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Volcanoes National Park Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

Experience the wonder of Volcanoes National Park gorilla trekking as you journey through mist-covered bamboo forests in search of Rwanda’s mountain gorillas. Guided by experienced trackers, this remarkable wildlife adventure brings you into the gorillas’ natural habitat for a powerful and unforgettable encounter, surrounded by the dramatic peaks and rich biodiversity of the Virunga Mountains.
Park Overview

Mountain Gorilla and Golden Monkey Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

Make your mountain gorilla trekking Rwanda experience even more memorable by exploring the park’s other extraordinary primates and scenic attractions. Enjoy golden monkey trekking in Volcanoes National Park, hike through beautiful volcanic landscapes, discover the legacy of Dian Fossey, and experience one of Africa’s most rewarding wildlife destinations with a professionally planned Rwanda safari.
Park Overview

About the Volcanoes National Park / Parc Des Volcans

The most famous destination in Rwanda, Volcanoes National Park has become synonymous with mountain gorilla tracking safaris and no visit to the country would be complete without visiting these majestic primates.

Named after a chain of dormant volcanoes making up the Virunga massif, volcanoes national park covers 160 sq km in the northern province of Rwanda, 116 km (72miles) from Kigali. The park is a reservoir for the rich biodiversity and is one of the three destinations in the world where lucky visitors track the remaining families of mountain gorillas, widely portrayed as one of the marvelous wildlife encounters. The park has got as well habituated groups of the little, endangered and endemic golden monkeys; striking primates with bright orange-gold fur and playful nature, Dian Fossey tomb, the Musanze caves, Buhanga sacred forest, and various hiking trails. Volcanoes national park is one the country’s hotspot for birders, counting 178 bird species (13 endemics within this area).

Volcanoes National Park also has a historic connection with gorilla conservation. It was the base for the ground-breaking work of primatologist Dian Fossey which started in the late 1960s and is evocatively portrayed in the book and film Gorillas in the Mist.

Akagera National Park

Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes

Encountering mountain gorillas is the most thrilling and enchanting tourism adventure in Volcanoes National Park. It offers an incredible opportunity to observe these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. During the encounter, you can witness the gorillas playing, sulking, teasing, eating, and engaging in many other fascinating activities. Our affordable and well-planned gorilla tours guarantee a magical experience unlike any other in Africa.

To begin your gorilla trekking adventure, you will receive a briefing at the Park HQ early in the morning before being divided into groups of eight with a guide and trackers. Although gorilla trekking can be challenging, especially when some of the groups wander high up the mountainsides, the experience is always incredibly rewarding. For more information on gorilla trekking etiquette, tips, and the overall experience, consider looking into gorilla trekking safaris in Rwanda.

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to your questions before joining a tour so that you can find out exactly what you want to know.
1. What happens during Volcanoes National Park gorilla trekking?
Volcanoes National Park gorilla trekking begins with a morning briefing before visitors join trained guides and trackers in the forest. The length and difficulty of the trek depend on the location of the assigned gorilla family. Once the gorillas are found, visitors can spend a maximum of one hour observing them in their natural habitat.
Volcanoes National Park is approximately 116 km from Kigali and can be reached by road in around 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on traffic and your starting point. The scenic journey travels north through Rwanda’s rolling hills toward Musanze and the park area. Ikaze Rwanda Tours & Travel can arrange private transfers from Kigali, including hotel or airport pick-up, as part of your gorilla trekking or Volcanoes National Park safari.
Yes. Every visitor participating in a gorilla trek needs a valid permit for the scheduled date. Permit availability is limited, so booking early is strongly recommended, particularly during popular travel periods. Ikaze Rwanda Tours & Travel can help arrange the permit as part of your itinerary.
4. Is the golden monkey trekking in Volcanoes National Park?
Golden monkey trekking in Volcanoes National Park is a guided forest experience that allows visitors to search for active and colourful golden monkeys in the Virunga landscape. It can be booked as a separate activity or combined with gorilla trekking on a multi-day Volcanoes National Park tour.
Wear sturdy waterproof hiking footwear, long trousers, a long-sleeved shirt and a lightweight rain jacket. Gardening gloves, insect repellent, drinking water and a small daypack can also be useful. Weather and trail conditions can change quickly in the mountain forest.

Yes. Travellers with disabilities or limited mobility can experience mountain gorilla trekking in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park when suitable arrangements are organised in advance. Guests should inform Ikaze Rwanda Tours & Travel about their mobility needs at the time of booking so that the necessary support can be coordinated with the Rwanda Development Board and park staff.

Depending on the guest’s requirements, arrangements may include a stretcher, a supporting porter team and allocation to a gorilla family that is expected to offer a more manageable trek. Ikaze Rwanda Tours & Travel can assist with permits, transport and advance coordination to make the experience as safe, comfortable and accessible as possible. However, trekking conditions and the gorillas’ movements can vary, so each guest’s needs should be assessed before the visit.

Ikaze Rwanda Tours & Travel