Best Attractions in Volcanoes National Park: What to See in Volcanoes Park These are the top tourist attractions in Volcanoes Park:

 

1. Incredible Mountain Gorillas & Other Mammal Species

Rwanda Volcanoes Park holds a lovely population of mammal species. However, it’s prominently known for the endangered mountain gorilla and the beautiful golden monkeys. Other wildlife species in Volcanoes Park include forest buffalos, elephants, giant hogs, bush pigs, spotted hyenas, bushbucks, and duikers. The best way to explore this park is by undertaking Rwanda gorilla tracking safaris.

2. Striking Volcanoes in Rwanda Volcanoes National Park

The stunning rainforest of Volcanoes Rwanda Park encompasses 5 of the eight volcanoes in the great Virunga Mountains. The Rwanda Volcanoes Park is home to five volcanoes:

• Mount Karisimbi, 4,507 m
• Mount Bisoke, 3,771 m, has a dazzling crater lake on its summit.
• Muhabura Mountain
• Gahinga and,
• Mount Sabyinyo

Among the aforementioned volcanoes, visitors to Volcanoes Park typically hike Mount Bisoke and Karisimbi.

3. Lovely Bird Species

Even though Rwanda Volcano National Park is famous for its endangered mountain gorillas, it’s also a wonderful site for bird lovers on birding tours in Rwanda. Volcanoes Park is home to over 200 bird species, including 17 Albertine Rift endemics. Out of these, 13 species and 16 subspecies are endemic to the Virunga Mountains and Rwenzori Region. Key birds in Volcanoes National Park Africa:

• Rwenzori Turaco
• Handsome Francolin
• Rwenzori double-collared sunbird
• Strange Weaver
• Red-Faced Woodland Warbler
• Rwenzori Batis
• Common Stonechat
• Scarlet-tufted Sunbird
• Black-crowned Waxbill
• Doherty's bush shrike

Activities in Volcanoes National Park: What to Do in Volcanoes National Park Rwanda

Gorilla trekking, golden monkey trekking, and volcano climbing are the most famous safari activities in Volcanoes Park Rwanda; however, this list continues. Below is a detailed list of the top activities available in Volcanoes National Park:

1. Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

People praise Rwanda Volcanoes Park as the best place in East Africa for gorilla tracking adventures. Therefore, most tourists who visit Volcanoes National Park Rwanda are interested in gorilla trekking tours! This is so because it’s safer than Congo’s Virunga National Park and holds more habituated endangered mountain gorilla families than Mgahinga. Furthermore, Volcanoes Park is easier to access than Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Park. About 12 gorilla groups are habituated for gorilla tracking safaris in Volcanoes National Park Rwanda. You’re free to choose which gorilla family to visit! These are the 12 habituated gorilla families in Rwanda Volcanoes Park:

• Karisimbi Gorilla family
• Hirwa Family
• Sabyinyo Gorilla Family
• Kwitonda Family
• Amahoro Gorilla Group
• Muhoza Gorilla Family
• Susa Gorilla Group
• Igisha Group
• Agashya Gorilla Group
• Umubano Family
• Ugyenda Family
• Bwenge Group

Regardless of the mountain gorilla group you visit, you’ll encounter these amazing, largest primates on Earth—mountain gorillas. You’ll learn about their behaviors, which are almost similar to those of humans. This experience is memorable!

COST FOR GORILLA TREKKING PERMIT IN VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK RWANDA—HOW MUCH ARE GORILLA TREKKING PERMITS IN RWANDA?

The Rwanda Development Board (RDB) issues gorilla permits in Rwanda, and here is the fee:

• Non-Residents: $1500
• Foreign Resident in Africa: $500
• Residents of East Africa: $200

We recommend booking your gorilla permit in advance for gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park due to the limited availability of these permits. This fee covers park entrance fees.

BEST TIME TO SEE GORILLAS IN RWANDA—WHEN TO VISIT RWANDA GORILLAS IN VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK?

Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park is open all year round; however, we recommend a dry season—June to August and December to February. During the dry months, Volcanoes National Park's gorilla tracking trails remain dry due to the park's reduced rainfall.

GORILLA TREKKING RULES IN RWANDA VOLCANOES PARK

The rules for gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park also cut across Virunga National Park and Uganda’s Mgahinga and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. These regulations serve to preserve the lives of the endangered mountain gorillas and the visitors who accompany them. National park guides will brief you from Volcanoes National Park headquarters. These are the guidelines for gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park:

• People under the age of 15 cannot go gorilla trekking.
• If you have infectious diseases, you cannot track gorillas.
• It’s illegal to litter the park while tracking mountain gorillas.
• Maintain maximum silence along the gorilla trekking trail.
• You’re not allowed to use flash photography in the presence of mountain gorillas—it stresses them!
• The endangered mountain gorillas are off-limits to visitors.
• Never feed mountain gorillas.
• In the presence of mountain gorillas, travelers cannot smoke, eat, or drink.
• You’re limited to one hour with mountain gorillas.
• Keep a distance of 7 m while in the presence of the endangered mountain gorillas.
• Always follow the instructions of the national park guides while gorilla trekking.

2. Golden Monkey Trekking

Tracking golden monkeys is the second most thrilling activity in Rwanda Volcanoes Park. In Volcanoes National Park, golden monkey trekking also takes place once a day. It starts with a briefing from the park headquarters around 7 a.m. Rwanda Volcanoes Park holds 2 habituated golden monkey families open for golden monkey treks. Golden monkey tracking in Volcanoes Park Rwanda, takes about 30 minutes to 4 hours, depending on the location of these magnificent creatures—the golden monkeys. Once you spot the Golden monkeys, you will have the opportunity to spend a magical hour with them. You'll enjoy watching them play in the bamboo forests, eating bamboo shoots, and learning about their amazing behaviors. Get your camera ready to photograph and film these colorful monkeys.

3. Mountain Hiking Adventures

Out of the eight volcanoes in the Virunga Mountains—covering regions of Rwanda, Uganda, and DR Congo—Volcanoes National Park holds 5 of them. Thus, it’s a fantastic site for hiking safaris in Rwanda. Volcano hikes typically precede mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. Popular volcano hiking adventures in Rwanda Volcanoes Park:

a. HIKING MOUNT BISOKE

Normally, most hikers opt to hike Mount Bisoke, 3,711 m above sea level. Hiking this stunning volcano up to the top takes about 6 hours, and 2 hours descending. This hike takes you through different dense vegetation zones, such as the thick rain forest and bamboo forests, and you’ll enjoy the adventure of moving through fairly challenging slopes. On reaching the summit, you’ll be amazed by the gorgeous views of the Bisoke Crater Lake. Along the hiking trail, you’ll have attractive views of Lake Kivu and most of the Virunga Mountains.

b. HIKING MOUNT KARISIMBI

Mount Karisimbi, 4507 m high, is the highest point in Rwanda Volcanoes National Park. This striking Rwandan volcano rises its name from “amasimbi.” A Kinyarwanda dialect meaning “white sells.” The naming is due to its white snow-capped summit. The Mount Karisimbi hike is a fairly strenuous trek that takes two days, commencing from the Mount Bisoke trail. During the hike, you’ll encounter numerous lovely bird species and enjoy the remarkable scenery of (active volcanoes) Mount Nyiragongo and Nyamurangira Volcano.

4. Dian Fossey Tomb Hike at Karisoke Research Centre

On your visit to Volcanoes National Park, never miss Dian Fossey's tomb hike at Karisoke Research Center. Dian Fossey was a famous American primatologist who laid the foundation for mountain gorilla conservation in East Africa—gorilla tourism. She fought hard to stop poaching as well as the pet trade within the Virunga Mountains. Today, it’s because of her effort that mountain gorillas thrive now. Sadly, in 1985, poachers brutally murdered Dian Fossey in her cabin with a machete. Poachers allegedly carried out this murder. The Dian Fossey hike takes you to Dian Fossey’s graveyard and gives you an insight into her effort in gorilla conservation. On this 2-3 hour hike, expect to encounter several wildlife species and lovely dense vegetation. Also, you’ll see the grave of Digit—Fossey’s favorite friend—as well as the graves of 20 mountain gorillas—killed by either poachers or natural death. Dian Fossey's hike always includes a visit to her former Karisoke Research Centre.

