Overview–rwanda

Volcanoes National Park

Volcanoes National Park is arguably the best place in the world to observe the endangered mountain gorillas. This is where Dian Fossey started the habituation of these gentle giants decades ago. Other activities in the park include golden monkey trekking, a hike to Dian Fossey’s former camp, and several strenuous climbs to the volcanic peaks.

Best Time to Visit

Volcanoes National Park is open for gorilla trekking and hiking throughout the year. Sightings of gorillas are almost guaranteed and don’t depend on the weather. However, the trails become very slippery in heavy rain and hiking is definitely easier in the Dry season months, from June to August, and to a lesser extent in September, January, and February.

June to August –Dry Season

Drier trails make hiking easier and more pleasant
The sun is more likely to break through the clouds
Gorilla trekking is easier
It is hard to obtain the limited gorilla trekking permits in the high season
Lodges might be full and charge more

September to May –Wet Season

Gorilla permits are easier to obtain
Lodges might have discounted rates
It mostly rains in the afternoon and activities are held in the morning
Rain makes forest trails challenging
Visibility might be poor

Scenery

Volcanoes NP protects the Rwandan sector of the Virunga Mountains, a range of dormant and active volcanoes that straddle the Ugandan and Congolese borders. The dramatic scenery consists of a chain of freestanding mountains, connected by forested saddles. The gorillas are often found along these saddles, in enormous groves of bamboo.

Activities

The most popular activity is gorilla trekking, which gets you close to one of the world's most iconic wild creatures. Wildlife enthusiasts can also track golden monkeys in the bamboo zone. Other day hikes include the walk to Dian Fossey's grave at the abandoned Karisoke Research Center and ascent to the scenic crater lake atop Mt Bisoke. Activities are all guided and undertaken as day excursions from outside the park.

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Dec

Rates

From: $204 to $1,223 pp/day

Best Time to Go

From: June to August (It is drier and hiking is easier)

High Season

From: June to September (Permits are scarce)

Size

From: 160km² / 62mi²

Wildlife & Animals

Tracking mountain gorillas is one of Africa’s top wildlife experiences, and Volcanoes National Park is perhaps the best place for it. There are 20 habituated troops here, 12 of which are used for visitors (the others are habituated for research purposes). Each troop has its own home range and family structure. Budget-permitting, you can consider booking two gorilla treks on two different days.

Wildlife Highlights

In addition to mountain gorillas, troops of habituated golden monkeys, endemic to the Albertine Rift, can also be tracked. They are among the most beautiful of African monkeys and their gentle nature makes them even more attractive. The monkeys have become relaxed around humans, which means you can observe them interacting, feeding, and going about their daily routines.

Best Time for Wildlife Viewing

Gorilla trekking is available throughout the year. Sightings are almost guaranteed at any time. In heavy rain, the trails become slippery, therefore tracking gorillas is easier during the Dry season, from June to August, and to a lesser extent in September, when it also rains a bit less. January and February are relatively dry as well. Gorilla trekking in the Dry season may require booking far in advance to ensure getting a permit.

General Wheather

Volcanoes National Park receives a steady stream of rain and mist. Combined with the high altitude, this means that the climate is wet and cold. Temperatures don’t change much throughout the year. It is about 15°C/59°F during the day. At night, it cools off to about 7°C/45°F.

Dry Season –June to August

It rains a lot throughout the year, but there is a short, drier season from June to August. Whenever you plan to visit, we recommend that you pack warm, waterproof clothing and good walking shoes for hiking.

June & July – Although it can rain at any time, these are the driest months of the year. It’s an excellent time for hiking and gorilla trekking. Daytime temperatures average 15°C/59°F, while the mercury hovers around 7°C/45°F at night.
August – The rains pick up slightly in August. However, temperatures stay about the same. This is still a great month for gorilla trekking.

Wet Season –September to May

There’s plenty of rain around at this time of the year, but more in the afternoons than in the mornings. Don’t forget to pack sturdy shoes for hiking and warm, waterproof clothing for the cold, damp conditions.

September – It rains regularly in September. Temperatures are around 14°C/57°F during the day. Nights are cold with an average of 8°C/46°F.
October & November – It rains a lot, with November a peak month for rainfall. Temperatures remain about the same.
December, January & February – It rains a bit less than in October and November, but the rain can come at any time. Wet-weather gear is still a must.
March & April – These are the wettest months. Hiking can be difficult as the trails get very slippery. Temperatures don’t really change.
May – Sometime in May, the rain diminishes and there are more sunny days. Daytime temperatures stay the same.

Prons

Best mountain gorilla trekking in Africa
Large golden monkey troops
Incredible scenery with volcanoes
Several other activities are available making a longer stay attractive

Cons

Very expensive gorilla trekking permit and limited availability
All accommodation is in cultivated areas outside the park

How To Get There

Most visitors arrive in Rwanda via Kigali International Airport (KGL), located on the outskirts of the capital, Kigali.

Volcanoes National Park is located in the north of the country, about 105km/65mi from Kigali, 60km/37mi from Gisenyi (Rubavu) and 10km/6mi from Ruhengeri (Musanze). Note that the speed limit in Rwanda is 60km per hour throughout. The drive from Kigali takes about 2½ hours* and from Gisenyi 1½ hours*.

All participants in any activity at the park must report to the park headquarters in Kinigi by 7 AM. Therefore, it is recommended to stay close to the park, or in nearby Ruhengeri.

There are no scheduled domestic flights to Volcanoes National Park.

Akagera Aviation offers charter helicopter transfers to anywhere in the country, including Volcanoes National Park.

*Driving times are only a rough indication. You should always consider the possibility of significant delays.

Airlines & Ticket Prices

Please check Skyscanner to see which airlines can take you to Kigali International Airport (KGL), and what tickets would cost.