Volcanoes National Park
Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is an ethereally beautiful safari destination with extraordinary biodiversity, iconic wildlife, volcanoes and montane forests that a few travelers have had a chance to experience.
On your safari to Volcanoes National Park you can enjoy thrilling adventures traversing the mist covered volcanoes, tracking mountain gorillas, and seeing other fascinating wildlife and tiny creatures. A kaleidoscope of new sights, sounds and scents awaits.
Volcanoes National Park Key Facts
Geographic Size – 160km²
Bird species – over 180
Mammal species – Over 189
Best Time to Visit – All year round
Habitats – Volcanoes National Park encompasses rainforest and open grassland (Thickets, montane grassland and shrubland).
Weather in Volcanoes National Park
Rwanda has a lovely temperate, tropical highland climate. Thanks to the country’s high elevation, it experiences lower temperature than one would expect of an equatorial country. It is warm every month, and has two rainy and two dry season.
The mountainous north-west is generally cooler than the lower-lying east and experience about 886 inches of rain a year, with an average humidity of 84%
- Rainy Season – March to May and October to November
- Dry Season – June to September and December to February
Wildlife in Volcanoes National Park
- Mountain Gorillas – With just over 1,100 mountain gorilla remaining in the world, Volcanoes National Park protects almost half of the mountain gorillas, protected in the Virunga Massifs.
- Black – fronted duiker – These small antelopes can be seen foraging in open marshy meadows around dawn and dusk.
- Bronze Sunbird – These beautiful birds call through a jumble of twittering notes, followed by cleaner whistle sounds.
- Golden Monkeys – These endangered primates are another highlight of Volcanoes National Park and can be trekked.
Encounter Gorilla Families in Volcanoes National Park
Spend one precious hour with the famous mountain gorillas of Volcanoes National Park. Observe them grooming each other, climbing effortlessly into the bamboo. The young ones, playing, making faces, somersaulting over their fathers and mothers.
Along the wat, sounds of myriad bird calls, and other wildlife, provide the soundtrack to this once-in-a-lifetime encounter.
Where to Stay in Volcanoes National Park
In Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, there is a wide range of accommodation options ranging from budget, midrange to luxury.
- Singita Kwitonda Lodge
- Bisate Lodge
- One&Only Gorilla’s Nest
- Wilderness Sabyinyo
- Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel among others
Frequently Asked Questions About Volcanoes National Park
What is Volcanoes National Park?
Volcanoes National Park is a success story for Rwanda’s conservation and communities. The park’s rich biodiversity is home to Endangered mountain gorillas and the endemic golden monkeys.
The park generates employment opportunities, livelihood and infrastructure development, community projects and so much more.
What country is Volcanoes National Park found?
Rwanda, East Africa Region
What animals can I see in Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda?
Volcanoes National Park is home to a wide range of animals including the endangered mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, bush pigs, duikers, spotted hyenas, a number of other primates and over 230 bird species.
When is the best time to visit Volcanoes National Park?
Volcanoes National Park can be visited all year round as Rwanda has a warm, tropical climate, with two rainy and dry seasons. Whatever time of year you choose to visit, make sure to bring a raincoat and boots, since it may rain at any time. Generally humidity is quite high.
Where is Volcanoes National Park Located?
Volcanoes National Park is located in the north-west of Rwanda, in the Virunga Massifs.
What should I wear when gorilla trekking in Rwanda?
As the name suggests, rainforests can be cool and wet so when packing, include warm, protective clothing, a hat, lightweight parka or rain jacket and comfortable hiking boots
What is the weather like in Volcanoes National Park?
Rwanda has a warm, tropical climate with two rainy and dry seasons. Whatever time of the year you choose to visit, make sure to bring a raincoat and boots, since it may rain at any time. Generally, humidity is generally quite high.
How to get to Volcanoes National Park?
To get to Volcanoes National Park, you arrive at Kigali International Airport, which is located just outside Kigali City – the capital of Rwanda. From here it takes roughly three hours to drive the 70 miles to Musanze, the nearest village to Volcanoes National Park. Alternatively, a helicopter can be chartered between Kigali and Volcanoes National Park, subject to weather conditions, as well as the model of helicopter used.
What to do in Volcanoes National Park?
Volcanoes National Park offers thrilling adventures from wildlife encounters with mountain gorillas and golden monkeys to hiking up Mount Bisoke to see the beautiful Crater Lake, or tackling the Dian Fossey trek.
How difficult is gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda?
Gorilla trekking involves hiking through difficult terrain, thick vegetation, water bodies and hills and valley, so you need to be physically fit. We advise guests to ensure good fitness levels and bring comfortable well-fitting walking shores.
Do I need a permit to go gorilla trekking in Rwanda?
Yes you need. Please chat with our Travel Designers well in advance to avoid disappointment, especially during the high season from June to September.
Ready to Go Gorilla Trekking?
A safari visit to Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is unforgettable. The adventure begins the moment you arrive at your luxury lodge, and gaze through a curtain of mist at area’s two extinct volcanoes, Bisoke and Karisimbi.
This is the “Land of a Thousand Hills”, of warm, colorful people, rich and fascinating culture, and iconic African wildlife including the endangered mountain gorillas.
