Volcanoes National Park protects the Rwandan side of the Virunga Mountains, a chain of volcanoes shared with Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Its bamboo and cloud forests are home to mountain gorillas, rare golden monkeys and the research centre where Dian Fossey studied gorillas from 1967 until her murder in 1985. Because the park is just two to three hours from Kigali, it is the easiest place in the world to see mountain gorillas.
At a glance
| Best time | June to September and December to February |
| Getting there | 2 to 3 hours by road from Kigali |
| Time needed | 2 to 3 nights |
| Big draws | Mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, volcano hikes |
| Good for | Short trips, combining with Uganda or a Tanzanian safari |
Gorilla trekking
- About a dozen habituated gorilla families can be visited, each by one group of up to eight people per day.
- You spend one hour with the gorillas. Treks usually take between 30 minutes and four hours each way, at altitudes of 2,500 to 3,000 m.
- A permit costs US$1,500 for foreign visitors at the time of writing. Rwanda has sometimes offered reduced rates in the low season or for visitors who also stay in Nyungwe or Akagera, so ask your operator.
- The minimum age is 15. The same health rules apply as in Uganda: do not trek if you are unwell, and keep your distance.
- Trekkers gather at the park headquarters in Kinigi at 7 am, where guides assign groups by fitness.
Golden monkey tracking
The golden monkey is a colourful, endangered subspecies of the blue monkey found only in the Virunga volcanoes and a few nearby forests, where it lives in the bamboo zone. (It is not closely related to China’s golden snub-nosed monkey.) Troops of dozens are habituated. Treks are shorter and easier than gorilla treks, and permits are much cheaper.
Other activities
- Dian Fossey’s grave and Karisoke: a hike of two to three hours each way to the site of her research camp, where she is buried beside her favourite gorilla, Digit.
- Bisoke crater lake: a steep day hike to a crater lake at 3,711 m.
- Mount Karisimbi: Rwanda’s highest peak (4,507 m), an overnight climb.
- Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund: an impressive visitor centre in Musanze with exhibits on gorilla research and conservation.
- Community visits: the Iby’Iwacu cultural village and projects run by former poachers.
When to go
- June to September and December to February: drier conditions and easier trails. Book permits well in advance.
- March to May and October to November: wetter, muddier trails, green scenery and fewer visitors. Gorillas are seen year-round.
Getting there
Kigali International Airport has good international connections. The drive to Musanze (Ruhengeri) and Kinigi takes 2 to 3 hours on good roads. Helicopter transfers are available for luxury travellers.
Where to stay
- Luxury: several of Africa’s most exclusive lodges sit on the park boundary, some involved in reforesting land to expand gorilla habitat.
- Mid-range: lodges around Kinigi, close to the park headquarters.
- Budget: hotels and guesthouses in Musanze, about 30 minutes away.
Tips
- Book gorilla permits 6 to 12 months ahead for the peak months.
- Hire a porter: it helps you and provides local income.
- Tell guides your fitness level at the briefing; they will match you to a suitable family.
- Combine the gorillas with chimpanzees in Nyungwe and a savanna safari in Akagera for a complete Rwanda trip.
Frequently asked questions
Why are Rwanda’s gorilla permits more expensive than Uganda’s? Rwanda raised the price to US$1,500 in 2017 to focus on low-volume, high-value tourism and increase revenue for conservation and communities. Uganda’s permits are cheaper but its parks are further from the airport.
Can you see gorillas and chimpanzees in Rwanda? Yes. Gorillas are in Volcanoes National Park and chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest National Park, about five to six hours’ drive apart.
How many mountain gorillas are there? The last full counts found just over 1,000 mountain gorillas, in the Virunga Mountains and in Bwindi. Numbers have risen thanks to intensive protection.
Is gorilla trekking safe? Yes. Habituated gorillas are used to people, and treks are led by experienced rangers.
Related guides
- Bwindi gorilla trekking guide
- Gorilla trekking in Uganda vs Rwanda
- Nyungwe Forest National Park
- Akagera National Park
- Animal profile: Mountain gorilla
Cover photo: Charles J. Sharp, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons