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Based on 100+ reviews

Kingse Safaris

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Volcanoes National Park

Rwanda’s Iconic Gateway to Gorillas and Volcanic Highland Adventures

Volcanoes National Park combines misty volcanoes, verdant forests, and breathtaking wildlife encounters. Renowned for mountain gorilla trekking, it also provides golden monkey sightings, challenging volcanic hikes, and cultural heritage experiences, making it one of Africa’s most exciting eco-adventure locations.

Area

160 sq km

Established

1925

Location

Northwestern

Altitude

2,400 – 4,507 m

Climate

Cool Mountainous

Terrain

Volcanic Slopes

Fauna

Mountain Gorillas

Flora

Bamboo Forest

Volcano Peaks, Wild Encounters, and Rwanda’s Timeless Treasures

Golden monkeys, buffalo, bushbuck, and over 170 bird species also thrive here. The varied landscapes—from bamboo thickets to high-altitude meadows—make each moment in the park visually striking and ecologically rich.

Established as Africa’s first national park, it gained fame through Dian Fossey’s conservation work. Today, it remains a living emblem of Rwanda’s dedication to wildlife protection, cultural heritage, and unforgettable natural experiences.

In Rwanda’s northwest, Volcanoes National Park blends towering peaks, dense forests, and extraordinary wildlife into an adventure like no other. It’s a place where nature and history stand proudly together.

Renowned for its mountain gorillas, the park hosts 12 habituated groups, giving visitors opportunities for treks that range from gentle forest walks to full-day hikes with awe-inspiring rewards.

Best Time to Visit Volcanoes National Park

The park offers year-round gorilla trekking, but June to August, plus January and February, provide drier trails, easier hikes, and generally more comfortable wildlife-viewing conditions for most travelers.

Best Time

June to August

High Season

June to September

Low Season

March, April, October

Best Weather

June to August

Best Time

June to August

High Season

June to September

Low Season

Mar, Apr, Oct

Best Weather

June to August

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Timeless Wilderness Where Culture Meets Scenic Mountain Majesty

Visitors can also discover cultural traditions from nearby communities, where music, dance, and craftmaking bring Rwanda’s heritage to life. Spending time here offers both adventure and meaningful human connection.

Beyond the trails, the park stands as a symbol of conservation, protecting rare ecosystems and inspiring global efforts to safeguard endangered species. It is a destination that rewards travelers with both natural wonder and cultural depth.

Volcanoes National Park is not only a wildlife sanctuary, but also a place where culture, nature, and history come together. Nestled within the Virunga Mountains, it is one of Rwanda’s most celebrated treasures.

The mist-covered peaks and rolling valleys create striking views that attract nature lovers, hikers, and photographers alike. Every angle of the park seems to tell a story of resilience and beauty.

Golden monkeys also live within these high-altitude forests, their playful nature adding lighthearted energy to the wilderness. Watching them leap between branches brings color and life to the dense green canopy.

Every visit to Volcanoes National Park supports vital conservation and community programs, ensuring that the wildlife, forests, and traditions that make this region special continue to thrive for generations.

Volcanoes National Park is world-famous for its mountain gorillas. Trekking through the lush rainforest to see these gentle giants is one of the most moving wildlife experiences on Earth. The moment you meet their calm, intelligent eyes, the forest feels sacred.

The trek itself is part of the adventure, leading you through bamboo forests, open meadows, and misty slopes. Each step reveals the park’s incredible diversity and the quiet magic that defines Rwanda’s mountain landscapes.

Volcanoes National Park FAQs

Where is Volcanoes National Park located?

It takes roughly 2 hours and 45 minutes to drive from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park in northeastern Rwanda. It is part of the larger Virunga Conservation Area and is next to Uganda’s Mgahinga National Park and Congo’s Virunga National Park.

One of the rarest primates on Earth, the mountain gorilla, lives in the park. It is also home to five dormant volcanoes, golden monkeys, and a diverse array of plants and animals, making it one of the best places in East Africa to see wildlife.

The major thing to do in Rwanda is mountain gorilla trekking. However, visitors may also go on nature walks, volcanic hikes, birding, and visits to Dian Fossey’s research facility and grave site.

A permit to go gorilla trekking costs about $1,500 for each participant: you will spend around an hour up close with a family of gorillas on a guided trip through the jungle.

The best time to visit Volcanoes National Park is during the dry seasons, which run from June to September and December to February. Rainy months are fantastic for fewer people and greener vistas, but they may also make pathways muddy.

Travelers can get to the park by car from Kigali in less than three hours. Most people who go on a Rwanda Safari opt for guided trips that include transportation, permits, and accommodations, so they don’t have to worry about anything.

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"We had a fantastic time with Kingse Safari’s. We went from Arusha, to Ngorongoro and Serengeti. Peter was an awesome guide. Very knowledgeable and a skilled driver."

Jon H

JON H

Incredible Trip

"Amazing experience from start to finish! The guides were knowledgeable and friendly."

Anna L

ANNA L

Safari Adventure

"We had a fantastic time with Kingse Safari’s. We went from Arusha, to Ngorongoro and Serengeti. Peter was an awesome guide. Very knowledgeable and a skilled driver."

Jon H

JON H

Incredible Trip

"Amazing experience from start to finish! The guides were knowledgeable and friendly."

Anna L

ANNA L

Safari Adventure

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