5. Exploring Musanze Caves

Musanze Caves is one of the mysterious ancient underground caves formed in Rwanda, believed to have formed due to a volcanic eruption that formed an underground space big enough that even humans can enter. The Musanze Caves are about 2 km long with thrilling walkways that take you to the interior. For you to explore this magnificent cave, you must have special torches, as its inside is dark. In the past, Musanze Cave used to be a home for Batwa people (Pygmies). Also, it acted as a hiding ground during the war. Usually, the Musanze cave tour follows the morning gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. The Rwanda Development Board opened tours to these underground caves in 2013.

6. Bird Watching in Volcanoes National Park

Volcanoes National Park is one of the key destinations for Rwanda birding tours. It’s home to over 200 species of birds, and about 17 are endemic to the Albertine Rift Valley region. An expert local birding tour guide and a park ranger will accompany you while birdwatching. Normally, the Mount Bisoke hiking trail offers the best birding experience.

• On your birding tour in Rwanda Volcanoes Park, expect to spot: Rwenzori Turaco
• Strange weaver
• Rwenzori double-collared sunbird
• Dusky Crimson Wing
• Bar-tailed Trogon
• Common stonechat
• Rwenzori Batis
• Red-faced Woodland Warbler

7. Exploring Iby’iwacu Cultural Village Around Volcanoes National Park

Found on the edge of Rwanda Volcanoes Park, Iby’iwacu Cultural Village is an indigenous community that has mobilized into a Gorilla Guardian Village. Mostly, it educates visitors about the importance of wildlife conservation and the protection of mountain gorillas. Usually, this cultural tour follows gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. It offers you a memorable opportunity to interact with local people. Expect to enjoy exciting traditional songs, dance, and pastime games. If time allows, you can go ahead and learn how to prepare local food and brew made from bananas. Famous Activities to Do in Iby'iwacu Cultural Village

• COMMUNITY WALKS

A friendly local guide guides you on community walks. You’ll go through different homesteads, and this is the best way to explore the daily activities and lifestyle of different families.

• EXPLORING THE KING’S HURT

On this tour, you’ll meet the caretaker—a local guide with outstanding knowledge about this area. He will explain all the symbols and tell you fascinating stories about the kings and this place. You have the chance to assume the role of a king for a few minutes or hours. This adventure offers unforgettable memories.

• TAKING PART IN TRADITIONAL DANCES AND MUSIC

In Rwanda, there are about 8 types of intriguing traditional dances as well as music. On your cultural visit to this Gorilla Guardian Village, you can join a group of local women, men, and youth during the traditional dance session. If possible, you can choose to learn some dancing styles or drumming, for example, the Agakenke drumming style.

• VISITING THE BATWA COMMUNITY

Batwa people, or the Pygmies, are endangered people who initially inhabited the dense forest of Volcanoes Park. However, the conservation of the endangered mountain gorillas led to the eviction of these forest people. With a local guide, you can visit these indigenous people to learn much about their lives.

• ATTENDING BABY GORILLAS NAMING CEREMONY—THE RWANDA GORILLA NAMING CEREMONY

In 2005, RDB officially started the baby gorilla naming ceremony, the Kwita Izina Ceremony. Since that time, all baby gorillas born in this country got a databank with bio records: names, gender, family, age, and family, etc. An amazing annual cultural ceremony, the baby gorilla naming ceremony, takes place in September to celebrate the birth of new baby gorillas. It aims to bring both local and international awareness about the value of protecting mountain gorillas. Several high-profile visitors from around the world, including celebrities, attend the baby gorilla naming ceremony and participate in a variety of exciting activities. These activities include music, dance, drama, and storytelling.

