Volcanoes National Park
Witness the majesty of Rwanda’s mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.
Overview
Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda is a place of incredible natural beauty and biodiversity, known for its population of endangered mountain gorillas. Located in the Virunga Mountains, the park is home to five of the eight volcanoes that make up the Virunga Massif, including the iconic Mount Karisimbi. The park’s lush forests are also home to a variety of other wildlife, including golden monkeys, buffalo, and numerous bird species. Volcanoes National Park is not only a haven for wildlife but also plays a crucial role in conservation efforts, particularly for the endangered mountain gorillas. Visitors to the park can embark on guided treks to observe these majestic creatures in their natural habitat, offering a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife experience.Â
Things to Do
Gorilla Trekking: The park is famous for its mountain gorilla population, and trekking to see these majestic creatures in their natural habitat is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Golden Monkey Tracking: Another primate species found in the park, golden monkeys are a delight to observe, and tracking them through the forest is a memorable experience.
Hiking: There are several hiking trails in the park, ranging from easy walks to more challenging treks, all offering stunning views of the surrounding volcanoes and landscape.
Cultural Experiences: Visitors can also engage with the local communities around the park, learning about their culture, traditions, and way of life.
Bird Watching: The park is home to numerous bird species, making it a paradise for bird enthusiasts.
What to See
Mountain Gorillas: The park’s most famous residents, the mountain gorillas, are a sight to behold as they go about their daily lives in the forest.
Volcanic Landscape: The park is dotted with several volcanoes, including the famous Mount Karisimbi, providing a dramatic backdrop to the scenery.
Golden Monkeys: These playful creatures are a joy to watch as they move through the forest in search of food.
Diverse Wildlife: Besides gorillas and golden monkeys, the park is home to a variety of other wildlife, including buffalo, elephants, and various species of birds.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Volcanoes National Park is during the dry seasons, from June to September and December to February, when the weather is more conducive to outdoor activities and wildlife viewing.
Getting there
Getting there
By Road: The park is about a 2-hour drive from Kigali, and there are several tour companies that offer transportation services to the park.
By Air: The nearest airport to the park is Kigali International Airport, from where you can take a domestic flight to a nearby airstrip and then drive to the park.
Where to Stay
Mid-range accommodation
Le Bambou Gorilla LodgeÂ
Located near Volcanoes National Park, Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge offers mid-range accommodations with views of the surrounding volcanoes. The lodge features comfortable rooms, a restaurant serving local and international cuisine, and a garden area.
Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge & SafariÂ
Situated close to the park entrance, Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge & Safari provides mid-range accommodations with easy access to gorilla trekking. The lodge offers comfortable rooms, a restaurant, and guided safari tours.
Virunga HotelÂ
Nestled in the foothills of the Virunga Mountains, Virunga Hotel offers mid-range accommodations with stunning views of the volcanoes. The hotel features cozy rooms, a restaurant serving local dishes, and a terrace for relaxing.
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Luxury accommodation
Onguma The Fort
Other Attractions in Namibia
Ethnographic Museum
Kigali Genocide Memorial
Akagera National Park
Nyungwe National Park
General Knowledge Base
General information about Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda.
Volcanoes National Park is situated in the northwestern part of Rwanda, along the border with Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The park is home to a significant portion of the world’s remaining mountain gorilla population and plays a crucial role in their conservation.
The park covers an area of approximately 160 square kilometers (62 square miles) and is part of the larger Virunga Conservation Area.
The park is home to five volcanoes, namely Karisimbi, Bisoke, Muhabura, Gahinga, and Sabyinyo, which are part of the Virunga Massif.
Yes, gorilla trekking is a popular activity in the park, allowing visitors to hike through the lush forests to observe and interact with mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.
In addition to mountain gorillas, the park is home to a variety of other wildlife, including golden monkeys, buffalo, elephants, and numerous bird species.
Yes, to minimize disturbance to the gorillas and their habitat, only a limited number of permits are issued each day for gorilla trekking.
Yes, the park is rich in cultural heritage, with several indigenous communities living near the park and offering cultural experiences to visitors.
