Volcanoes national park lies in northwestern Rwanda and boarders Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Mgahinga National Park in Uganda.  Its about two hours from Kigali Rwanda’s capital city.

The park is considered as the most exciting parks in Africa with rich bamboo forest, open grassland and heath. It’s a home of the rare endangered mountain gorillas and golden monkeys. There are also Buffaloes, elephants, bushbuck, spotted hyens, and black-fronted duiker among others

Its part of the virunga volcanoes in the park including karisimbi (40507 m), Bisoke (3711 m), Sabyinyo (3.674 m), Gahinga (30474 m) and Muhabura (40127 m). All the volcanoes are extinct but the active ones are located in Congo.

Top activities to do in Volcanoes National Park

Mountain Gorilla tracking

The park is famously known as a home of mountain Gorillas and thousands of people come to this place to track these gentle giants. There are 10 habituated gorilla families available for trekking. To track these gorillas one must purchase a ticket from Rwanda Development Board.

Golden Monkey trekking

Golden monkeys are only found in Volcanoes national Park in Rwanda. These are exceptional creatures which every traveler should not miss out on his or her Rwanda safari. While trekking you can come across Buffaloes, elephants, bushbuck, spotted hyens, black-fronted duiker among others.

Five Top Activities To Do In Volcanoes National Park

Volcano climbing in Volcanoes National Park

Besides wildlife, Volcanoes national park is a home for three extinct volcanoes. Travelers to this park can hike to the top of any Volcano with spectacular views of Rwanda’s rolling hills, kigali city, Virunga volcanoes and local communities. MT Karisimbi is the highest and the most hiked Volcano and the experience is worthy the hike.

Caving in Volcanoes National Park

Experienced guides will lead you to Musaze caves while telling you the mysteries of these caves, history and all other facts. It’s worthy experiencing.

Visiting the grave of Dian Fossey

Dian Fossey was born in the year 1932 in the city of San Francisco, California. She grew up with only her mother and stepfather after her mother and stepfather divorced when she was a youngster (separated). Her biological father adored her and raised her as his own daughter.

Dian Fossey is known for undertaking an extensive study of mountaing Gorilla groups from 1966 until her murder in 1985. She studied them daily in the mountain forest of Rwanda, therefor visistor move from all over the world to make research and study about her life. This is always done at her grave in Volcanoes National Park.

Best time to visit Volcanoes National Park

It’s always better to visit Volcanoes National Park in the dry months of June through September since trails are less muddy and there is less likelihood of getting drenched by an impromptu shower.

However, those looking for the best chance of seeing specific mountain gorilla families of the Virungas might want to plan your primate trip in one of the wet seasons. During the rains, the climate at the higher elevations is cooler and the gorillas prefer to remain on the lower slopes; here, it is easier to track and spot them.

Lodges around Volcanoes National Park

  • Singita Kwitonda Lodge.
  • Bisate Lodge.
  • Virunga Lodge.
  • Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge.
  • One&Only Gorilla’s Nest Lodge.
  • Mountain Gorilla View Lodge.
  • Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel.