Unforgettable Volcanoes National Park Rwanda Adventure Safari Guide
Volcanoes National Park Rwanda: Ultimate Guide to Gorillas & Safaris
Volcanoes National Park Rwanda is Located in the rolling green Virunga Mountains of northern Rwanda, Volcanoes National Park is an international-standard park for Rwanda wildlife and adventure tourism. Though it is a small park (about 160 km²), it covers some of the old Virunga volcanic chain. Volcanoes National Park Rwanda offers shelter to over half of the world’s remaining Mountain Gorillas one of the just three places in our world to spot these gentle giants. Volcanoes National Park Rwanda is famous for thrilling Gorilla Trekking, colorful golden monkey tours, strenuous volcano ascents, and lively cultural interactions (e.g. to ancient Iby’Iwacu Village). Its lovely woods (2,400–4,500m elevation) also shelter other animals and many endemic birds.
Location & Overview of Volcanoes National Park Rwanda
Volcanoes National Park is in Rwanda’s Northern Province (Musanze District, previously Ruhengeri)It encompasses the Rwandan section of the Virunga Massif (a chain of 6 extinct and 3 active volcanoes) In reality, the park contains five of the eight Virunga volcanoes (Mounts Karisimbi, Bisoke, Muhabura, Gahinga and Sabyinyo)
The landscape is breathtaking: Conical volcano summits rising to vast height covered in montane forest and bamboo. Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda shares a boundary with Virunga National Park (DR Congo) and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park (Uganda) indicating its location within a large transboundary conservation region.
Volcanoes National Park Rwanda is only 105 km north of Kigali (2–3 hours by car). The main park entrance and research offices are in Kinigi, near Musanze town. Musanze (Ruhengeri) has town amenities. Kigali International Airport has international flights on a daily basis; then good tar roads lead you northwards (a 4×4 Safari Car is recommended)
How to Get to Volcanoes National Park Rwanda
- By Air and By Road: The majority of tourists arrive by air at Kigali International Airport, and arrange transport to Volcanoes National Park Rwanda. By road it’s a 2–3 hour scenic drive ( about 105 km) to the Kinigi area. Alternatively, you can hire a car or 4×4 or book a private transfer with us (Mpenzi Safaris Africa) at $200–$300/day for an off-road 4×4 Land Cruiser.
- Multi-Country 0ption: Some Tourists meld visiting Volcanoes National Park Rwanda with Uganda’s Gorilla areas. You could, for example, take Volcanoes National Park from Rwanda and then drive north in Uganda to Mgahinga (or via Bunagana into DR Congo‘s Virunga). Virunga NP (DRC) is 2-3 hrs from Kinigi, Bwindi/Mgahinga (Uganda) is 3-5 hrs
Where Stay Near Volcanoes National Park Rwanda
The Government of Rwanda restricted camping within the park limits. There are however accommodations just a few kilometres from Kinigi (The park Headquarters) or in the nearby Musanze Town. Lodges and hotels here cater for every budget:
Budget Lodges in Volcanoes National Park Rwanda
Kinigi Guesthouse (Kinigi, park entrance)
Simple, friendly guesthouse literally minutes from the park HQ
- Dorms and basic private rooms with hot showers and shared lounge.
- Dorms go from $20, single rooms $40–$60, doubles $60–$85
- Great for backpackers and families on a budget.
- Offers porter/driver arrangements and short local walks
La Palme Hotel (Musanze town)
3★ hotel a short drive from Kinigi
- Suite rooms, restaurant, Wi-Fi and family rooms
- Practical base for trekking logistics.
- Standard rooms typically $50–$90, suites $100–$130 depending on season.
- Good for families wanting comfort without luxury.
Muhabura Hotel (Musanze)
Also a 3★ hotel a short drive from Kinigi
- Long-standing local hotel with simple private rooms and small apartments
- Comfortable, local meals and easy access to town markets.
- Rooms roughly $40–$90/night, family units available.
