Where You Come Face to Face with Greatness
Nestled between towering peaks and lush forests, Volcanoes National Park is a must see destination for anyone seeking adventure and nature. Famous for being home to the endangered mountain gorillas, the park offers awe inspiring treks through misty forests, stunning views of volcanic landscapes, and a rich array of wildlife.
A Wild Adventure Like No Other
Somewhere in the misty bamboo forests of northwestern Rwanda, your guide signals you to stop. And then you see them; a family of mountain gorillas, unhurried and completely at ease, just metres away. A silverback glances up, meets your eyes, and goes back to eating. You forget to breathe.
This is Volcanoes National Park, one of the most extraordinary wildlife encounters on Earth. Tucked into the Virunga Mountains on Rwanda's border with Uganda and the DRC, the park shelters six volcanoes and the gorilla families that call their slopes home.
A Once in a Lifetime Encounter
There’s nothing quite like the moment you first spot a mountain gorilla in the wild. Picture yourself trekking through dense, misty forests, heart racing with excitement, as you finally come upon a family of gorillas. Watching them interact, feed, and play is an experience that truly humbles you something you’ll never forget. And just when you think it can’t get any better, the playful golden monkeys, with their beautiful golden fur, make a surprise appearance, adding a little extra magic to your adventure. It’s a journey that leaves you in awe of the natural world.
What to Do in Volcanoes National Park
Gorilla Trekking
The centrepiece of any visit. On the morning of your trek, you'll meet your ranger and guide at the park headquarters in Kinigi. After a briefing, you'll be assigned to a habituated gorilla family group and set off into the forest. The trek can last anywhere from two hours to a full day depending on where the gorillas have moved. When you find them, you're allowed one hour in their presence; sixty minutes that most visitors describe life-changing.
Golden Monkey Tracking
If gorilla permits are sold out or you want a second morning in the forest, the golden monkey trek is an absolute joy. These vivid, playful primates move fast through the bamboo, leaping and tumbling in a way that makes gorillas seem almost contemplative by comparison. The permit is more affordable; the trek is less physically demanding, and the experience is every bit memorable.
Volcano Hiking
Mount Bisoke (3,711m) is the most popular day hike, rewarding climbers with a crater lake at the summit on clear days. Mount Karisimbi (4,507m), the highest in Rwanda, is a challenging two-day trek for serious hikers. Mount Muhabura, Sabyinyo, and Gahinga offer routes of varying difficulty, all with dramatic Virunga scenery.
Dian Fossey's Karisoke Research Centre
A guided hike to the site of Fossey's original camp, where she conducted her famous gorilla research in the 1960s and 70s, is one of the most emotionally resonant experiences in Rwanda. You'll pass her grave and those of some of the gorillas she studied. It's a powerful reminder of what conservation truly costs , and what it saves.
Where to Stay
Accommodation options range from ultra-luxury lodges to comfortable mid-range guesthouses. The most celebrated properties sit at the foot of the volcanoes and offer stunning views of the Virungas. Booking early is essential, especially if you want accommodation aligned with your gorilla permit date.
A gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda costs USD 1,500 per person. This fee is paid to the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) and directly funds gorilla conservation and local community programmes. Permits must be booked in advance as daily numbers are strictly limited.
The dry seasons; June to September, and December to February; offer the best trekking conditions with clearer trails and better visibility. However, gorilla trekking takes place year-round, and the forest can be magical even in the wetter months of March–May and October–November.
A reasonable level of fitness is recommended. Treks can involve steep, muddy terrain at altitude (1,500–2,500m). The duration varies from 2 to 8 hours. Park staff can assist with carrying luggage, and walking sticks are provided. People of varying fitness levels successfully complete treks every day.
The minimum age for gorilla trekking is 15 years, to reduce the risk of transmission of childhood illnesses to gorillas. Children aged 13 and above can participate in golden monkey tracking.
Currently, 12 habituated gorilla family groups are open to tourism in Volcanoes National Park, with a maximum of 8 visitors per family group per day. This means a daily maximum of 96 visitors, which is why advance booking is essential.
Frequently Asked Questions
EXPERIENCE VOLCANOES, YOUR WAY!
From thrilling gorilla treks to awe-inspiring hikes through misty volcanoes, Volcanoes National Park offers an adventure like no other. Wander through lush bamboo forests, track playful golden monkeys, and take in the stunning views of the Virunga mountains while we handle all the details. Peek Rwanda ensures your journey is seamless and unforgettable, with personalized itineraries and smooth park access from start to finish.