Rwanda safari in Volcanoes National Park 2025/ Rwanda Gorilla Tours
Embarking on a journey to Rwanda’s home of endangered mountain gorillas involves hiking off-the-beaten-track through ancient, mist- shrouded mountain slopes and lush rainforests alive with the sounds of chirping birds. This breathtaking protected area is located in the north-western corner of Rwanda, covering approximately 160 square kilometers of montane rainforest. Volcanoes national park is part of the Virunga Conservation Area including five extinct volcanoes namely; Mountain Muhabura, Mountain Sabyinyo, Mountain Gahinga, Mountain Karisimbi and Mountain Bisoke.
The park is closed to Uganda’s Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo, together representing the only regions in the world where mountain gorillas still thrive. For the protection of these Great Apes and fragile ecosystem in the North-western part of Rwanda, Volcanoes National Park was first established in 1925, making it one of the oldest Parks in the African Continent. Trekking mountain gorillas is the most popular tourist adventure within Volcanoes National Park.
Things to do while you are there
Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes
Mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda offers a unique primate adventure and stands out as one of the Africa’s top travel experiences. Volcanoes National Park is home to 10 habituated gorilla families and 80 permits per day available for purchase for gorilla trekking experience. To participate in gorilla trekking within Volcanoes National Park, visitors must secure a Rwanda gorilla permit for their chosen date through the Rwanda Development Board. The permit for gorillas trekking costs USD1,500 for all nationalities and grants visitors one hour to observe and photograph the gorillas. This fee includes guiding and conservation contributions. Booking a gorilla trek to volcanoes National Park is a life time experience to complete your bucket list. Achieve Global Safaris is here to assist in organizing and customizing a gorilla trekking tour that is both affordable and unforgettable.
The mountain gorillas are the main attraction of volcanoes national park, with gorilla trekking activities conducted daily throughout the year. Gorilla trekking involves visiting these endangered creatures in their natural habitat, observing their feeding, movement, resting, and social behaviors. The chances of seeing the mountain gorillas are 99% as you are guided by trackers, guides and park rangers. Gorilla trekking starts every day in Kinigi at 7:00am with briefing on guidelines to follow while on the trek, even though the gorillas have 99% of their DNA with humans, they remain wild animals, and visitors are advised to adhere strictly to the dos and don’ts from the guides. The gorilla trek can take 30 minutes to more hours depend.
Golden Monkey trekking in Volcanoes
Golden Monkey tracking involves exploring the rare and stunning golden monkeys in their natural habitat. Volcanoes national park has two habituated golden monkey communities available for daily trekking, each consisting of approximately 80 members, with no restrictions on the number of visitors. The trekking permit costs USD 100 for all nationals and can be obtained through the Rwanda Development Board, enabling you to visit these endangered primates. The activity starts at the park headquarters at 7:00am with briefing on dos and don’ts by the park wardens and later the park guides and rangers lead you to the forest to find them, you can walk for 30minutes to hours depending on the location and movement of the golden monkeys. Once the golden monkeys are spotted, visitors are permitted to observe and stay with them for up to one hour before returning. For assistance with booking a golden monkey trek in Volcanoes National Park, please contact Elephant Whispers Safaris.
Visiting Dian Fossey Tomb
Visiting Dian Fossey’s tomb is one of the most popular activities for visitors to Volcanoes National Park, with a fee of USD 75 per person per day. The journey involves a one-hour hike from Karisoke Research Camp to the tomb. This memorial hike honors Dian Fossey, the renowned American primatologist and zoologist who dedicated her life to protecting the endangered mountain gorillas within the park. Fossey’s efforts raised awareness about conservation. She is also famous for participating in the film “gorillas in the mist”. The hike is about 2,500m to 3,000m, this trail leads to the tomb of the late Dian who fought and rescued the endangered mountain gorillas and sensitization on conservation promoted gorilla tourism. Her legacy in gorilla conservation and her contributions to research continue to inspire visitors, making the experience both meaningful and memorable.
Birding tours
Volcanoes National Park is also a great destination for birding tours, primarily because of its medley of Rwenzori and Albertine Rift endemic species. While on your birding tours, you’ll have the chance to spot different colorful bird species such as golden eagles, francolin, Rwenzori batis dusky tortoise love, paradise flycatcher, Archer’s grand robin, Pockefeller’s sunbird, chapin flycatcher, Rwenzori batis, strange weaver, red throated arlet, Cocky Francolin, Long-tailed Chicory, and Bubbling Chicory. African Ruwenzori, double-collared sunbird, marsh harrier, Ruwenzori turaco, common moohen, Myombo wren The Ruwenzori nightjar, gray-throated tit, dusky crimson wing, Kivu ground thrush, red-faced forest starling among others, make Volcanoes National Park one of the best places to visit in Rwanda. Therefore, bird lovers are advised to grab their binoculars and set out in the morning when numerous bird species are very active in addition to purchasing a guide book for Rwanda’s birds.
Iby’Iwacu cultural experience
African cultures are incredibly unique and fascinating, offering enriching experiences during your trip to Africa. The Rwanda culture is one that is most enjoyable and to Participate in, the locals used to stay in the forest and even participated in poaching of the endangered species. Over time, these communities were relocated and organized into the Iby’Iwacu village, located within volcanoes national park in Nyabigoma, Kinigi, Musanze district, Northern Province of Rwanda. We customize trips that include cultural experiences at Volcanoes National Park, allowing you to have a memorable visit. When you visit the Iby’Iwacu community, you will have the chance to connect with locals and learn about their homes, heritage, lifestyles, activities, artifacts, dances, and ways of living. The Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village offers visitors an authentic glimpse into traditional practices, daily life, and dance performances, providing a deeper understanding of the local culture.
Volcano Hiking in Volcanoes
The most renowned attraction in Volcanoes National Park is the Virunga Mountains, which are shared by Mgahinga and Virunga National Parks. Volcanoes National Park features numerous notable hikes, including the Mount Gahinga hike, which allows hikers to hike through five Virunga mountains. Mount Muhabura hike offers breathtaking views of destinations such as Rwanda’s twin lakes. additionally, the hike up Mount Bisoke provides an opportunity to see Lake Kivu along the way. The park also offers the chance to learn about African mountain gorillas through visits to Dian Fossey’s Karisoke research station. visitors can participate in the Dian Fossey hike to gain insights into her life and conservation efforts. Her work in establishing gorilla habitats in Africa is a significant part of the park’s history, and her contributions are highlighted during the Uganda gorilla habitat tours.
Visiting the twin lakes of Bulera and Buhondo
You can enjoy a boat cruise on the stunning twin lakes, Bulera and Buhondo, located near Volcanoes National Park. This experience provides a chance to observe diverse bird species and interact with local residents. The cruise is led by local guides who will share insights into Rwanda’s heritage and the fascinating history of these twin lakes.
What is the best time for Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park?
Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park is available year-round. the optimal time to visit are during seasons from December to February and then June to October. During this time, the roads leading the park are dry and driving through is easy compared to wet season. additionally, spotting Mountain Gorillas is easy given the vegetation is not fully grown compared to wet seasons of March to May and Later October to November. However, the park can as well be visited throughout the year and you will be able to see the Mountain Gorillas in Volcanoes National Park