Must-Do Activities Outside Volcanoes National Park

1. Game viewing in Akagera National Park
2. Chimpanzee trekking & canopy walk in Nyungwe Forest Park
3. Relaxation on Lake Kivu
4. Kigali city tours
5. Exploring the Twin Lakes
6. Visiting Buhanga Eco Park: The Buhanga Eco Park is an ancient, great, sacred site that was used during the coronation rituals of the Rwanda Kings.

Best Time to Visit Volcanoes National Park: What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit Volcanoes National Park?

All year round, you can go gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park Rwanda; however, dry months—June to mid-September and December—are ideal.  At this time, the trails for mountain gorilla trekking are drier since less rainfall is usually received in the park. You can expect rainfall in most hours of the day during the wet months—March to May and late September to November. Therefore, expect some rainfall inconveniences. If interested in budget gorilla safaris in Rwanda, consider visiting in the low season (wet season); some lodges give out discounts to clients.

How to Get to Volcanoes National Park

Rwanda Volcanoes Park, located in Kisenyi Village in northwest Rwanda, is approximately a 2- to 3-hour drive from Kigali International Airport. If coming from Uganda, you can access this park via the Kyanika Border in Kisoro, which is about a 30-minute drive. Only vehicles can access Volcanoes Park! Avoid using public transportation as it may not depart on time.

Volcanoes National Park Accommodation: Places to Stay near Volcano National Park Where to Stay in Volcanoes Park National Park Africa?

There’s a range of accommodations around Volcanoes National Park, and it suits every class of traveler. They include lodges, restaurants, hotels, and campsites categorized into budget, midrange, and luxury facilities. Below are the best Volcanoes National Park hotels in Rwanda:

A. Luxury Lodges in Rwanda Volcanoes Park

1. Bisate Lodge
2. Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge
3. Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel
4. Virunga Lodge

B. Midrange Lodges in Volcanoes Park Rwanda

1. La Palme Hotel
2. Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
3. Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge
4. Garden Palace Hotel
5. Eagle View Lodge
6. Urugano Virunga Palace
7. Fravan Eco Resort

C. Budget Accommodation in Volcanoes Park

1. Hotel Muhabura
2. Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge
3. Villa Gorilla Hotel
4. Kinigi Guest House
5. Kinigi Guesthouse and,
6. Hotel Muhabura, etc.

Safari Packing List for Volcanoes National Park

While planning to go for your gorilla tracking safari in Rwanda Volcanoes National Park, there are some items you must have on your pack list for a lovely adventure. The safari pack list is available for gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park.

1. Insect repellents to protect you from biting insects in the jungle.
2. A camera should have a sufficient storage space to cater to many photos.
3. Rain jacket—helpful in case rain finds you on the gorilla tracking trail
4. Long trousers & long-sleeved shirts safeguard your body from insect bites as well as cuts in the jungle.
5. Waterproof hiking boots—ideal on the gorilla trekking trail
6. Sun protection gear—sunscreens, sunglasses, and a sunhat—are so helpful in dry months.
7. Bottled water—to keep you hydrated on the gorilla trek
8. Garden gloves to keep your hands safe while on the gorilla tracking trail.

More FAQs About Rwanda Volcanoes Park

1. Where is the Volcanoes National Park?

Three countries, Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo), share the beautiful peaks of the Virunga Mountain ranges, where this great park is located. Volcanoes Park is about a 2-hour drive from Kigali International Airport.

2. What Is the History of Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda?

The Belgian colonial authorities gazetted Volcano National Park in 1925. The main intention was to protect the mountain gorillas as well as other wildlife from poachers. In 1967, Dian Fossey (a famous primatologist) arrived in this park and set up the Karisoke Research Centre, found between Mount Karisimbi and Mount Bisoke. Since then, she has spent her time in the park making outstanding efforts to conserve gorillas. Regrettably, unidentified assassins killed this renowned scientist in 1985. Poachers, with whom she had struggled throughout her life, are responsible for this crime!

