Explore Volcanoes National Park Rwanda

Location and size of Volcanoes National Park

 Volcanoes National Park is located on the country’s most northwest border, the park spans approximately 62 square miles of montane rainforest, with five of its eight volcanoes making up the Virunga Mountains.

Volcanoes National Park is part of the Virunga Conservation Area and is contiguous with Virunga National Park in Democratic Republic of Congo and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda.

Mountain Gorillas in Volcanoes National Park

Mountain gorillas are social animals living in groups and Volcanoes National Park has 12 gorilla groups out of over 380 mountain gorillas, these groups have been habituated are open for gorilla trekking excursions.

Mountain gorillas live in family groups which are led by a dominant silverback, gorilla families in Volcanoes National Park are divided into two that is groups for research purposes and those open for tourists. The Shida and Beetsme group are research groups and they have the highest numbers of individuals.

Habituated Gorilla Families in Volcanoes National Park open for gorilla trekking include

• Susa Gorilla Group (Susa A Family)
• Karisimbi Gorilla Group (Susa-B)
• Sabyinyo Gorilla Group
• Amahoro Gorilla Group
• Umubano Gorilla Group
• Agashya Gorilla Group
• Kwitonda Gorilla Group
• Hirwa Gorilla Group
• Bwenge Family Group
• Ugenda Gorilla Family

Gorilla Trekking Experience in Volcanoes National Park

Gorilla Trekking is the main activity in Volcanoes National Park and a reason to why millions of visitors flock Rwanda, gorilla trekking experience begins with briefing at the park headquarters in Kinigi about the dos and don’ts and is followed by a hike through the misty forest and the uneven terrain of the mountains in groups of 8 people.

They are guides for each group of trekkers to lead you to the habitats of the gorilla families, once you have sighted a gorilla family assigned to you, you are allowed to spend only one hour with them while taking photos, watching them go on with their life in the forest which is one of the most ultimate wildlife experiences.

Tips For Your Rwanda Gorilla Safari Visit

• The best time to visit Volcanoes National Park is during the dry season, from June to September. At this time of the ear, mild days with less rainfall make for the most comfortable hiking conditions and more easily navigable terrain.
• You may wish to time your visit to coincide with the annual Kwitza Izina Ceremony, when baby gorillas born in the park within the last year are officially named and conservation lectures are held alongside displays of traditional music and dancing. This is a chance to converse with some of the leading names in primate research and the park staff members who work so hard to protect the gorillas at ground level. In recent years, the ceremony has been held in September.
• Regardless of the time of the year you travel, rainfall is guaranteed. Therefore, be sure to pack good quality rain gear and sturdy walking shoes with sufficient grip for tackling slippery terrain. Also, due to the park’s high altitude, plenty of warm clothing is also advised.
• In addition to a gorilla trekking permit costing $ 1,500, other different activities within the park have their own fees.

Dian Fossey

Mountains gorillas were the subject of the late Dian Fossey who dedicated her life to their protection and conservation, she carried out research on mountain gorillas at the Karisoke Research Center in Volcanoes National Park. Her study on mountain gorillas lasted for 18 years and as a result of her study, we are able to have gorilla tourism which has directly and tremendously contributed to gorilla conservation.

Much of her work is portrayed in the International Acclaimed Film “Gorillas in the Mist” which was shot in Volcanoes National Park. 

Wildlife in Volcanoes National Park

In addition to the famous and endangered mountain gorillas, Volcanoes National Park is home to other primates – the endangered Golden Monkeys only found in the Virunga Region. Other animals found in the forest include Forest elephants, buffaloes, bush pigs, giant forest hogs, duikers, spotted hyenas, bush bucks and several primate species.

Birdlife in Volcanoes National Park

Volcanoes National Park is home to about 165 bird species including 17 endemic species making it one of the best places for birding expenditions in Rwanda.

Birds in Volcanoes National Park include Grauer’s rush warbler, Rwenzori Batis, Rwenzori turaco, Rwenzori double, Collared Sunbird, Handsome francolin, Strange weaver, Dusky crimson-wing, Collared Apalis, red-faced woodland warbler, Archer’s round-robin, Archer’s Robin, Brown woodland warbler, Brown-necked parrot, Doherty’s bush-shrike, Dusky crimsoning, Dusky turtle dove, Grauer’s swamp warbler, Handsome francolin, Lagden’s bush-shrike, Red-faced wood warbler, Rwenzori Apalis, Rwenzori Batis, Rwenzori double-colored sunbird, Rwenzori nightjar, Rwenzori turaco, Scarlet-tufted malachite sunbird, Strange weave among others.

When is the best time to visit Volcanoes National Park for gorilla trekking in Rwanda?

You can visit Volcanoes National Park for gorillas all year round, most visitors take on the months of June to September and then December to February since it is the time of the year where it does not rain heavily.

During the peak season – July and August, the permits are always on high demand and it is recommended to book your Rwanda 3 months to your trekking date.

How To Get to Volcanoes National Park for Gorilla Trekking

Volcanoes National Park is accessed by flying to Kigali International Airport (KGL) in Kigali City – the Capital of Rwanda, about 10km/6mi. the park is about 100 kilometers and 2 hours on the surfaced road.

Where to stay in Volcanoes National Park for Gorilla Trekking

There are several accommodation options where to stay on a gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda, these impressive camps and lodges are situated within a few miles of the park headquarters in Kinigi and here are our top picks

Bisate Lodge

This luxury lodge is located in a spectacular Volcanic crater on the edge of Volcanoes National Park, Bisate Lodge offers six luxurious, en-suite villas designed in the traditional Rwandan fashion with thatched, domed roofs.

Singita Kwitonda Lodge

Singita Kwitonda Lodge shares a border with Volcanoes National Park and comprises of eight opulent suites, each one of them has a private heated plunge pool and both indoor and outdoor fireplace.

Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge

This is the first community – owned lodge in Rwanda, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge has six cottages, two suites and one family cottage, each with a fireplace and sitting area. The main lodge is filled with welcoming shared spaces.

Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel

This is a popular midrange option in Volcanoes National Park located in Musanze, the hotel offers eight rooms and a family suite. Am