Volcanoes National Park protects the Rwandan portion of the Virunga Massif, a chain of volcanic peaks straddling Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. It’s also where Dian Fossey conducted much of her pioneering gorilla research, giving the park a deep, well-documented conservation history.
Getting there
The park’s proximity to Kigali International Airport — roughly 2-3 hours by road — is one of its biggest draws. Many visitors combine a Kigali city stop with a short drive up to Kinigi, the town serving as the park’s gateway, arriving with time to spare before an early trekking morning.
The terrain
Compared to Bwindi’s dense, tangled forest, Volcanoes National Park’s lower slopes tend to be more open, with bamboo zones and cultivated farmland giving way to montane forest higher up. Trails can still be steep and muddy, particularly closer to the volcanic peaks, but many trekkers find the going slightly more manageable than Bwindi’s terrain.
Gorilla families and permits
Ten habituated gorilla families are currently open to tourism in the park, each visited by a maximum of eight trekkers per day. Permits here are priced at a premium compared to Uganda, part of Rwanda’s broader high-value, low-volume tourism strategy.
Beyond gorilla trekking
- Golden monkey tracking, a lighter, shorter alternative activity within the same park
- The Dian Fossey Tomb hike, a moderately challenging trek to her former research site and gravesite
- Kwita Izina, Rwanda’s annual gorilla naming ceremony, held in the park each year
- Nearby Lake Kivu, a popular relaxation stop after trekking
Frequently Asked Questions
How many gorilla families can be trekked in Volcanoes National Park?
Ten habituated families are currently available for daily tourism visits, each capped at eight trekkers.
Is Volcanoes National Park harder to trek than Bwindi?
Terrain varies by family location, but many trekkers find the lower slopes here somewhat gentler than Bwindi’s dense forest.
Can I combine gorilla trekking with golden monkey tracking on the same trip?
Yes, many itineraries include both activities within the same park visit, often on consecutive days.
How far is the park from Kigali?
Roughly 2-3 hours by road, making it one of the most accessible gorilla trekking destinations in the region.
Thrills & Chills Safaris arranges Volcanoes National Park permits alongside a full Rwanda itinerary, from Kigali city to Lake Kivu.