Why you go
Why go to Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park protects the Rwandan flank of the Virunga Massif, a chain of steep volcanoes draped in bamboo and afro-montane forest. This is the landscape Dian Fossey made famous, and the most accessible place in the region to track mountain gorillas — the park base at Kinigi is a short drive from Kigali.
Alongside the gorillas, the park holds habituated golden monkeys, the Dian Fossey research trail, and demanding day hikes to crater lakes and summits such as Mount Bisoke. Treks here tend to be shorter than in Bwindi, though the altitude and mud are real.
Signature experiences
Gorilla trekking
Habituated families on the bamboo slopes of the Virungas.
Golden monkey tracking
Endangered golden monkeys, found only in the Virunga volcanoes and one nearby Rwandan forest.
Bisoke crater-lake hike
A steep climb to the summit crater lake of Mount Bisoke, a volcano straddling the Rwanda–DRC border.
In pictures
Volcanoes National Park, before you ever arrive
Representative photography of this destination's landscapes and wildlife — tap any photo to view it full screen.
When to go
The year at Volcanoes National Park, month by month
The best time for gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park is June to August and December to February. June–July are the most reliable underfoot. Treks run all year — the bamboo slopes are simply muddier in the rains.
Best time to visit
Volcanoes National Park
Driest spell
7° at night
Computed for mid-Jul (±2 min) · across Jul sunrise drifts 06:05–06:07, sunset 18:07–18:10
June–July are the most reliable underfoot. Treks run all year — the bamboo slopes are simply muddier in the rains.
Getting there
Getting to Volcanoes National Park
A scenic drive from Kigali to Musanze and the park base at Kinigi, the shortest road approach to gorillas in the region.
Safaris that visit
4 journeys go here
2 Days Rwanda Gorilla and Chimps Tour
A short two-day Rwanda tour pairing a Kigali historical and cultural visit with mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. It suits travellers with limited time who want both history and wildlife.
3 Days Kigali — Rwanda Apes Tour
A three-day Rwanda tour combining Kigali's historical and cultural sites with mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. The final day offers a choice between golden monkey trekking and a Mount Bisoke hike.
7-Day Rwanda Community-Based Tourism Safari
A seven-day Rwanda journey combining Kigali's cultural and historical sites, gorilla and golden monkey trekking in Volcanoes National Park, and community experiences around Lake Kivu.
8-Day Rwanda Gorillas and Chimps Safari
An eight-day Rwanda journey that pairs chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe with gorilla trekking in the Volcanoes, alongside Lake Kivu and cultural stops. It runs from Kigali across the south and northwest of the country.
Good to know
Volcanoes National Park: questions travellers ask
- How much is a gorilla permit for Volcanoes National Park?
- US$1,500 per person for a foreign non-resident, issued by Rwanda Development Board (RDB). A reduced rate of US$1,050 applies where the itinerary adds nights in Akagera or Nyungwe. Figures as reported in June 2026; the authorities set them and change them on their own schedule, so we confirm the current rate with every quote.
- What is the minimum age for gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park?
- 15. It is set by Rwanda Development Board (RDB) and cannot be waived by an operator. Younger children can still travel with you — we build the rest of the itinerary around the trekking day.
Build Volcanoes National Park into your safari
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