Volcanoes National Park
Located on the north-west tip of Rwanda, is the 160km2 Volcanoes National Park, a premier park known for its life-time treks experiences along the endangered mountain gorilla and the endemic golden monkey. The park forms the greater Virunga mountain conservation area that lies across Uganda, DRC and Rwanda protecting more than half of the global population of the endangered mountain gorillas.
It’s here on the slopes of Mt. Sabyinyo where the first specimen of mountain gorillas was collected and introduced to western science by the Belgian Captain Robert von Beringie in 1902. Later on, notable scientists including the popular Dian Fossey have made pioneering behaviour studies into the unique lifestyle and adaptations of the mountain gorillas and their fragile environment. These groundbreaking studies have led to awareness for protection and conservation efforts that have saved these species from the blink extinction.
the golden monkey both Albertine endemics. The park is also a to birding hotspot with up to 200 species of birds including 17 Albertine Endemics (ARE). Other mammals include forest buffalo, black-fronted duiker and bushbuck.
Things to do at Volcanoes National Park
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Trek along the Mountain Gorilla
Volcanoes National Park is a premier destination offering unforgettable trekking experience up-close the mountain gorillas in their montane habitats. The park protects half of the global mountain gorilla population where only 12 habituated gorillas’ groups are available for trekking daily where visitors can have a rare face-to-face interaction with these endangered species. Trekking permits ought to be pre-booked and paid well in advance. On a gorilla trekking day, visitors are required to personally check-in at the visitor’s centre at Kinigi at 7am, where briefings and treks begins.
Guided treks follow trails leading up to and across various gorilla families’ home ranges and once located, one-full hour is designated for visitors to observe, photograph, and just be in the company these endangered apes. The trek experience duration varies daily with the gorilla group’s home range and daily weather, but anywhere between 3-6 hrs is normal. Mountain gorillas range over high altitudes and visitors are encouraged to prepare well mentally and seek their medical practitioners’ advice on altitude-related challenges. Average fitness is recommended. Browse in our well curated FAQ on mountain gorilla trekking expereince to find more tips and inspiration.
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Trek along the Golden Monkey
The next exciting excursion while at Volcanoes National Park, is a trek up the habituated troops of the Golden Monkey. Formerly belonging to the blue monkey species complex, this Albertine endemic occurs mainly in the bamboo zone in troops ranging up to 100-strong. Mobile, beautiful and active the Golden monkey troops are led by a dominant male noticeable with blue genitals and size but also consists of several young males and females. Diet largely includes bamboo shoots, leaves, and insects.
A golden monkey trekking experience begins with a brief session at the visitors’ center, where ranger guides lead up visitors to the feeding range of the troops. Dress code advisory and safety regulations are just the same as on a gorilla trekking expereince. Like other primate experiences, an hour is offered to interact with these species.Permits can be booked online or paid by Visa card at the visitor center on the day of tracking.
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Birdwatching in Volcanoes National Park
Rwanda offers the best birding expereince and Volcanoes National Park is a top birding hotspot notable for its Albertine endemics and high altitude specialists. Birding highlights include the much sought-after Albertine endemic 17 species out of 180 species recorded here. These include, Handsome francolin, the high-altitude Scarlet-tufted Sunbird ticked on flowering Lobelia, Rwenzori Double-colored Sunbird, Rwenzori Batis, Dusky Crimson-wing, Rwenzori turaco, Archer’s Robin, Regal sunbird. Common species include the colorful Lagden Bush-shrike, Mountain and Augur Buzzards, Kandt’s Waxbill, Eastern Mountain Greenbul, Rwenzori Hill Babbler, Western Citril, White-tailed Blue-flycatcher, Tropical Boubou, plus quality forest-edge specialists. 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, offers insights and explores the groundbreaking study works about mountain gorillas and the conservation efforts not only to these great apes but also 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 centre 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 complex is open everyday from 9am-5pm and a suggested donation of 20 USD on self guided tour of the complex. These donations go directly into supporting Dian Fossey’s work on conservation.
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Hiking at Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National park offers a wide range of hiking adventure to any of the five out of the eight Virunga volcanic mountain ranges protected under the park.Hiking to any of these peaks provides insights into the diverse flora and fauna at these higher altitudes but also gives a stunning all-round panoramic views across of the entire Virunga landscape. Options vary from as short as 4 hrs to 1 Full and Multi-Day hike plans. Reasonable fitness is required, and high-altitude advisory precautions must be sought.
The most popular hike is;
A One-Day Trek to Dian Fossey’s former station and now her final resting place some 2980m asl.
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 these endangered apes, raised awareness of their conservation and protection within their native rainforest homes. Her untimely death on 26th Dec 1985 was unfortunate but her legacy leaves on and her ape friends now flourish. Her lifetime work on Gorillas is recorded in the Gorillas in the Mist book and film.
Other 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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Enjoy the 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.
Accomodation near and around Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park is served with a wide of top accommodations that suits all categories of travellers 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.