- Handy if you want easy town amenities after trekking.
Mid-Range Lodges in Volcanoes National Park Rwanda
Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge (Kinigi foothills)
Eco-styled bamboo cottages with cozy fireplaces
- On-site Dining, and beautiful volcano views
- Comfortable en-suite rooms and family cottages.
- Rates typically $150–$300/night depending on room and season.
- Offers nature walks, coffee farm visits and easy transfers to trek briefings.
Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge (near Kinigi/Musanze)
Spacious cottages and suites
- All-inclusive and half-board options often available
- On-site restaurant, bar and occasional cultural nights.
- Prices commonly $120–$250/night (packages vary).
- Popular with small groups and families; arranges guided walks and village visits.
Mountain Gorilla View Lodge (Kinigi/Musanze area)
Comfortable lodge with panoramic mountain views
- Mid-to-upper midrange service level
- Private balconies and a relaxed lounge.
- Typical rates $245–$350/night (per room) but fluctuate by season and package.
- Offers airport transfers, guided walks and good dining options.
Luxury & Affordable-Luxury Lodges in Volcanoes National Park Rwanda
Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel (Kinigi area)
Upscale boutique property with stylish rooms
- Fine dining and panoramic volcano vistas
- Ideal for affordable-luxury travelers who want comfort and proximity to the park.
- Expect $300–$700+/night depending on room and season.
- Many packages include transfers, spa treatments and curated excursions.
One&Only Gorilla’s Nest (Kinigi border)
Ultra-luxury resort
- With designer suites, spa, yoga and bespoke experiences
- Immersive nature programs and impeccable service.
- Pricing is premium — often well over $1,000+/night and higher for all-inclusive packages.
- Perfect for travelers seeking a deluxe base for gorilla trekking.
Sabyinyo / Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge
community-owned luxury — Classic high-end cottage lodge with private cottages
- Fireplaces, conservation programs and stunning volcano outlooks;
- Family units and suites available.
- Rates vary widely (roughly $700–$1,900+ per person/night for full service packages in peak season).
- Strong on conservation and local community engagement, with guided treks, cultural visits and spa options at some packages.
All these lodgings are within easy driving distance from the park headquarters, so you’ll be able to reach the morning trekking starting point in under 10–15 minutes. Proximity to the park means an early dinner and rest by dawn’s rise for gorilla trekking.
Tip: If one member of your group is worried about altitude or prefers to acclimatize, get in and overnight at your lodge at least one night before the trek. Others even spend the first night just resting at the lodge or going on a short nature walk around.
Things to Do in Volcanoes National Park Rwanda
Volcanoes National Park’s main draw is its wildlife and Mountain Gorilla Trek adventure. Best things to do include:
- Gorilla Trekking: The park’s must-do experience.
- Each morning, small groups (up to 8 people) assemble at the Kinigi headquarters for a briefing (circa 7:30 AM). Next you go out with a ranger to track a habituated gorilla family through bamboo forest.
- The walk lasts 1 to 6 hours (depending on how far the gorillas have wandered), but when you arrive, you’ll spend not more than 1 hour observing the family at a distance.
- Only 12 groups are allowed in Volcanoes National Park Rwanda and 96 permits per day (8 visitors × 12 groups).
- Foreign non-resident gorilla permit is $1500. All of this is part of the charge for park admission, guide service, and the one-hour gorilla experience. (Children under 15 are not allowed to trek).
- Physical fitness is necessary: the paths are unsurfaced and the height is considerable (up to ~4,500m, so keep hydrated and go slowly).
Highlight: Seeing these incredible apes in the wild is described as “life-changing” by all – a genuine bucket-list experience. Therefore, book in advance
- Golden Monkey Tracking: Volcanoes National Park Rwanda is also famous for the endangered golden monkey (a playful small primate that occurs only in the Albertine Rift).
- Guided walks to see golden monkeys are less energetic and shorter than gorilla walks, typically lasting a few hours in bamboo forest, and are extremely convenient for families with small children or time constraints.
