Overview
 Volcanoes National Park

A chain of mystical volcanoes with skirts of lush rainforest and crowns of clouds,  Volcanoes National Park blends striking volcano vistas with iconic wildlife experiences. The park comprises of five of the eight Virunga volcanoes; Karisimbi, Bisoke, Muhabura, Gahinga and Sabyinyo. The summit of each can be trekked on a strenuous hike in a day, with rewarding views to be had over the Virunga massif towards Uganda & D.R. Congo. Volcanoes National Park is of course most famous for mountain gorilla trekking, with the first mountain gorilla group habituated by the conservationist, Dian Fossey. On her passing she herself was buried within the national park and her grave is still a popular destination for hikes to this day. The park’s reputation for mountain gorilla tracking draws travellers from across the globe, often complementing the experience by tracking the golden monkeys, which are endemic to the Virunga volcanoes.

---

Flights To Volcanoes National Park

Safari flights by plane to Volcanoes National Park land at Ruhengeri's Airport in Ruhengeri. This is the closest town to the national park at just a 30 min drive from the park's headquarters. For helicopter safaris we additionally land at the private helipads at our chosen luxury lodges and other selected landing sites around the park.

Key Wildlife

MOUNTAIN GORILLA  |  GOLDEN MONKEY
BLACK & WHITE COLOBUS  |  OLIVE BABOON |  RED-TAILED MONKEY
DUIKER  |  BUFFALO  |  HYENA  |  BUSHBUCK  
ELEPHANT  |  GIANT FOREST HOG  |  BUSHPIG
+180 RECORDED BIRD SPECIES

Volcanoes National Park
 Climate & Seasons

Dry Season

Jun - Aug
Dec-Jan

Rainy Season

Feb - May
Oct - Nov

High Season

Jun - Sep
Dec - Jan

Low Season

Oct - Nov
Feb - May

Volcanoes National Park  is suitable as a year round fly-in safari destination. In dry season the trails are easier under foot but permits become fully booked further in advance. In the rainy season there is less haze, a bonus for photography and many of the rainier months are in low seasons, when it’s easier to secure gorilla trekking permits. Please note that the above climate information is a rough guide as weather patterns have become less regular in recent years and as the park covers a rainforest it can rain in any month of the year.

Volcanoes National Park
Fly-in Safari Excursions

Mountain gorilla trekking

Volcanoes National Park’s most famous wildlife spectacle, meeting one of the park’s eight habituated gorilla families. With only 64 permits available per day they often become fully booked further in advance then other destinations. While the ease of trekking and chance of meeting the gorillas is the same as other destinations, the parks associated services such as guides are considered by many to be superior. Of course the experience of meeting the gorillas in their natural setting is just as rewarding in all locations. 

Track mountain gorillas on a gorilla trekking trip in Volcanoes National Park

golden monkey tracking

Cheeky and playful, the golden monkeys are endemic to the Virunga volcanoes. They can only be tracked here and in neighbouring Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Uganda. A popular activity in itself plus an engaging way to further explore the park's rainforest covered slopes with an expert guide. Two groups have been habituated in the park, allowing up close viewing opportunities as the monkey forage, feed, play and socialise.  A very special opportunity to watch these rare monkeys in their natural habitat. 

Track the golden monkeys on a trekking trip in Volcanoes National Park.

intore dance troupe performance

An unmissable experience, watching the performance of the traditional Rwandan dance presented to the backdrop of the imposing Virunga volcanoes. Today's Intore (warriors) performance is based on the traditional dance to the Mwami (kings). A celebration, with the participants dressed in brightly coloured costumes, long flowing headdresses and equipped with the traditional weapons of spears and bows. 

Watch the Intore dance troupe with a backdrop of Volcanoes National Park

hike to dian fossey's grave

One of the park’s most popular hiking trails is the Karisoke Research Centre, founded by Diana Fossey to study the mountain gorillas and the site of her former home. This is also the location of her final resting place, with her grave  laid next to that of her favourite mountain gorilla, Digit. A pleasant rainforest walk taking about 1 hr 30 mins in each direction, with stunning views over the rainforest and the chance to spot several monkey species, a plethora of birds, forest hog and even the occasional forest elephant.

Hike to Dian Fossey's grave in Volcanoes National Park.

Virunga Volcano Hiking

Volcanoes National Park hosts trails to the summits of five of the eight Virunga volcanoes. Trails to the summits of Mt Gahinga (3,474m), Mount Sabyinyo (3,674m), Mount Bisoke (3,711m), Mount Muhabura (4,127m), can each be hiked in one day providing you possess a good level of fitness. The fifth volcano, Mount Karisimbi (4,507m) boasts the highest peak in the Virunga volcano range, which is tackled over a two day hike.  Each of the volcano peaks rewards hikers with stunning views over the surrounding Virunga massif.

Hike to the summit of the Virunga volcanoes in Volcanoes National Park.

Volcanoes National Park
 Fly-in Safari Luxury Lodges

Virunga Lodge
 Volcanoes National Park

Destination Rwanda