, volcano hiking, golden monkey trekking and nature walks among others. Alternatively, you can book directly with the Rwanda Development Board
In conclusion. Volcanoes National Park is a must-visit destination on your Rwanda Tour. Contact Authentic Africa Safaris for customized Rwanda tours to Volcanoes Park for gorilla trekking, volcano climbing, nature walks , golden monkeys and birding among others