- Permits are cheaper – about $100 per permit for international visitors – and hikes are often easy.
- Golden monkeys have yellow-golden coats and are often seen in groups of 10–20 bounding between trees and mowing bamboo.
- Volcano Hiking: For stunning scenery, volcano hiking is memorable. Best routes start from Volcanoes National Park:
- Mount Bisoke (3,711 m) – day hike (4–6 hours round-trip) to its green crater lake. Permit about $75
- Mount Karisimbi (4,507 m) – Rwanda’s highest volcano. Two-day hike (overnight camping required) for seasoned climbers, permits about $400
- Mount Gahinga (3,474 m, bordering Uganda) and Mount Muhabura (4,127 m) – also great hikes with crater lakes at the top (permits $75–$100)
All four hikes have unique scenery (cold alpine forest, giant groundsels, crater views) but require a permit booked in advance.
- Dian Fossey Hike & Karisoke Center: For history and culture, do the Dian Fossey Tomb hike (about 2–3 hours round trip). It leads to the grave of renowned primatologist Dian Fossey and the Karisoke Research Center location between Karisimbi and Visoke. The permit about $75 lets you learn history of gorilla conservation and observe Fossey’s simple grave in the forest.
- Forest Walks & Birding: Volcanoes National Park Rwanda has good trails well-suited to short strolls or guided nature treks. You can see unique vegetation (giant lobelias, tree heathers) and several endemic bird species of the Albertine Rift. Guided nature walk permits are approx. $55 (foreign visitors) There’s a brief night walk experience in the nearby forest, where you can see nocturnal wildlife (please enquire locally).
- Community & Cultural Tours: Right across from the park is award-winning Gorilla Guardians’ Village (once Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village). Visit a 2-hour cultural show where visitors learn about Rwandan lifestyle – traditional dance, crafts and cuisine – while helping develop the local community. Good value to do beforehand or afterwards (many tours make it a nice post-trek activity).
Best Time to Visit Volcanoes National Park Rwanda
Volcanoes National Park Rwanda can be visited year-round, but weather conditions differ. The park’s equatorial mountain climate renders the weather cool and foggy for most of the year, with the mean daily temperatures ranging around 15 °C (59 °F).
There are two long dry seasons that are universally considered the ideal periods to trek: June–August (long dry season) and December–February (short dry season). The paths are drier and mud patches fewer in these months, ensuring easier hikes and sharper sightings. Park rainy seasons (particularly March–May, and October–November) can make the forest slippery and views less sharp; they are low seasons.
Keep in mind that tourist high seasons are the dry seasons. June–August and December–March gorilla permits often reserve several months in advance. If you have fixed dates, book early (3–6 months best). As possibly less expensive and fewer tourists, the shoulder months (late Feb/early Mar, September to November) can also be good, though with a higher chance of light rain.
Morning fog during any time of year can be quite thick, clearing in the afternoon. No matter the time you choose to come, layer up: it can still be chilly at sunrise (5–10 °C, 41–50 °F) and the temperature may be 20+ °C (68+ °F) by midday
Entrance Fees & Permits (USD)
The following is a summary of significant park fees for international non-resident tourists (lower resident/Regional rates are applicable) at Volcanoes National Park Rwanda
- Gorilla Trekking Permit: $1500 per adult. This is the all-inclusive cost for one trek (parks entry, guide, conservation levy covered).
- Golden Monkey Permit: $100 per adult.
- Park Entrance (general): $50 per adult per day (Note: No extra entry fee applies for Gorilla permit-holders – it’s part of the package.)
- Dian Fossey Tomb Hike: $75 per person.
- Volcano Hike Permits: Bisoke $75, Karisimbi $400, Gahinga $75, Mount Muhabura $100. These allow day or overnight hiking on those mountains.
- Guided Nature Walk: $55 per person.
- Camping Fee: $30 per tent (if setting up your own camp near the park). Over night camping inside Volcanoes NP is prohibited without a permit.
