Volcanoes national Park Rwanda

Volcanoes National Park Guide offers deep insight into everything that you want to know about this Protected Area as you plan your Rwanda safari. Volcanoes National Park lies suitably in the region where an abundant mountain gorilla population resides. The majestic mountain gorillas aren’t the only attractions to find in Volcanoes National Park. In this travel guide, you have a chance to dig deeper into what this Park has to offer to tourists on a safari in Rwanda.

General Information

Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda lies in the Northern Province and is only 105 km away from the heart of vibrant Kigali. Volcanoes National Park lies at the border with Congo and Uganda. It is lying in the Musanze or Ruhengeri District, one of the districts in Northwestern Rwanda known for its mountainous landscapes. Volcanoes was officially declared as a National Park in Rwanda in 1925 and sits on a land area of only 160 sq. km.

The Park derives its name from the scenic Virunga Volcanoes that describe its landscapes. Within Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda alone, there are five volcanoes: Gahinga Volcanoes, Karisimbi, Sabyinyo, Bisoke, and Muhabura Volcanoes. The presence of these volcanoes offers breathtaking landscapes and also distinct ecosystems. The highest peak of Volcanoes National Park lies at Karisimbi Mountain (4507m).

Volcanoes National Park was originally named the Albert National Park during the Belgian colonial era. Its name changed in the 1960s when it was partitioned, creating the present Virunga National Park in Congo and the Rwandan Volcanoes National Park. Besides the remarkable attractions, Volcanoes National Park also happens to be the place where the late Dian Fossey camped when she started her research. She camped at the Karisoke area, where she established the study center or the Karisoke Research Center.

What to see in Volcanoes National Park

Here is a complete list of tourism attractions to explore on Rwanda safari in Volcanoes National Park.

Wildlife to Encounter

At Volcanoes National Park, expect to find unique wildlife including the endangered mountain gorillas, spotted hyenas, golden monkeys, elephants, bushbucks, black-fronted duikers, and buffaloes. This Park also holds diverse bird species, amphibians, reptiles, and insects.

The Bird Species

Over 200 species of birds are confined in the lush Volcanoes National Park, including endangered species. The birds of Volcanoes National Park include the Rwenzori turacos, collared apalis, Archer’s ground robin, weird weavers, Rwenzori double-collared sunbirds, dusky crimsonwing, strange weaver birds, Kivu ground thrush, red-faced woodland warblers, handsome francolins, and African emerald cuckoo. On a birding excursion, expect to also identify birds such as scarlet-tufted malachite sunbirds, collared silverback, Lagden’s bush shrike, African long-eared owl, Doherty’s bush shrikes, Bronze sunbirds, and more.

The Virunga Volcanoes

The 5 volcanoes to explore on a hiking adventure in this Park include Karisimbi (4507m), Bisoke (3711m), Sabyinyo (3669m), Muhabura (4127m), and Gahinga (3474m). Not only do these offer breathtaking scenery of the Park, but also great hiking adventures. If you are an adventure seeker, then consider embarking on a journey to explore Bisoke, Karisimbi, Gahinga, and Muhabura. Sabyinyo is best hiked on the Ugandan part in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

Top Activities to do in Volcanoes National Park

The key tourism activities to do in Volcanoes National Park include gorilla trekking, golden monkey tracking, Volcano hiking, birding, Dian Fossey hike, and community visits.

Mountain Gorilla trekking

Gorilla trekking is the main reason why 1000s consider Volcanoes National Park their bucket list destination. At Volcanoes National Park, visitors embark on a guided walk to search for the mountain gorillas in the wild. The day with gorillas in Volcanoes begins with a briefing on gorilla trekking rules at Kinigi. The park currently boasts of 13 fully habituated gorilla families, and each of these groups is explored by a maximum of 8 (eight) primate trekkers per day. If you are planning to visit Rwanda gorillas, a valid gorilla permit is essential, and you can book one at USD 1500 per person. The gorilla permit must be booked early before the actual date of visiting Volcanoes National Park Ruhengeri for gorilla trekking.

Dian Fossey tomb/grave hike

The best way to embark on the journey that Dian Fossey walked is by taking part in the Dian Fossey tomb site trek. The Dian Fossey graveyard trek introduces you deep into the jungle to where the graveyard of Dian Fossey and other gorillas was buried. The hike offers a sensational experience and exploration of Dian Fossey’s significant role in mountain gorilla conservation.

Golden monkey tracking 

Golden monkey tracking is an excellent addition to numerous experiences that you may want to engage in at Volcanoes National Park. A normal golden monkey trek in Volcanoes National Park takes slightly less time than gorilla trekking. You can spend about 2-4 hours on a search for golden monkey troops but that is inclusive of an hour for up close with these unique primates and a photography experience. A valid golden monkey permit is essential for you to have a chance to participate in this adventure. Each Rwanda golden monkey permit costs USD 100 for foreign nonresidents, USD 80 per person for foreign residents, and East African citizens USD 65 per visitor.

Birding tour/watching

Volcanoes National Park is an enriching birding site, home to about 200 birds. A birding tour in Volcanoes takes you on a search for diverse birds, including the red-chested sunbirds, Archer’s robin chat, lesser honey guide, Kivu ground thrush, strange weavers, Doherty’s bush-shrikes, scarlet-tufted malachite sunbird, grey-backed fiscal, brown backed honey birds, bateleur, and palm-nut vultures etc.

Iby’Iwacu Village Visits

Cultural visits can be done in the Iby’Iwacu Village. At Iby’Iwacu, you get a chance to have a close interaction with the Rwandan people and learn more about their traditions plus cultures.

The best time to travel to Volcanoes National Park

Volcanoes National Park is open for tourism or other activities at any time of the year. But the dry season is the most favorite period for most adventure seekers in need to explore this fine Park. As per Volcanoes National Park travel calendar, the peak dry months fall in June to September, and the short dry season occurs from December to February. When planning for your holiday, don’t forget to pack the right gear, including waterproof hiking boots, a camera, insect repellent, valid travel documents, gorilla permits, and a sweater etc.

How to reach Volcanoes National Park, Ruhengeri

Volcanoes National Park is a short drive from the heart of Kigali. Getting to Volcanoes takes about 2 to 3 hours’ drive and for successful access, a 4×4 tourist vehicle is essential. Or take a flight –the quickest means to getting to Volcanoes to Musanze Airfield which is serviced by the Akagera Aviation.