Volcanoes National Park

What It Is and Where

The park protects the Rwandan side of five extinct volcanoes: Karisimbi, Bisoke, Sabyinyo, Gahinga and Muhabura. Karisimbi is the highest, at 4,507 meters, and most of the park lies above 2,000 meters. Its origins go back to 1925, when a small protected area was created around Karisimbi, Bisoke and Mikeno, making it the first national park in Africa. Dian Fossey founded the Karisoke Research Centre here in 1967.

Gorilla Trekking: How It Works

• Twelve gorilla families are habituated for tourism.
• Eight permits are issued per family per day, so groups are never more than eight people.
• Time with the gorillas is limited to one hour.
• The minimum age is 15.
• Everyone meets at park headquarters in Kinigi at 7am for the briefing.

The permit is currently $1,500 per person for foreign non-residents, according to the Rwanda Development Board. Treks can take anywhere from one to several hours over steep, muddy ground, depending on where your family is that day. For how this compares with Uganda, read our guide to gorilla trekking in Uganda vs Rwanda.

Beyond the Gorillas

The park also offers golden monkey treks, a hike to Dian Fossey's grave at the old Karisoke site, and a full-day climb of Bisoke to its crater lake. Rest days at the lodges are for birding, village visits and recovering legs.

When to Go and How Long to Stay

The drier months, June to September and December to February, make for easier trekking. The long rains run from about March to May and the short rains in October and November. Rain is possible at any time, so pack proper boots and waterproofs (our safari packing list covers the basics). The park is roughly two and a half to three hours by road from Kigali. We suggest three nights so you have a spare day for a second trek, golden monkeys or bad weather. Permits sell out early for June, July and Christmas.

Where to Stay Near Volcanoes

Singita Kwitonda Lodge

Eight suites with heated plunge pools on the park edge, plus Kataza House, a private four-bedroom villa for families. The very top of the market.

Wilderness Bisate Lodge

Six forest villas in a volcanic bowl looking at Bisoke, Karisimbi and Mikeno, with a long-running reforestation project around it. Paths are steep.

One&Only Gorilla’s Nest

The most resort-like option, with rooms on stilts among eucalyptus, a spa, a heated pool and its own helipad.