Volcanoes National Park Rwanda is the most renowned tourist destination in Rwanda, and it is famed for protecting the endangered mountain gorillas.

Visiting Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park gives travelers an up close and personal experience with these Mountain Gorillas in their natural habitat.

Discover the uniqueness of these gentle giants which are only endemic to the highlands of the Virunga Conservation Area which surrounds Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda.

The Mountain Gorillas in Volcanoes National Park were first researched by the famous primatologist Dian Fossey who established the Karisoke Research Centre for this purpose.

By studying and researching about them, Dian Fossey made these endangered Mountain Gorillas famous as she advocated for their conservation. She habituated the Susa A family which is still present to date.

Visitors to Volcanoes National Park usually pass by the Dian Fossey grave which is inside the park to remember her good deeds in contributing to the conservation of the Mountain Gorillas.

Volcanoes National Park is also home to 200 bird species, 17 of which are Albertine Rift endemics. There are also 90 mammal species in the park and various tree species ranging from the Alpine Zone, Subalpine Zone, Hagenia Hypericum Forest, and the Bamboo Forest.

Contact us today for the best safaris to Rwanda as you go to visit Volcanoes National Park.

Location of Volcanoes National Park

Volcanoes National Park is found in northwestern Rwanda in East Africa, covering an area of 162 square kilometers.

The park is found near Musanze Town which was previously known as Ruhengeri.

Tourist Attractions in Volcanoes National Park

Volcanoes National Park is a rich home of various tourist attractions including Mountain Gorillas, Virunga Mountains, wild animals, and birds as seen below.

Mountain Gorillas in Volcanoes National Park

Mountain Gorillas are the major attractions in Volcanoes National Park bringing travellers for the Gorilla trek adventures on the Mountains.

Volcanoes National Park has about 10 habituated Gorilla families for tracking and these are,

Susa A Gorilla Family
Karisimbi Group or the Susa B Gorilla Family
Umubano Group
Amahoro Group
Agasha Group
Sabinyo Group
Kwitonda Gorilla Family
Hirwa Gorilla Family
Bwenge Gorilla Group
Ugenda Gorilla Family

Apart from the Mountain Gorillas, Volcanoes National Park is also a famous home for the Golden Monkeys which are also endemic to the Virunga Conservation Area. Other primates to watch at Volcanoes National Park include the Monkeys and Baboons.

The Virunga Mountains

The Virunga Mountains is a group of 8 mountains tucked away in the Virunga Conservation area and they are in Rwanda Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. They offer exclusive hiking experiences for travelers.

Below is a list of the mountains to hike at Volcanoes National Park

Mount Karisimbi shared with DRC
Mount Bisoke shared with DRC
Mount Mahabura shared with Uganda
Mount Gahinga shared with Uganda
Mount Sabinyo shared with Uganda

Wild Animals at Volcanoes National Park

With about 90 mammal species, Volcanoes National Park is a great place to experience the views of other animals like the Cape Buffaloes, African Elephant, Leopards, Bushback, Duikers, Bush Pig, Giant Forest Hog, etc.

Birds in Volcanoes National Park

There are over 200 bird species in Volcanoes National Park, including 17 Albertine Rift endemics. Therefore, this gives enthusiastic birders the chance to experience some of the best birding adventures in Africa.

Some common examples of bird species in Volcanoes National Park include the African Green Broadbill, Kivu Ground Thrush, Black Cuckoo, Rwenzori Batis, and Lagden’s Bush-shrike.

Additionally, there are other attractions in the park: the Musanze caves, local people, and their culture.

Safari Activities in Volcanoes National Park

Volcanoes National Park is an amazing place to experience different unforgettable safari activities for example gorilla trekking, mountain hiking, and golden monkey tracking, as seen below.

Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park Rwanda

Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park is a beautiful experience that will allow you to watch and experience the mountain gorillas very closely.

Through a guided tour from the park rangers and guides, the experience will take you into the forests where you will track one of the habituated Gorilla families.

You will spend one hour with these gentle giants, watching them play and feed, etc. Upon return to the park headquarters, you will be awarded a certificate for participating in this beautiful adventure.

Mountain Hiking at Volcanoes National Park

Mountain hiking at Volcanoes NP is an adventurous activity in which enthusiastic hikers climb one of the Virunga Mountains in the park.

