Volcanoes National Park Rwanda is the only park with mountain gorillas in Rwanda. It has several accommodation options ranging from budget to mid-range and luxury. Rwanda is one of the countries in Africa, particularly East Africa; it borders Uganda, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Tanzania. Rwanda is a true destination worth visiting, especially its beautiful and captivating capital city – Kigali, and the fascinating mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park. There is a lot of treasure hidden within this small but magical nation.
Furthermore, Rwanda is blessed with nature due to its conservation practices, making it one of the best tourist destinations not only in Africa but worldwide. In addition to Uganda and the D.R. Congo, Rwanda boasts being home to mountain gorillas in its mesmerizing Volcanoes National Park. As a habitat for endangered mountain gorillas and the most visited national park in Rwanda, Volcanoes National Park, also known as Parc National Des Volcans, is situated in the northwestern region near the Kinigi village.
Volcanoes National Park was one of the first national parks created in Africa, originally gazetted in 1925 together with Virunga National Park in the D.R. Congo as one large conservation area aimed at protecting the then critically endangered mountain gorillas from poachers. At that time, it was bounded by Karisimbi, Mikeno, and Bisoke volcanoes.
With time, the park became a research base for Dian Fossey, the American primatologist who established a research center called Karisoke Research Center between Bisoke and Karisimbi mountains. This park is renowned for mountain gorillas and other rare primates such as the Golden Monkeys, and forest mammals like Buffaloes, bushbucks, black-fronted duiker, and approximately 178 bird species recorded.
Despite its immense beauty, Volcanoes National Park remains one of the smallest national parks in Rwanda. It is the only park in Rwanda that harbors rare mountain gorillas and attracts thousands of tourists worldwide for one-on-one encounters with these majestic creatures. The park also boasts a varied ecosystem that supports diverse mammal and bird species.
There are numerous activities that can be enjoyed while on a tour to Volcanoes National Park:
Safaris to Volcanoes National Park
- 10 Days Vacation in Rwanda
- 9 Days Seasoning Rwanda safari holiday
- 8 Days Primates Safari in Rwanda
- 7 Days Rwanda safari holiday
- 6 Days Rwanda Gorillas & Wildlife safari
- 5 Days Rwanda Primates Safari
- 4 Days Rwanda Gorillas & Wildlife Safari
- 4 Days Rwanda Gorillas & Golden Monkeys
- 4 Days Double gorilla trek in Rwanda
- 3 Days Rwanda gorilla safari
- 2 Days Rwanda gorillas & Bisoke hiking
- 1 Day Bisoke hiking safari
Mountain Gorilla Trekking
Mountain Gorilla Trekking is one of the most exciting and adventurous wilderness activities you can do in Rwanda, particularly in this park. It can be done individually or in groups of up to eight people. During a gorilla trek, you will follow the footprints of the gorillas, exploring the forests until you encounter the family led by the male leader, the silverback.
Birding in PNV
Volcanoes National Park has wonderful ecosystems that support numerous bird species, making it a paradise for bird lovers. The park is home to about 180 bird species, including Gluer’s rush warbler, the Rwenzori Turaco, red-faced woodland warbler, collared apalis, and Francolin, which are part of the 16 Albertine Rift Valley Endemics, among other Rwenzori endemics. Observing these birds exposes visitors to the reality of nature, and their songs alone are a delight to hear.
Hiking and Nature Walks
Expert guides lead hiking experiences to ensure visitors fully enjoy them. All you need is to come prepared with good hiking boots, long pants, a hat, and a walking stick. Guides take visitors to climb shorter mountains like Mount Bisoke, where you can see an amazing crater lake at 3,771 meters, and Mount Karisimbi, at 4,507 meters, located along the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo. Most hikes to each of these volcanoes can take a full day, depending on the hikers’ speed and physical fitness.
For nature walks, visitors explore nearby crater lakes, villages, and encounter abundant wildlife including birds, communities, tea plantations, and stunning landscapes. You can also visit Musanze caves, an underground cave that reveals ancient history and its role during Rwanda’s genocide.
Golden Monkey Trekking
This is an entertaining experience where you observe elusive golden monkeys, endangered primates endemic to the Virunga region, just like mountain gorillas. They are beautiful, generally shy, but playful, making photography challenging. These primates are found in Volcanoes National Park and Mgahinga National Park in Rwanda and Uganda, respectively, often roaming bamboo vegetation in search of food.
Dian Fossey Grave Hike
Dian Fossey, a renowned gorilla conservationist, studied gorilla behavior and strongly advocated for their conservation. She established the Karisoke Research Center on the slopes of Bisoke and Karisimbi volcanoes to continue studying these endangered apes. Many travelers hike to this place to learn more about mountain gorilla conservation and honor the late Dian Fossey, a pioneer of gorilla conservation in the Virunga region.
Cultural Encounters
The fun continues with cultural encounters. The gorillas have coexisted with different communities in and around the park. The famous Iby’Iwacu cultural village features indigenous people who share their lifestyle and experiences with tourists. They engage tourists with historic songs, dances, stories, art, cultural rituals, and ceremonies, and even offer homestays.
Accommodation
Various accommodation facilities are available, including options for camping to enjoy the sounds of primates, birds, and mammals at night. Lodges such as Bisate offer a super luxurious experience, Sabyinyo Gorilla Lodge provides mid-luxury accommodation, Muhabura Hotel and Kinigi Guesthouse offer budget accommodations, and Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge is a mid-range option. All these lodges are secure and comfortable, ensuring visitors enjoy their optimal gorilla experiences.
Getting There
Volcanoes National Park is one of the most famous national parks in Rwanda, known for being a home to mountain gorillas and loved by all tourists who visit the destination. The park is accessible by road and air. By air, you can fly to Kigali International Airport and then book a cab to Musanze, a journey that takes about two to three hours on a well-tarmacked road.
Volcanoes National Park is a hub of wonders and reality, fulfilling everyone’s dream of interacting with nature, beauty, and rare wildlife. It is small but truly rich and blessed with wonders. Come and experience nature in its entirety here in Volcanoes National Park.
