Volcanoes National Park Rwanda

History of Volcanoes National Park Rwanda

Volcanoes National Park was established in 1925 by the Belgian colonial authorities as part of the larger Albert National Park, making it Africa’s first and oldest national park, gazetted primarily to protect the endangered mountain gorillas from poaching. In the 1960s, the park was split into the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Virunga National Park and Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park after their independence. By the end of that decade, the park had shrunk by nearly 50% of its original size.

In 1967, American primatologist Dr Dian Fossey fled to Volcanoes National Park Rwanda, due to insecurity in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and made the rainforest her home, establishing the Karisoke Research Centre in September of that year between Mount Karisimbi and Mount Bisoke to study mountain gorillas. Her relentless conservation work brought the critically endangered Mountain Gorilla to the world stage, directly contributing to their survival today. Dian Fossey was buried next to her favourite silverback, Digit, after her murder in 1985. The hike to her gravesite and the remains of the Karisoke centre is a powerful, reflective journey into her inspiring legacy.

The park has since overcome the turmoil of Rwanda’s civil war in the early 1900s and is now a thriving example of successful community-based conservation. Every year, Rwanda celebrates the successful population growth with Kwita Izina, the national baby gorilla naming ceremony established in 2005, and it is a powerful symbol of the nation's commitment to these majestic creatures.

How to get to Volcanoes National Park

Volcanoes National Park is located in northwestern Rwanda near the village of Musanze, also known as Ruhengeri, which is close to the border with Uganda in the north and the Democratic Republic of Congo in the west, making the park very accessible by public transportation from Kigali or from the airport. The park is a 2-hour drive on a smooth road from Kigali, meaning travellers can go for gorilla tracking and then head back to Kigali after the trek. Uganda is a 30-minute drive by road and an easy way to extend safaris between the two countries. There isn’t any public transport from Musanze to Kinigi, hence Akagera Aviation offers faster helicopter charter flights to Kinigi.

Rwanda Safaris & Wildlife Encounters in Volcanoes National Park

The park’s rugged, high-altitude ecosystem, covering over 160 sq km of bamboo and Afromontane forest, is a unique biological haven. While renowned globally for the critically endangered Mountain Gorillas, PNV offers a rich tapestry of endemic wildlife unique to the Albertine Rift, which includes golden monkeys (Cercopithecus mitis kandit), spotted hyena, buffalo, and forest elephants. The park is home to over 200 bird species, including 29 endemic to the Rwenzori mountains and the Virunga region

The Thrill of Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

Nothing compares to the moment you stand mere meters from a dominant Silverback or watch gorilla infants at play. Gorilla Trekking Tours in Rwanda are highly regulated, ensuring an intimate and responsible encounter. Each day, only a limited number of permits are issued for tourists to visit the habituated gorilla families residing on the slopes of the Virunga Mountains. This exclusive experience funds the critical conservation efforts pioneered by Dian Fossey and continued by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB).

Golden Monkey Tracking in Volcanoes National Park

Dive into the bamboo forests to track the vibrant and playful Golden Monkeys. Highly social and endemic to the Virunga region, these primates offer a dynamic and entertaining trekking experience. Watching these energetic troops leaping through the canopy is a perfect complement to the quiet majesty of gorilla observation. In contrast to gorilla trekking, golden monkey tracking is far more affordable and convenient, even with identical park rules.

Kwita Izina (The Baby gorilla naming Ceremony)

The baby gorilla naming ceremony, also known as Kwita Izina in native Kinyarwanda, is a periodic cultural ceremony held to celebrate the birth of new members in Mountain gorilla families. Music, dance, songs, drama, storytelling, food, and drinks accompany the ceremony. It was adopted in 2005 to create awareness of conservation efforts for the endangered mountain gorilla, and is a reminder of our close relation to these great apes, who share 98% of our DNA.

The Dian Fossey Trail

Pay tribute to the pioneering primatologist who pioneered studies and brought the plight of the mountain gorillas to the world. The hike to the former Karisoke Research Centre and Dian Fossey’s grave site in Volcanoes National Park is a profound journey into the history of conservation.

Musanze Caves

Explore the geological marvels of the 2 km long underground Musanze Caves, formed by ancient volcanic activity, revealing a hidden world beneath the Volcanoes National Park. The caves are a major attraction and can be visited throughout the year. Read more about the caves.

Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village (Gorilla Guardians)

The Gorilla Guardians’ Village, located near the entrance of Volcanoes National Park, at the foothills of the Virunga Mountains, formerly known as the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village, is made up of reformed poachers and local communities who are now taking part in the conservation efforts within the park, offering rich culture immersion and Rwandan culture to visitors through music, dance and storytelling. Read more about the village

The Best time to visit Volcanoes National Park for Gorilla Trekking

Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park can be carried out throughout the year, though the dry season is considered the best time to visit the park. Our guide covers the best time to visit Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda’s weather, essential packing items, seasons and more about Rwanda Gorilla tours. Read more...

Hiking in Volcanoes National Park

Beyond gorilla and golden monkey tracking, Volcanoes National Park protects five of the majestic Virunga Mountains that include Mount Karisimbi, Mount Bisoke, Mount Gahinga, Mount Muhabura and Mount Sabinyo, making it a premier destination for high-altitude hiking. Hiking adventures to the summit of dormant volcanoes each offer unique and challenging experiences and offer incredible views across Rwanda, Congo and Uganda. Read more about hiking in the park.

Gorilla Trekking Permits in Rwanda

The gorilla permit allows travellers to engage in gorilla trekking and visit the endangered mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park. The Rwanda gorilla permits are issued by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) for $ 1,500 per person, granting access to the habituated gorilla families in the park. Due to high demand, we strongly recommend booking your permit months in advance.

Where to stay while on a Rwanda Safari in Volcanoes National Park

Popular tour packages at Volcanoes National Park Rwanda

What to carry for a gorilla trekking safari in Volcanoes National Park

The rainforest of Volcanoes National Park is often cool, muddy and rugged, making gorilla trekking a physically demanding challenge. To ensure your Mountain Gorilla trekking experience is comfortable and safe, here is a list of the essential gear to pack for your gorilla trekking tour.

• Waterproof Hiking Boots.
• Rain gear.
• Wear trousers and long-sleeved shirts.
• A camera with no flash.
• Cap or Hat.
• Insect repellent.
• Walking stick ( can be improvised on site).
• Garden gloves