About Volcanoes National Park

Volcanoes National Park sits in the Virunga mountain range in northwestern Rwanda, sharing borders with Uganda (Mgahinga) and DRC (Virunga NP). The park covers 160 sq km of bamboo forest, hagenia woodland and open moorland across five dormant volcanoes — including Mount Karisimbi (4,507m), the highest.

The park is famous globally as the location where primatologist Dian Fossey conducted her groundbreaking research on mountain gorillas, documented in her book Gorillas in the Mist. Her research station, Karisoke, was here. Her tomb is a popular hiking destination within the park.

Activities

  • Gorilla trekking ($1,500): The primary activity. 12 habituated gorilla families, 8 visitors per family per day. Trek duration 1–6 hours. See permit details →
  • Golden monkey trekking ($100): The rare golden monkey (Cercopithecus kandti) lives exclusively in the Virunga volcanoes. Tracking permits cost $100 — excellent value for a critically endangered primate encounter.
  • Dian Fossey tomb hike: A 3–5 hour round trip hike to Fossey's Karisoke research camp and tomb. Guided. $75–$100.
  • Volcano hikes: Mount Bisoke (3,711m) is the most popular day hike — a challenging 5–6 hour round trip with a crater lake at the summit. $75 per person.

Getting to Volcanoes NP

The park headquarters at Kinigi is approximately 90–120 minutes from Kigali by road. This is one of Rwanda's key advantages — you can fly into Kigali, be at your lodge by early afternoon, and trek gorillas the next morning. The road is paved and good.

Best Lodges

  • Budget ($100–$250/night): La Palme Hotel, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
  • Mid-range ($300–$600/night): Kinigi Guesthouse, Amakoro Sabyinyo Lodge
  • Luxury ($600–$2,000+/night): Bisate Lodge, Singita Kwitonda, One&Only Gorilla's Nest. World-class properties with extraordinary views of the volcanoes.

Moderate fitness is sufficient. Treks range from easy (1–2 hours for groups placed with lower-altitude families) to strenuous (4–6 hours for groups in higher forest). You will walk uphill on uneven terrain. Porters are available and recommended — they carry bags, assist on steep sections, and earn important income. Rwanda's gorilla treks are generally considered slightly less physically demanding than Uganda's Bwindi.