Volcanoes national park is one of the must-visit travel destinations on every Rwanda Safari. An addition of this isolated park to your African travel bucket list offers you an incredible experience that lasts for a lifetime. Those who have been there before review volcanoes national park as the most adventurous, and convenient destination with fantastic experience well worth the time and expense. The park is located in Kinigi Ruhengeri in northwestern Rwanda spreading over 160 square kilometers. The park covers Rwanda’s share of the Virunga conservation area and is bordered by Mgahinga Gorilla Park in Uganda and Virunga national park in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The strategic location of volcanoes national park, 3 hours drive from Kigali international airport makes it easy to reach gorilla park. Volcanoes national park offers travelers with a variety of tourist attractions and activities, which together make a complete Rwanda safari package.
Trekking mountain gorillas
An up-close encounter with the world’s endangered mountain gorillas is reviewed as the best wildlife experience in the world. Volcanoes national park is home to 10 habituated mountain gorilla families available for trekking every day. Also, gorilla hiking in volcanoes is less demanding compared to other gorilla habitats, which make it more interesting. In 2017, Rwanda upgraded into a luxury gorilla tor destination after the increase of gorilla permits from $750 to $1500 paid by all travelers. Rwanda gorilla groups include Susa A, Sabyinyo, Karisimbi, Umubano, Agashya, Kitonda, Bwenge, Hirwa and Amahoro among others. Get your gorilla pass to Rwanda, visit these gentle giants in Volcanoes Park and be part of this remarkable encounter. Gorilla ticket booking can be done directly with Rwanda Development Board or through any trusted tour operator offering gorilla tours in Rwanda. Gorilla permit booking is recommended at least six months in advance.
Golden Monkey trekking
Volcanoes national park offers travelers with the remarkable golden monkey trekking experience. Golden monkeys are one of the endangered species in the wild, surviving only in the jungles of Volcanoes, and Mgahinga gorilla national parks in Rwanda and Uganda respectively. Golden monkey passes cost $100 each far cheaper than gorilla permits hence affordable for budget travelers. Trekking rules and regulation are similar to those of mountain gorillas, which travelers must adhere to.
Volcano climbing
Besides wildlife, Volcanoes national park is a center for volcano climbing. The park is home to three extinct Mountains, which are part of the chain of the Virunga Volcanoes. The most hiked Volcano in Volcanoes Park is Mt Karisimbi standing at 4,507m above sea level overlooking Rwanda, Uganda and Congo. Other hiking experiences in the park include mount Bisoke, Dian Fossey hike and twin lakes which all reward you with a wonderful hiking experience. The slopes of these volcanoes are habitats to mountain gorillas, which give travelers an added chance to meet these gentle giants.
Bird watching
Volcanoes national park shelters over 8000 bird species 27 f which are endemic to the Albertine region. Expect to see birds like Red faced Barbet, Miombo Wren-warblers, woodpecker Genolek, red faced barbet, shoebill stork, yellow eyed black flycatcher, Rwenzori double collared, Masked mountain Apalis, Grauer’s rush, Rwenzori hill babbler and stripe breasted tit among others. Enjoy the sweet melodies of birds, which sing continually up in the trees.
Nature walks
Taking a guided forest walk is the best way to explore and enjoy the quite and peaceful natural beauty of volcanoes national park. Travelers follow different forest trails, which end at certain tourism spots like waterfalls and caves among others. The most done forest trails in Volcanoes national park include Ngezi lake trail, Twin lakes of Burera and Ruhondo, and Musanze caves among others. Also, enjoy the sweet melodies of birds up in the trees. Endeavor to wear hiking boots, carry rain jackets, drinking water and some energy giving snacks to keep them strong during hiking.
In general, volcanoes national park offers it all to meet, satisfy and exceed your travel expectation to The land of A thousand hills. Book a Rwanda safari today, visit mountain gorillas, hike to Dian Fossey graveyard and go for golden monkey trekking for a memorable Rwanda wildlife experience. To book a gorilla tour in Rwanda, contact
