Volcanoes National Park Rwanda – Gorilla Trekking & Activities Guide

Volcanoes National Park is located in the northwest of Rwanda. It covers five of the eight volcanoes in the Virunga Massif, including Mount Muhabura, Mount Gahinga, Mount Bisoke, Mount Karisimbi, and Mount Sabyinyo.

The park borders Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Volcanoes National Park is one of the first national parks created in Africa. It was gazetted in 1925 to protect gorillas from poachers, covering an area between Mount Mikeno, Bisoke, and Karisimbi.

In 1967, Dian Fossey, a naturalist, set up the Karisoke Research Centre between Bisoke and Karisimbi to study and protect mountain gorillas.

During the Rwandan civil war, the park became a conflict zone, and the research center was destroyed. Dian Fossey’s research ended until 1999, when the area became safe for visitors again.

Volcanoes National Park attracts many tourists because of its unique wildlife and natural beauty.

The park is home to the endangered mountain gorillas, which are a major attraction for visitors on safari in Rwanda. Each day, 56 gorilla permits are issued for trekking in the park.

The Virunga volcanoes, including Mount Bisoke, Mount Karisimbi, and Mount Sabyinyo, are also beautiful attractions within the park.

The twin lakes of Ruhondo and Burera, located on the outskirts of the park, offer a beautiful view of the volcanoes, and a boat ride on these lakes allows visitors to meet local communities.

Dian Fossey’s grave at the Karisoke Research Centre is another important site in the park, serving as a tribute to her dedication to gorilla conservation and attracting visitors interested in her story.

Golden monkeys are another popular attraction in the park, known for their unique beauty and playful behavior. Trekking to see the golden monkeys costs around USD 100 per person.

Activities in Volcanoes National Park

While at Volcanoes National Park, visitors can enjoy:

• Hiking the volcanic mountains of Bisoke, Karisimbi, and Sabyinyo, offering an exciting adventure through the forest slopes.
• Boat rides on the twin lakes of Ruhondo and Burera, giving visitors a chance to see the nearby communities.
• Visiting Dian Fossey’s grave to learn about her work in protecting gorillas.
• Mountain gorilla trekking, the most popular activity in the park. The park has over 10 habituated gorilla families available for trekking, with permits available from the Rwanda Development Board or tour agencies at USD 1500 per person.
• Golden monkey trekking, which is also an enjoyable activity in the park.
• Visiting the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village near Musanze, where visitors can learn about the local culture through dance, cooking, and banana brewing.
• Bird-watching, with many bird species to see within the park.

Where to Stay in Volcanoes National Park

The park and its surrounding area offer a range of accommodation options, from budget to luxury.

Luxury accommodation options include:

• Villa Gorilla Lodge
• Bisate Lodge
• Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge
• Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge
• Midrange options include:
• Musanze Caves Hotel
• La Palme Hotel
• Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge
• Garden Place Hotel
• Budget options include:
• Muhabura Motel
• Virunga Hotel and Campsite
• Kinigi Guest House
• Hotel Muhabura

Volcanoes National Park provides visitors with a memorable experience that can only be fully appreciated during a visit to Rwanda.

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