Volcanoes National Park

Back to Rwanda

Along Rwanda’s northwestern rim, five of the eight Virunga volcanoes rise out of farmland into bamboo and cloud forest — and on their slopes live the mountain gorillas Dian Fossey devoted her life to. Volcanoes National Park is the most accessible gorilla trekking on earth, barely three hours’ drive from Kigali’s international airport.

Highlights

Twelve habituated gorilla families receive a maximum of 96 visitors a day, making each encounter intimate by design. Beyond the gorillas: golden monkey tracking in the bamboo zone, the hike to Fossey’s Karisoke research site, and September’s Kwita Izina — Rwanda’s joyous annual baby-gorilla naming ceremony.

Best Time to Visit

The long dry season, June to September, brings the firmest trails and clearest volcano views; the green months are quieter, mistier and wonderfully atmospheric. Permits are $1,500 year-round and sell out far ahead — we book up to a year out.

Where to Stay

The foothills hold Africa’s most celebrated lodge scene: Singita Kwitonda, Bisate Lodge and One&Only Gorilla’s Nest are all minutes from the trailheads.

Start with our Gorillas & Golden Monkeys in Style journey, or explore all our Rwanda safaris.