Also known as “Parc Nationale des Volcans” by the then colonialists of Rwanda, it is located in the northwestern section of Rwanda, sheltering part of the eight Virunga volcano mountains that are shared with Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The park has become famous worldwide due to its amazing gorilla trekking expeditions.
The park encompasses five of the eight Virunga volcanoes: Mount Muhabura, Mount Karisimbi, Mount Gahinga, Mount Bisoke, and Mount Sabyinyo.
Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda is Africa’s oldest national park, established in 1925 with the primary aim of conserving and protecting the endangered mountain gorillas of Rwanda.
In 1929, the park’s boundaries were expanded to cover parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo, and it was during this time that the name was changed to Albert National Park, with a large area of over 8,090 sq. km.
This expansion was undertaken under the rule of the Belgian colonial government, which governed both Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
With Rwanda’s independence, boundaries were established between Rwanda and Congo, and the park’s size was reduced to create space for pyrethrum cultivation in Rwanda.
PNV served as a base for Dian Fossey, an American primatologist, who conducted her research on mountain gorilla conservation in 1967.
She established a research station in the park between the two mountains of Karisimbi and Bisoke, naming it the Karisoke Research Center.
Although Dian Fossey was killed by poachers in 1985, her legacy continues in the park to this day.
Volcanoes National Park has become popular due to its prime tourist attraction—the mountain gorilla population—with the park hosting 10 fully habituated gorilla families ready for tourism.
The park is home to over 178 species of birds, 13 of which are endemic to the Virunga region. Other mammal species in this park include golden monkeys, forest buffaloes, forest elephants, and duikers.
The park is accessible year-round; however, the best time to visit is during the dry season when the trails are dry, from June to September and mid-December to February.
During the rainy season, the trails are slippery, and accessibility becomes challenging.
Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda, is a three-hour drive from Kigali, the capital city, by road, while from the Ugandan side, it is just a one-hour drive from the Cyanika border point.
Akagera Aviation offers flight services, mainly by helicopter, especially for those on short-haul visits.
Visit Volcanoes National Park with one of these recommended Rwanda Tour Operators.
Other national parks in Rwanda include: Akagera National Park, Nyungwe National Park and Gishwati-Mukura National Park.
Popular Volcanoes National Park Gorilla Trekking Tours
Below are some of the most popular popular Volcanoes National Park gorilla trekking tours:
Tourist Attractions and Activities in Volcanoes National Park
Below are some of the most popular tourist attractions and activities in Volcanoes National Park
Mountain Gorilla Trekking
This is the prime and most preferred tourist activity, attracting thousands of Rwanda safari travelers from around the world to track the mountain gorillas.
The park harbors about 18 mountain gorilla families, with only 10 of them habituated for tourism purposes.
The mountain gorilla groups in this park include the Hirwa group, Amahoro gorilla group, Sabyinyo gorilla group, Kwitonda group, Agashya gorilla family (also known as Group 13), Umubano gorilla group, Susa A gorilla family (the largest group in the park), Susa B or Karisimbi gorilla group, Titus gorilla family, and Bwenge gorilla group.
Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park starts as early as 7:00 AM with registration at the park headquarters in Kinigi, followed by a briefing by an armed ranger guide on the rules, regulations, and what to expect during the trek.
A group of eight tourists is allowed to trek a given mountain gorilla family, which is why it is advisable to secure your mountain gorilla trekking permit as early as possible through your travel agent.
The mountain gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda costs USD 1,500, which is higher than in other countries like Uganda (USD 800) and the Democratic Republic of Congo (USD 400).
Like all other mountain gorilla trekking destinations, the activity takes four to eight hours, and once the gorillas are found, you will spend one hour observing them as they go about their daily lives of feeding, playing, and grooming.
During this time, you are allowed to take pictures and record videos at a distance of seven meters from the gorillas.
Some essentials to bring for gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park include waterproof hiking boots, a rain jacket (as the weather in the park is unpredictable), insect repellent, gloves, a packed lunch, and enough drinking water.
Walking sticks are provided by the park rangers at the beginning of your trekking trip.
Golden Monkey Trekking
This is the second most popular activity after mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park.
There are two fully habituated golden monkey families that are open for trekking daily, year-round.
Like mountain gorilla trekking, this activity starts at the park headquarters in Kinigi with registration and a briefing before heading out to the trailhead.
The activity lasts two to four hours, with one hour spent observing these lovely creatures.
Mountain Climbing
Volcanoes National Park hosts five of the eight volcanoes of the Virunga Massif, with three of these shared with Uganda: Muhabura, Gahinga, and Sabyinyo. Karisimbi and Bisoke are shared with the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Karisimbi Mountain, the highest of the Virunga Massif, standing at an elevation of 4,507 meters above sea level, takes about two days to hike, with the first night spent at the first camp at 3,700 meters above sea level.
Numerous bird species can be spotted during the hike, along with views of other volcanoes in the Virunga chain, such as Nyiragongo and Nyamuragira in Congo.
Mount Bisoke, standing at 3,711 meters above sea level, is shared by Uganda and Congo, and the hike takes about six to eight hours to reach the summit, where a crater lake awaits.
The other mountains offering hiking activities are Mount Gahinga (3,474 meters) and Mount Muhabura (4,127 meters).
There is no hiking on Mount Sabyinyo on the Rwanda side due to its rugged and steep nature; however, the mountain can be hiked on the Ugandan side in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Dian Fossey Hike
Volcanoes National Park served as a base for Dian Fossey, an American primatologist, who conducted her research on mountain gorilla conservation in 1967.
She established a research station in the park between the two mountains of Karisimbi and Bisoke, naming it the Karisoke Research Center.
Although Dian Fossey was killed by poachers in 1985, her legacy continues in the park to this day.
During the Dian Fossey hike, you will trail through the forest as the guide provides insights into the life of Dian Fossey and her relationship with the gorillas.
The first part of the hike involves a 30-minute drive from the park headquarters, followed by the real hike, which takes about two to four hours.
You will visit Dian Fossey’s grave, where she was buried alongside 20 gorillas murdered by poachers in 1985.
Birding in Volcanoes National Park
The park is home to over 178 species of birds, 13 of which are endemic to the Virunga region.
The focus of this activity is primarily on the Albertine Rift Valley endemics, including Cape Robin-chat, Handsome Francolin, Grey Capped Warbler, Mountain Masked Apalis, Paradise Flycatcher, Pin-tailed Wydah, Dusky Crimsonwing, Black Kite, Kivu Ground Thrush, Speckled Mousebird, and Rwenzori Turaco, among others.
Iby’lwacu Cultural Village Tour
This is a local initiative by the Rwandese people living near the park, with the help of the government, to shift their focus from poaching to tourism and conservation.
This initiative was started by Mr. Edwin Sabuhoro, a former warden in Volcanoes National Park, who aimed to transform former animal poachers into tourism conservationists.
When you visit the village, you directly support the growth of livelihoods in this community.
Engage in traditional Rwandan dances, visit the King’s House, and see a traditional healer, among other activities in the village.
Accommodation around Volcanoes National Park
Depending on your interests and budget, Volcanoes National Park offers a variety of lodging options, ranging from luxury to mid-range and budget lodges.
Here are some options:
- Bisate Lodge
- Kwitonda Lodge
- One & Only Gorilla’s Nest
- Virunga Lodge
- Governor’s Camp
- Ingagi Park View Lodge
- Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
- Hotel Muhabura
- Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge
Plus a whole lot more.
Visit Volcanoes National Park Rwanda with one of these recommended Rwanda Tour Operators.