You can choose the Mountain to hike depending on the height or the experiences that you would like to have.

Other safari activities at Volcanoes National Park include the following,

Visiting the Dian Fossey Grave
Exploring the Musanze Caves
Participating in the Kwita Izina ceremony
Cultural encounters and community visits
Nature walks
Birding

Best Time to Visit Volcanoes National Park

The best time to visit Volcanoes National Park is during the dry seasons of the year. Rwanda’s dry season runs from around June to August and mid-December all through February.

This season is a great time for walking adventures like Gorilla tracking and nature walks because the dry tracks make treks much easier.

On the other hand, the wet season, although it causes muddy tracks that are hard to pass through is a good time for budget travelers due to the discounted costs like accommodation and some safari activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Volcanoes National Park Known for? – What is unique about Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda?

Volcanoes National Park is known for protecting the highest number of endangered Mountain Gorillas in the Virunga Conservation Area. Also, it is known for safari attractions like the endangered Golden Monkeys and the Virunga Mountains.

What is the Elevation of Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda?

Volcanoes National Park’s altitude is highest at the Mount Karisimbi area which is 4,507 meters above sea level.

What to Wear to Volcanoes National Park

While on your safari to Rwanda, you will need very comfortable clothes to wear, most preferably clothes that will cover your whole body so that you are more comfortable in case of cold or warm weather.

This is also helpful in case you are passing through the forest so that you can avoid being scratched by the grass.

Some of the clothes to wear or have for your safari in Volcanoes National Park include long trousers, long-sleeved shirts or blouses, socks, strong sturdy shoes, a scarf, and a rain jacket or poncho.

What to Park for a Safari in Volcanoes National Park

Additionally, a Rwanda safari to Volcanoes National Park will also require you to pack some of the most important requirements for your trip.

These include a camera, pair of binoculars, notebook & pen, guidebook, backpack, insect repellent, and sunscreen lotion.

Where to Stay at Volcanoes National Park

Volcanoes National Park has different places to stay for your trip and they range from luxury midrange and budget.

Some of the best lodges to stay in at Volcanoes National Park are Bisate Lodge, One & Only Gorilla’s Nest, Amakaro Songa Lodge, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Kinigi Guest House, and Villa Gorilla, among others.

Your tour operator will help choose for you the best accommodation option to stay in during your trip to the park.

Other National Parks in Rwanda

In addition to the unforgettable experiences that Volcanoes National Park offers travelers, there are three other national parks for you to explore in Rwanda and these are;

Akagera National Park in Rwanda

The Akagera National Park is Rwanda’s only savannah national park known for protecting the big five animals (Elephants, Lions, Buffaloes, Leopards, and Rhinos) and other savannah animals like Giraffes, Zebras, and Wild Dogs, among others.

Akagera National Park has about 69 mammal species and over 300 bird species. This thus allows tourists to participate in various remarkable safari activities like game drives, birding, and nature walks.

Nyungwe Forest National Park in Rwanda

The beautiful Nyungwe Forest National Park is a wondrous jungle forest with some of nature’s best and most ancient tree species.

Renowned safari activities in Nyungwe Forest National Park are the canopy walks which will reveal the breathtaking aerial views of this forest and Chimpanzee trekking experiences on a habituated family.

There are about 85 mammal species in the park, over 345 bird species with about 29 Albertine Rift endemics, and over 1100 plant species, where at least 265 of which are endemic to the forest.

Gishwati Mukura National Park in Rwanda

Gishwati Mukura National Park is Rwanda’s newest park which was established in 2015.

This forest park is in the Albertine Rift region with the major safari activities being the primate safaris to watch the golden monkeys, chimpanzees, blue Monkeys, etc.

Among the unforgettable safari activities that you will do in Rwanda, Gishwati Mukura National Park allows tourists to participate in chimpanzee trekking, nature walks, monkey tracking, guided camping, and nature walks.

More than 300 bird species are in the park, including Albertine Rift endemics.

In conclusion, Volcanoes National Park is a world-famous destination, prominent for its rare Mountain Gorillas. Through a trustworthy tour operator, visit Rwanda and experience not just the uniqueness of Volcanoes National Park, but also other remarkable tour destinations of the country.

Contact a professional and knowledgeable consultant at Orinoco Expeditions for insightful advice on how to travel to Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda.