Volcanoes National Park
The home of Rwanda's mountain gorillas
Situated in the far northwest of Rwanda and named for the chain of dormant volcanoes that make up the Virunga Massif (Karisimbi, Bisoke, Sabinyo, Gahinga and Muhabura), Volcanoes National Park is home to endangered mountain gorillas, rare golden monkeys and more than 200 bird species.
The park also offers scenic hiking trails – look out for the tomb dedicated to primatologist Dian Fossey – canoeing and mountain biking.
Rwanda’s 12 habituated gorilla families reside in Volcanoes National Park (VNP), which is just a two-hour drive on good roads from Kigali International Airport.
Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park is generally easier-going than in Uganda, the terrain is gentler and the forest is less dense. VNP’s accessibility makes Rwanda a popular choice for those on limited time. Gorilla tracking permits and many accommodations are considerably more expensive than in Uganda, and the tourism industry here caters for higher-end and more luxurious experiences.
Plan to stay at least two nights in the vicinity of Volcanoes National Park. This will allow you to spend one-night acclimatising and another recuperating after your trek. It is possible to fly in and out on a one-day trek, but we don’t recommend it. There’s much more to the country than one hour with the gorillas!
Hidden gems in Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park
Accessible gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park, which protects the Rwandan slopes of the volcanic Virunga Mountains, has positioned itself as Africa’s premier gorilla tracking destination. One reason for its popularity is that it lies a short drive north of the Rwandan capital Kigali, making it a convenient add-on to any multi-country African trip or Big Five safari elsewhere in the region. Another is the association with Dian Fossey; the iconic primatologist worked here for two decades prior to her death, and several scenes in the Oscar-winning movie Gorillas in the Mist were shot here too. In my experience, Volcanoes generally offers relatively easy tracking conditions compared to Bwindi, its main rival, and the range of luxury lodges bordering the park is second to none. A negative for budget conscious visitors is the relatively hefty price tag of US$1,500 for one of the park’s 96 daily tracking permits. Once here, other recommended activities include tracking a habituated troop of endangered golden monkeys, the day climb to the spectacular crater lake at 3,711m summit of Mount Bisoke, and a hike to Dian Fossey’s grave at her abandoned research centre.
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Volcanoes National Park
Red Rocks camping & hostel
For an altogether different – but truly authentic – community experience, you might consider Red Rocks in Musanze, near VNP entrance. There is a campsite here, with safari tents provided, also traditional Rwandan–style cottages and a hostel. It’s very basic and simple, but they are famed for their collaborative, inclusive community model.
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Volcanoes National Park
Villa Gorilla Musanze
Another more budget-friendly and Rwandan-owned accommodation near Volcanoes National Park is Villa Gorilla Musanze. It’s got everything you need at a reasonable price, and the owners are exceptionally knowledgeable and friendly.
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Volcanoes National Park
Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel
A more reasonably-priced option is the Rwandan-owned Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, located in Musanze near the Volcanoes National Park entrance. It comprises 14 simple but comfortable chalets and stone cottages with outdoor verandas, plus a pool in a verdant garden setting.
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Volcanoes National Park
Singita Kwitonda Lodge
Singita Kwitonda Lodge, positioned on the edge of Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park features a selection of suites and a private villa, with rates reaching around $2,995 per person per night in high season. The lodge is owned by the Singita company, headquartered in South Africa.
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Volcanoes National Park
Bisate Lodge
Bisate Lodge, about 20 minutes’ drive from VNP entrance, is another punchily-priced, high-end lodge, owned by Wilderness Destinations, headquartered in Botswana. The lodge comprises six birds-nest style villas set within the natural amphitheatre of an eroded volcanic cone. High season rates start at USD $3,230 per person, per night.
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Volcanoes National Park
Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge
This is a community-owned property, belonging to the Sabyinyo Community Livelihood Association (SACOLA) which was established to support conservation initiatives around Volcanoes National Park. The lodge is operated by Wilderness Destinations. It’s far from cheap, but I like the community-owned model as a way to keep more tourist money in the local economy.
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Volcanoes National Park
Gorilla's Nest
Gorilla’s Nest is located minutes from the entrance to Volcanoes National Park and set against a backdrop of dense eucalyptus forest. The property is owned by One&Only, in turn owned by Dubai-headquartered Kerzner International. This is another of Rwanda’s more famous high-end lodges. High season prices start at around $7,300 per night.
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Volcanoes National Park
Virunga Lodge
An hour’s drive from VNP entrance - but with the region’s most spectacular views - is Condé Nast Travel award winner Virunga Lodge, owned by UK-based Volcanoes Safaris. The lodge boasts hilltop views of volcanoes in one direction and twin lakes in the other. It’s certainly not cheap, but this is the place to stay if you’re really pushing the boat out.
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Volcanoes National Park travel companies
East Africa
Natural World Kenya Safaris
The leader in customized and budget-friendly East Africa safaris
