DESTINATION GUIDE // RWANDA
Volcanoes National Park
Where Dian Fossey worked. Mountain gorillas on the slopes of five volcanoes, two hours from Kigali.
160 km2
PARK AREA
5
VOLCANOES
$1,500
GORILLA PERMIT
12
GORILLA FAMILIES
105 km
FROM KIGALI
Quick answer: Volcanoes National Park covers 160 square kilometres in northwestern Rwanda, about 105 km from Kigali. It protects the Rwandan section of the Virunga range and has around twelve habituated gorilla families. Permits cost 1,500 US dollars per person.
OVERVIEW AND LOCATION
Volcanoes National Park At A Glance
Volcanoes is the most accessible gorilla park in Africa. Kigali is a two hour drive on good tarmac, which means a gorilla trek is possible as a short trip in a way that Bwindi is not. The permit is nearly twice the Ugandan price, but the convenience, the standard of guiding and the setting beneath five volcanic cones justify it for many travellers. This is the forest where Dian Fossey lived and worked, and her research station and grave can be hiked to.
| Detail | At a glance |
|---|---|
| Location | Musanze District, northwestern Rwanda |
| Distance from Kigali | Approximately 105 km, 2 to 2.5 hours by road |
| Size | 160 km2 |
| Established | 1925, the oldest national park in Africa |
| Permit cost | 1,500 US dollars per person per trek |
| Known for | Mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, Dian Fossey, volcano hikes |
WILDLIFE AND ACTIVITIES
What You Will See and Do
Gorilla Tracking
Around twelve habituated families, tracked in groups of eight visitors for one hour. Permits are limited and should be booked well ahead.
Dian Fossey Hike
A demanding half day walk to the Karisoke research site and Fossey grave, with the story told by guides who knew the work.
Golden Monkeys and Volcano Climbs
Golden monkey tracking is a cheaper and livelier alternative, and Bisoke and Karisimbi can both be climbed with a guide.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
When To Go
| Months | What to expect | Crowds |
|---|---|---|
| Jun to Sep | Long dry season, firmest trails, peak demand | High |
| Dec to Feb | Short dry season, good trekking | High |
| Mar to May | Long rains, very muddy, permits easier | Low |
| Oct to Nov | Short rains, green and quieter | Medium |
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