Volcanoes National Park is a national park in northwestern Rwanda. It covers 160 km² of rainforest and encompasses five of the eight volcanoes in the Virunga Mountains, namely Karisimbi, Bisoke, Muhabura, Gahinga and Sabyinyo. It borders Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda.
The Park is home to a variety of wildlife, including the endangered mountain gorilla, the golden monkey, the black rhinoceros, the elephant, the buffalo, the leopard, and the hyena. It is also home to a rich diversity of plant life, including bamboo forests, montane forests, and heathlands.
Volcanoes National Park is a popular tourist destination, especially for gorilla trekking. Gorilla trekking is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that allows visitors to see these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. In addition to gorilla trekking, the park offers a variety of other activities, such as hiking, camping, and bird watching.
The Park was established in 1925 to protect the mountain gorillas from poachers. It is one of the oldest national parks in Africa and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park is managed by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB).
Mountain Gorilla Population The Park is home to about 400 mountain gorillas, which make up about half of the world's population of mountain gorillas.
Golden Monkey Population The Park is also home to a large number of golden monkeys, about 1,000 individuals.
Tourism The Park is a popular destination for tourists, with over 20,000 visitors each year.
Management The Park is managed by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), which is committed to protecting the park's wildlife and natural resources.
When to visit:
Gorilla trekking is possible year-round, but the dry seasons (June-September, December-February) offer easier hiking conditions. Permits are essential.
Where to stay:
Numerous high-end lodges (e.g., Bisate Lodge, Singita Kwitonda, One&Only Gorilla's Nest), mid-range options (e.g., Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge), and budget guesthouses are available near Kinigi.
How to get there:
Located in northwestern Rwanda, about a 2-3 hour drive from Kigali. Accessible via Musanze (formerly Ruhengeri).
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