How to Get to Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park sits at the top of most Rwanda safari itineraries, and getting there from Kigali comes down to two straightforward options: road or air. The park protects endangered mountain gorillas living in dense rainforest and mountain terrain, animals that share 98% of their DNA with humans and stand as Rwanda’s main tourist draw. The park itself sits in the Northern Province, within Musanze District.
Gorilla Hurly Burly can arrange either transport option as part of your Volcanoes National Park gorilla trekking safari.
Traveling to Volcanoes National Park by Road
Road travel remains the most common and affordable way to reach the park from Kigali. A private car works well for this route, though a 4×4 safari vehicle handles the terrain most comfortably. Rwanda’s well-maintained roads make the drive genuinely pleasant, passing through hills and countryside that give a real look at rural Rwanda along the way.
The drive from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park takes about 2 to 3 hours, depending on traffic and any stops along the route. Budget travelers can also take public buses from Kigali to Musanze town, continuing on to the park from there. Buses depart at various times from Nyabugogo Bus Station, offering a lower-cost alternative to a private vehicle.
Traveling to Volcanoes National Park by Air
Scheduled helicopter flights connect Kigali International Airport to Ruhengeri Airport in Musanze, operated by Akagera Aviation. The flight itself takes about 30 minutes and gives passengers striking aerial views of the surrounding landscape.
Flights cost between USD 1,000 and 3,000, running daily from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. While considerably more expensive than road travel, flying cuts your transit time significantly, leaving more of your trip available for actual park activities rather than time spent on the road.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Volcanoes National Park falls during the dry season, June to August and December to February, when trails stay firmer and trekking conditions improve noticeably compared to the wetter months.
Gorilla Permit Costs
A gorilla permit for Volcanoes National Park costs USD 1,500 for foreign non-residents, USD 500 for foreign residents, and USD 200 for East African citizens.
Book Your Volcanoes National Park Gorilla Trekking Safari
Whether you choose the affordable road route or the faster helicopter option, the journey to Volcanoes National Park sets the tone for a memorable gorilla trekking experience. Book your safari with Gorilla Hurly Burly today. Contact our team to arrange transport, permits, and accommodation for your trip to Volcanoes National Park.