3. What Is the Weather Like in Volcanoes National Park Rwanda?

Rwanda Volcanoes Park experiences a tropical climate! Being a mountainous area, this park receives a steady stream of rainfall & mist. Being at a high altitude, its weather is usually wet and cold. Temperatures in Volcanoes Park Rwanda don’t change very much throughout the year. Day temperatures are around 150C, while at night, it can cool down to 70C.

4. What Is Unique About Volcanoes National Park Rwanda? | What Is Volcanoes National Park Known For?

Rwanda Volcano National Park is famous for its mountain gorillas. It’s one of the only 3 areas on Earth to spot mountain gorillas. Other national parks include Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo within Virunga National Park—Albert National Park. In this Rwanda gorilla park, you can also enjoy golden monkey tracking, birding tours, and volcano hiking. We advise our clients to visit the Karisoke Research Center, a renowned research center for Dian Fossey.

5. Why Is Volcano National Park Closed?

Rwanda Volcanoes Park is open for gorilla trekking tours! Get in touch with your tour operator for more information. We recommend booking your gorilla permit in advance due to their limited availability.

6. Is It Worth Going to Volcano National Park?

Absolutely, Rwanda Volcano Park is worth visiting. It’s one of the few areas on Earth to enjoy gorilla trekking safari tours in East Africa. The other national parks for gorilla tracking safaris include Uganda’s Bwindi and Mgahinga Parks as well as Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo). Apart from mountain gorilla expeditions in Volcanoes National Park, travelers can also undertake volcano climbing, birding, and exploring the Karisoke Research Centre. Dian Fossey, a renowned American primatologist, used the Karisoke Research Center as a base for her conservation efforts to safeguard the mountain gorillas in this region.

7. Do You Need a Reservation for Volcanoes National Park?

True, you should book your gorilla permit if you intend to track mountain gorillas in Rwanda Volcanoes National Park. Particularly during the peak season, these gorilla permits are in high demand. Most tourists book their gorilla permits through local tour operators in Rwanda.

8. How Long Does It Take to Explore Volcano National Park?

This time varies with the activities you wish to undertake in Volcanoes Park Rwanda. For instance, you can go for a 1-day gorilla trek in Rwanda Volcanoes Park. If you are interested in going on a gorilla trek and climbing a volcano, such as Mount Bisoke, you should prepare to spend at least two days. Your tour operator will guide you!

9. What Is There to Do in Volcanoes National Park Rwanda?

Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park is the main activity for tourists. However, you can also enjoy golden monkey trekking, volcano climbing (Mount Bisoke and Mount Karisimbi), as well as bird watching. Most travelers don’t miss the Dian Fossey hike and a visit to her Karisoke Research Center. Exciting cultural tours around this park are also a must-do!

10. What Animals Live in Volcanoes National Park Rwanda?

Gorillas and golden monkeys are the famous animal species in Rwanda Volcanoes Park. On rare occasions, you can spot other wildlife species such as forest elephants, buffalos, spotted hyenas, bushbucks, and giant forest hogs, as well as numerous birds.

11. What Are the Best Hikes in Volcanoes National Park?

In Rwanda Volcanoes National Park, the best hikes include gorilla trekking, golden monkey trekking, volcano hikes, as well as a hike to the tomb of Dian Fossey. In short, most Rwanda safaris are incomplete without Volcanoes National Park. Volcanoes National Park offers one of the best gorilla trekking safaris in Africa, as well as golden monkey trekking expeditions, which are among the most thrilling and rarest adventures in Africa. Apart from gorilla trekking tours, this park is also a popular destination for volcano hiking and birding tours. On your visit, you can go ahead and explore the Karisoke Research Center, a famous gorilla research station set up under the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund. For Any Inquiries About Your Rwanda Gorilla Safari, Email Us Today!