Africa · Rwanda
Volcanoes National Park
The stage for Dian Fossey's legendary research — five Virunga volcanoes, golden monkeys, and some of the world's most accessible mountain gorilla families.
About Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park covers 160 km² of the Virunga Massif in northwest Rwanda, a chain of dormant and active volcanoes straddling the borders of Rwanda, Uganda, and the DRC. It is here that Dian Fossey established her Karisoke Research Centre in 1967, and where decades of dedicated habituation have made Rwanda's gorilla trekking the most refined experience in Africa. Ten gorilla families are currently open to tourism, with strict limits of eight visitors per family per day. The park also harbours the endemic golden monkey — a vividly coloured Cercopithecus species found only in the Virungas — and offers classic volcano hikes to the rim of Bisoke and the remote summit of Karisimbi.
Highlights
- 10 habituated gorilla families open for trekking
- Dian Fossey Tomb and Karisoke Research Centre
- Golden monkey trekking — Virunga endemic
- Volcano hikes: Bisoke, Karisimbi, and Sabyinyo
- Only 1 hour drive from Kigali International Airport
- Rwanda's flagship conservation success story
Best Time to Visit
June–September and December–February are the prime trekking months. Rwanda's gorilla permits are the most expensive in the region — plan 3–6 months ahead.
Weather & Seasons
The Virunga volcanoes sit at 2,400–4,507m. Conditions change rapidly with altitude. The lower trekking zones (2,400–3,000m) are cool and humid; above 3,500m temperatures drop sharply. Always bring waterproofs.
Dry Season
Jun – Sep
Clearest skies and firmest trails. The forest is less dense making gorilla sightings slightly easier. Prime season — book far in advance.
Short Dry Season
Dec – Feb
Excellent trekking window with fewer visitors than peak season. Good combination with year-end travel.
Short Rains
Oct – Nov
Light to moderate rainfall. Trails manageable. Forest brilliantly green. Fewer visitors.
Long Rains
Mar – May
Heaviest rain period. Upper slopes can be cold and wet. Trekking challenging but permits are easier to obtain.
Gallery
Tours and lodges for this destination are coming soon.