Distance from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park – The road distance between Kigali and Volcanoes National Park spans 104 kilometers. Alternative travel options such as bus, subway, tram, train, and rail can also be considered for the journey. In addition to the distance covered, refer to the road driving directions from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park for guidance.
Embarking on a drive to Volcanoes National Park from Kigali is an exhilarating experience, encompassing approximately 2.5 hours on a smooth road adorned with breathtaking scenic views. The journey to Volcanoes National Park, located 117 kilometers northwest of Kigali, is manageable even without a 4WD, as a simple 2WD vehicle is recommended for accessibility. The route takes you through captivating landscapes, making the drive from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park an unforgettable part of the adventure.
Commencing your drive to Volcanoes National Park early in the morning, around 4:00 AM, allows you to reach the park headquarters by 7:30 AM. This is particularly beneficial for guests planning to track mountain gorillas on the same day after an overnight stay in Kigali. Returning to Kigali on the same day is feasible, making it an ideal option for visitors with limited time in Rwanda who still wish to witness the awe-inspiring mountain gorillas.
Volcanoes National Park, renowned for its rare Mountain Gorillas, is also a habitat for the beautiful Golden monkeys and numerous bird species. For those arriving in Kigali in the afternoon until 4:00 PM, a drive to Volcanoes allows them to enjoy a luxurious night at one of the upscale resorts surrounding the park.
The driving distance to Volcanoes National Park is approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, facilitating gorilla tracking on the same day, followed by a return journey to Kigali after the trek.
For individuals opting to use a bus to reach Volcanoes National Park, public transport concludes in Musanze town. From Musanze, a cab or taxi, costing between US$30 to US$50, can be employed to reach the park headquarters. All activities commence at the Park headquarters at 8:00 AM daily.
The drive to Volcanoes National Park is marked by various stops along the way, including a notable stopover point at Nyirangarama in the Rulindo district. Positioned approximately 45 kilometers from Kigali, Nyirangarama serves as a popular stopover for passengers in transit to Musanze, providing opportunities for food, drinks, coffee, and short breaks.
Nestled in the Virunga Mountains, Volcanoes National Park spans the borders of Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. As Rwanda’s most visited tourist park, it stands as a haven for the endangered mountain gorilla and boasts a diverse range of montane ecosystems, including evergreen and bamboo forests and open grasslands. The park is also home to the enchanting Golden Monkeys, making it a captivating destination for nature enthusiasts.