- Porter: Optional ($10–$15 per porter for the day) – highly recommended if necessary, to carry additional gear or to assist on steep terrain. Porters are an asset to locals and are easily found.
Special Notes: Children under 5 years enter for free. All visitors are also charged a $50 “Environmental Fee” which is usually part of tour packages.
Other Tips for Volcanoes National park Rwanda
- Clothing & Equipment: Long trousers and decent hiking boots are recommended. Pack rain gear, insect repellent and sun cream. Woods are sloppy – gaiters are useful.
- Health: Yellow Fever vaccination is required to visit Rwanda. Malaria prophylaxis should be taken. High altitude (to 4,500 m) causes some to have mild headaches or shortness of breath; acclimatize by resting on arrival and hydrate extensively.
- Safety: Gorilla trekking is tightly controlled (only 8 persons/group, 7-meter distance rule, maximum 1 hour with gorillas). Guides enforce rules, which makes treks safe. Park authorities also require you to be illness-free (communicable diseases). Offenders or symptomatic visitors can be refused entry (for the health of gorillas).
- Conservation: Visiting helps sustain important conservation. Rwanda mountain gorillas have increased more than doubled in numbers due to these efforts. Part of your permit money is paid to local communities, which rewards conservation of the forest and animals.
- Special Events: September visitors may attend Kwita Izina, the gorilla naming ceremony that takes place every year. This celebratory occasion in Musanze names new baby gorillas and includes cultural performances – a great annual experience.
Some of the Itineraries to Check out in Volcanoes National Park Rwanda
1-Day Volcanoes National Park Gorilla Trek Itinerary (Short & Sweet)
A 1-Day Gorilla Trek Rwanda itinerary is an action-packed way to see mountain gorillas if you’re short on time. It’s best for fit early-risers: expect a very early start, a full day of trekking and a late return to Kigali.
Summary of 1 Day Gorilla Trek
Day 1: Depart Kigali pre-dawn → Ranger briefing → Gorilla trek → Lunch in Musanze → Return to Kigali
| Day | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Day 1 |
Note: Its a long, tiring day and its not ideal for very young children. |
2-Day Volcanoes National Park Rwanda Adventure Itinerary (Balanced & Relaxed)
A 2-Day Gorilla Trek in Volcanoes National Park Rwanda is a perfect 2 days Gorilla Trekking Adventure if you want to split travel and trekking for a more comfortable pace. It mixes a short cultural or nature activity with a full gorilla trek the next morning.
Summary of 2-Day Gorilla Trek in Volcanoes National Park Rwanda
- Day 1: Drive Kigali → Musanze, afternoon nature walk or Iby’Iwacu cultural visit
- Day 2: Early morning ranger briefing → Gorilla trek → Afternoon rest or optional short activity → Return to Kigali (evening)
| Day | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Day 1 |
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| Day 2 |
End of 2-Day Gorilla Trek in Volcanoes National Park Rwanda |
3-Day Volcanoes National Park Rwanda Family Safari Itinerary (Leisurely & Family-Friendly)
A 3-Day Volcanoes National Park Family Safari gives time for acclimatization, a full gorilla trek and an extra activity for families or travelers wanting a gentler pace. Great for mixing nature, culture and light adventure.
Summary of 3-Day Volcanoes National Park Family Safari
- Day 1: Drive Kigali → Volcanoes NP; optional Dian Fossey trail or community village visit
- Day 2: Gorilla trekking day; recover and relax at the lodge (spa/pool options if available)
- Day 3: Golden monkey tracking or half-day Mt. Bisoke hike; return to Kigali by late afternoon
| Day | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Day 1 |
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| Day 2 |
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| Day 3 |
End of 3-Day Volcanoes National Park Family Safari |
Kindly Note: (Longer Safaris can be 4–7 days and include Volcanoes National Park Rwanda and nearby attractions like Lake Kivu, chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe, and Akagera National Park Game Drives.)
