Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park in northwestern Rwanda is the premier location for mountain gorilla trekking on the continent. The park protects five of the eight Virunga volcanoes and is home to over a dozen habituated gorilla families. Made famous by Dian Fossey's decades of pioneering research, it remains one of the few places on earth where visitors can spend an hour in the presence of wild mountain gorillas. Rwanda's efficient infrastructure, excellent lodges, and ease of access from Kigali make it the most polished gorilla trekking destination in Africa.
Attractions & Wildlife
Mountain Gorilla Trekking
Rwanda's gorilla families are well habituated and treks from Kinigi are typically shorter than Uganda's — most groups are found within 1–4 hours of hiking.
Dian Fossey Tomb Hike
A demanding 3–4 hour hike to the site where Dian Fossey lived, researched, and was eventually buried at her Karisoke Research Centre — a deeply moving pilgrimage for any wildlife lover.
Golden Monkey Tracking
The Virungas are also home to the endangered golden monkey, a beautiful bamboo-forest primate with vivid orange-gold colouring that can be tracked on a dedicated half-day experience.
Bisoke Crater Lake Hike
A full-day hike to the summit of Mount Bisoke (3,711m) rewards with a stunning crater lake and extraordinary views across the Virunga chain on clear days.
Photo Gallery
Our Insider Tips
Stay near the park in the Virunga foothills. Top lodges like Bisate and Singita Kwitonda sit at altitude near Kinigi, allowing for early departures and true immersion in the landscape.
Combine with a city stay in Kigali. Kigali is only 2.5 hours by road from the park and is one of Africa's most modern, clean, and fascinating cities.
Rwanda permits are premium for a reason. At $1,500 per person, Rwanda's gorilla permits are the world's most expensive — but the money funds conservation directly, and the experience justifies the cost entirely.
