Volcanoes National Park – Rwanda’s Primate Kingdom
Explore the legendary home of the mountain gorillas, misty volcanic peaks, rare golden monkeys and the historic research site of Dian Fossey — curated for you by Miana Tours & Travel.
Volcanoes National Park, located in the northwestern region of Rwanda, is one of Africa’s most iconic wildlife destinations.
Set against the dramatic Virunga Volcanoes, the park shelters around half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, thriving in lush rainforest and bamboo-covered slopes.
Just a 2-hour scenic drive from Kigali, the park is the perfect hub for unforgettable primate adventures, mountain treks, nature walks and deep conservation experiences.
Why Visit Volcanoes National Park?
Home of Half the World’s Mountain Gorillas
With 10 habituated gorilla families, Volcanoes National Park offers one of the most intimate and awe-inspiring wildlife encounters on earth.
Golden Monkey Encounters
See the playful and endangered golden monkeys, found only in the Virunga Mountains — a rare and charming primate experience.
Dian Fossey Legacy
Visit the world-famous Karisoke Research Center, where primatologist Dian Fossey devoted her life to gorilla conservation.
Five Majestic Volcanoes
The park encompasses the towering peaks of Karisimbi, Bisoke, Muhabura, Gahinga and Sabyinyo — ideal for trekking and nature exploration.
About the Park
Established in 1925, Volcanoes National Park is one of Africa’s oldest protected areas.
It was created to safeguard the critically endangered mountain gorillas from poaching and habitat loss.
Covering 160 km² of rainforest, bamboo zones and volcanic slopes, the park connects with Uganda’s Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and the DRC’s Virunga National Park.
The famous conservationist Dian Fossey founded the Karisoke Research Center here in 1967, dedicating her life to studying and protecting the gorillas until her death in 1985.
Today, her legacy remains an essential part of Rwanda’s conservation story.
Top Activities in Volcanoes National Park
Gorilla Trekking
The highlight of any visit. Trek through dense rainforest to spend one magical hour with a gorilla family, observing their behavior, hierarchy and gentle interactions.
Rwanda allows a maximum of 8 visitors per gorilla group, ensuring a respectful and intimate experience.
Gorilla Permit: USD 1,500
Golden Monkey Trekking
Discover the vibrant golden monkeys, known for their playful nature and high-energy movement through bamboo forests.
The Sabyinyo troop, with over 100 individuals, is the most frequently visited.
Permit: USD 100
Nature Walks & Forest Trails
Guided forest walks reveal scenic crater lakes, waterfalls, rare plant species and an array of primates.
Bird lovers will enjoy over 200 species, including Albertine Rift endemics like the Rwenzori turaco and Kivu ground thrush.
Bird Watching
The park is a haven for birders, home to more than 17 Albertine Rift endemic bird species and three globally threatened ones.
Expect sightings of the African Green Broadbill, Lagden’s Bush-shrike and many Afro-tropical highland species.
Best Time to Visit
Volcanoes National Park is open year-round, but the best trekking conditions occur during the dry seasons:
- June – September (Peak dry season; best for gorilla trekking)
- December – February (Short dry season; excellent trekking)
The months of April–May tend to be wetter, making trails more slippery and challenging.
Getting There
The park is located in the town of Kinigi in Musanze District, approximately:
- 2 hours by road from Kigali City
- Easily accessible by private vehicle or with a Miana Tours & Travel safari guide
Miana Tours & Travel provides seamless transfers, professional guides and custom-designed gorilla trekking packages.
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