Volcanoes National Park
Africa's first national park — 604 mountain gorillas across the Virunga volcanoes where Dian Fossey made history.
Volcanoes National Park (Parc National des Volcans) protects 160 square kilometres of montane rainforest across five of the eight Virunga volcanoes in northwestern Rwanda: Karisimbi (4,507 m — the highest), Bisoke (3,711 m), Sabyinyo (3,634 m), Gahinga (3,474 m), and Muhabura (4,127 m). It was Africa's first national park, established in 1925, and is the site where Dian Fossey conducted her pioneering gorilla research from 1967 until her murder in 1985. Today it shelters approximately 604 mountain gorillas in 12 habituated groups.
Africa's first national park — 604 mountain gorillas across the Virunga volcanoes where Dian Fossey made history.
Best Time to Visit
June to September for the driest trekking conditions. December to February also good. Gorilla permits ($1,500 USD) are limited to 96 visitors per day (8 per group).
What You'll See
604 mountain gorillas, endangered golden monkeys (endemic to the Virungas, with dedicated tracking at $100 USD), buffalo, bushbuck, spotted hyena, black-fronted duiker, and over 178 bird species. The bamboo zone (2, 500-3, 300 m) is the primary golden monkey habitat.
Getting There
2.5-hour drive from Kigali International Airport to Musanze (Ruhengeri), the gateway town. Helicopter transfers available (20 minutes). All treks depart from park headquarters at Kinigi, a 15-minute drive from Musanze.
Where to Go in Volcanoes National Park
Gorilla Trekking Sectors
Gorilla treks depart daily from the Kinigi park headquarters, with groups assigned based on fitness level and gorilla family location. The 12 habituated groups range from low-altitude bamboo zones (1-2 hour treks) to steep volcanic slopes requiring 4-6 hours. The Susa group, once studied by Dian Fossey, is the largest with over 30 members but requires the most strenuous climb. Igisha and Amahoro groups are recommended for less mobile visitors.
Dian Fossey Tomb & Karisoke Research Centre
The Karisoke Research Centre, founded by Dian Fossey in 1967 between Mount Karisimbi and Mount Bisoke, is accessible via a 2-3 hour guided hike through bamboo and Hagenia forest. Fossey's grave lies beside her beloved gorilla Digit's tomb. The Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, opened in Musanze in 2022, provides a world-class exhibition on gorilla conservation and Fossey's legacy before visitors trek to the original research site.
Golden Monkey Tracking
Golden monkey tracking focuses on a habituated group of this endangered Albertine Rift endemic (Cercopithecus kandti) in the bamboo zone at 2,500-3,300 metres. Only around 5,000 golden monkeys exist in the wild, restricted to the Virunga volcanoes and Gishwati Forest. The trek is shorter and less strenuous than gorilla trekking (typically 1-3 hours), with permits at $100 USD, making it an excellent half-day activity.
Safaris in Volcanoes National Park
Serengeti & Ngorongoro Private Safari
7 Days
A 7-day private luxury safari through Tanzania's Serengeti plains and Ngorongoro Crater with exclusive lodge stays and dedicated guide.
$4,500 per person
Uganda Primates & Wilderness
7 Days
A 7-day luxury Uganda safari combining mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi, chimpanzee tracking in Kibale, and Queen Elizabeth NP wildlife.
$4,800 per person
Rwanda Gorilla & Golden Monkey Trek
5 Days
A 5-day luxury Rwanda experience combining mountain gorilla trekking, golden monkey encounters, and Nyungwe Forest canopy walks.
$5,500 per person
Kenya Private Conservancy Safari
8 Days
An 8-day luxury Kenya safari through private conservancies — Ol Pejeta rhinos, Laikipia walking safaris, and Masai Mara's big cats.
$6,200 per person
Kruger to Indian Ocean
9 Days
A 9-day luxury journey from Big Five game drives in South Africa's Sabi Sands to the pristine Bazaruto Archipelago in Mozambique.
$7,500 per person
Great Migration Luxury Experience
10 Days
A 10-day luxury migration safari tracking two million wildebeest across Tanzania's Serengeti, with stays at Africa's finest tented camps.
$7,800 per person
Where to Stay
Singita Kwitonda Lodge
Singita's Rwandan masterpiece at the foot of the Virunga volcanoes — ultra-luxury gorilla trekking base with sweeping views of the bamboo-clad mountains.
$2,500 per night
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One&Only Gorilla's Nest
A One&Only resort nestled in a eucalyptus and pine forest at the foot of the Virunga volcanoes, offering refined luxury as a gateway to mountain gorilla trekking.
$1,200 per night
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Bisate Lodge
Six stunning forest villas nestled in a reforested volcanic amphitheatre, combining Rwandan basket-weaving artistry with wilderness lodge luxury.
$1,500 per night
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Explore Other Destinations
Masai Mara National Reserve
Africa's most famous reserve — Great Migration river crossings, 850 lions, and the pioneering conservancy model.
Read Guide →Serengeti
Home to the only championship golf course inside a major national park — Par 72, 7,065m, wildlife on every hole
Read Guide →Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Trek to meet mountain gorilla families in 25,000-year-old UNESCO forest — Africa's ultimate wildlife encounter.
Read Guide →Greater Kruger
25,000 km² of Big Five bushveld — world-class leopard sightings in the Sabi Sand and Africa's greatest wildlife reserve.
Read Guide →Okavango Delta
The world's largest inland delta — mokoro safaris, fly-in camps, and 22,000 km² of pristine Kalahari wetland.
Read Guide →South Luangwa National Park
Birthplace of the walking safari — the world's densest leopards, night drives, and the untamed Luangwa River.
Read Guide →Ready to Explore Volcanoes National Park?
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