VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK
Home to endangered mountain gorillas and majestic volcanoes in the Virunga Mountains
About Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park (Parc National des Volcans) is located in northwestern Rwanda and forms part of the Virunga Conservation Area, which spans across Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The park was established in 1925, making it Africa's oldest national park, and covers an area of 160 square kilometers (62 square miles).
The park is home to five of the eight volcanoes in the Virunga Mountains: Karisimbi, Bisoke, Muhabura, Gahinga, and Sabyinyo. These dormant volcanoes create a dramatic backdrop for the park's most famous residents - the endangered mountain gorillas. Volcanoes National Park is where the legendary primatologist Dian Fossey conducted her groundbreaking research on mountain gorillas, as portrayed in the film "Gorillas in the Mist."
Beyond gorillas, the park protects a rich mosaic of montane ecosystems, including evergreen and bamboo forest, open grassland, swamp, and heath. This diverse habitat supports a wide variety of wildlife, including golden monkeys, forest elephants, buffalo, and numerous bird species. The park's conservation success story is remarkable, with mountain gorilla numbers increasing from near extinction to over 1,000 individuals today.
Key Facts
Location
Northwestern Rwanda, bordering DRC and Uganda
Size
160 square kilometers (62 square miles)
Established
1925 (Africa's oldest national park)
Highest Point
Mount Karisimbi: 4,507 meters (14,787 feet)
Wildlife in Volcanoes National Park
Mountain Gorillas
The park's most famous residents are the endangered mountain gorillas. Rwanda is home to about a third of the world's remaining mountain gorilla population, with several habituated family groups that visitors can trek to see. These gentle giants share 98% of their DNA with humans and live in complex social structures led by a dominant silverback male.
Golden Monkeys
The endangered golden monkey is another primate species found in the park. These playful, orange-gold monkeys live in the bamboo forests of the Virunga Mountains. Like the gorillas, there are habituated groups that visitors can trek to see, offering a less strenuous and less expensive alternative to gorilla trekking.
Other Wildlife
The park is home to a variety of other wildlife, including forest elephants, buffalo, giant forest hogs, bushbucks, and duikers. Predators such as hyenas and golden cats are present but rarely seen. The park also supports over 200 bird species, including 29 endemic to the Albertine Rift, making it an excellent destination for birdwatchers.
When to Visit
June to September
Long Dry Season
Peak Season
This is the most popular time to visit Volcanoes National Park, with dry conditions making gorilla trekking easier. The trails are less muddy, and the forest is less dense, improving visibility. The weather is generally clear, though mornings can be cool due to the altitude. This period coincides with summer holidays in Europe and North America, so gorilla permits should be booked well in advance.
October to November
Short Rainy Season
Shoulder Season
The short rainy season brings occasional showers, typically in the afternoons. The trails can be muddy, making trekking more challenging, but the forest is lush and green. There are fewer tourists during this period, so it may be easier to secure gorilla permits on shorter notice. Morning treks are usually less affected by the afternoon rains.
December to February
Short Dry Season
High Season
This short dry season offers good trekking conditions with relatively dry trails. December can be busy due to the holiday season, with more tourists and higher demand for gorilla permits. January and February are excellent months to visit, with good weather and slightly fewer visitors than the peak June-September season.
March to May
Long Rainy Season
Low Season
This is the wettest time of year, with heavy rainfall making trekking conditions challenging. The trails can be very muddy and slippery, and the forest is at its most dense. However, this is the low tourist season, so it's easier to secure gorilla permits on short notice, and there are fewer trekkers in each group. The landscape is lush and photogenic, with clear air after rain showers.
Things to Do in Volcanoes National Park
Gorilla Trekking
The park's premier activity is gorilla trekking, where visitors hike through the forest with experienced guides to spend an hour with a habituated gorilla family. The trek can take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours, depending on the gorilla family's location. This is a profound wildlife experience that allows for close observation of these gentle giants in their natural habitat.
Golden Monkey Trekking
Similar to gorilla trekking but typically less strenuous, golden monkey trekking allows visitors to observe these playful, endangered primates in the bamboo forests. The trek usually takes 1-4 hours, and visitors spend an hour with the monkeys once they're located. This is a great alternative or addition to gorilla trekking.
Volcano Hiking
The park offers hiking opportunities on several of its volcanoes. Mount Bisoke (3,711m) is a popular day hike with a beautiful crater lake at the summit. Mount Karisimbi (4,507m), the highest volcano, requires a two-day trek. These hikes offer stunning views and the chance to experience different vegetation zones and wildlife.
Dian Fossey Tomb Visit
Trek to the former research station of Dian Fossey and her final resting place at Karisoke. This 3-4 hour hike offers insights into her life and work with mountain gorillas, as well as beautiful views of the surrounding volcanoes. The site includes the graves of several gorillas that Fossey studied and the ruins of her original cabin.
Cultural Experiences
Visit local communities around the park to learn about Rwandan culture and traditions. The Iby'Iwacu Cultural Village offers demonstrations of traditional dance, music, and crafts. These experiences provide insights into local life and how communities are benefiting from and contributing to conservation efforts.