How to Get to Volcanoes National Park

How to Get to Volcanoes National Park for Unforgettable Rwanda Gorilla Safaris

Embark on an extraordinary adventure to Volcanoes National Park, a haven for captivating Rwanda gorilla safaris. Nestled approximately 105 kilometers (65 miles) away from Kigali, the capital city and major airport of Rwanda, this majestic park offers both road and air access. Opting for air travel allows you to land at Kigali International Airport, followed by a scenic 2-hour drive to reach the park. Whether you choose accommodation in the vicinity of the park or in Kigali town, your satisfaction is guaranteed, and the journey to the park for your exhilarating gorilla trekking activity is swift. Regardless of your overnight choice, you are required to arrive at the Kinigi Park Headquarters by 7:00 am for a pre-tracking briefing.

For a seamless trip, private transportation is recommended to access the park, as there are no public transport services from Musanze to Kinigi Park Headquarters. Public transport services are available from Kigali town/Airport or Gisenyi to Musanze town. To enhance your travel experience, consider the services of tour operators such as Trek Africa Expeditions. They can handle the booking of your transport to and from the park, as well as your accommodation. Additionally, self-drive options from Kigali to the park offer an exciting alternative.

In contrast to Uganda, where gorilla trekking and departure on the same day are impractical, visitors to Volcanoes National Park are privileged. The park’s compact size and proximity to Kigali allow tourists to trek gorillas for a day and return home on the same day, making it a unique and convenient experience.

Discovering Volcanoes National Park – A Jewel in Northwestern Rwanda

Volcanoes National Park, also known as “Parc National Des Volcans” in French and “Pariki y’igihugu y’ibirunga” in Kinyarwanda, graces the northwestern parts of Rwanda. Sharing borders with Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Volcanoes National Park is renowned as the origin of five of the ancient eight volcanoes of the Virunga Mountains—Karisimbi, Bisoke, Muhabura, Gahinga, and Sabyinyo. Encompassing an area of 160 km2, the park features rainforests and bamboo vegetation.

Established in 1925 as a small area covering Bisoke, Karisimbi, and Mikeno, Volcanoes National Park aimed to combat poaching and became the first national park in Africa. While Rwanda boasts sister game parks such as Nyungwe and Akagera National Park, Volcanoes National Park stands out as the premier tourist destination in the country.

This spectacular park offers a myriad of memorable experiences for adventurous souls. Embark on an enchanting hike to Dian Fossey’s tombs, the American primatologist who dedicated two decades of research to mountain gorillas before her tragic murder by poachers in 1985. The park also hosts golden monkeys, a rare species to behold, adding to the allure of this natural haven. However, the pinnacle of any visitor’s journey is undoubtedly the mountain gorilla tracking experience, a must-do priority in Rwanda.

With fewer than 1000 mountain gorillas left globally, gorilla tracking in Volcanoes National Park is a crucial conservation effort. The park’s headquarters, Kinigi, serves as the starting point for tracking the 11 habituated gorilla families. Each gorilla family can be tracked by a group of eight people per day, with gorilla permits priced at $15000 USD each.

Beyond the captivating gorilla tracking, Volcanoes National Park beckons visitors to indulge in the unique experience of golden monkey trekking in the highlands of the Virunga Mountains. This additional adventure, often spanning 3-4 days, allows enthusiasts to appreciate the beauty of golden monkeys in their natural habitat, with trekking permits priced at around $100 USD per individual.

The park further unveils an excursion to the Tombs of the Late Dian Fossey, situated between the volcanic peaks of Mt. Karisimbi and Mt. Bisoke. Dian Fossey’s research center, the “Karisoke Research Center,” honors her legacy, providing a poignant encounter with the history of mountain gorilla conservation.

For mountaineers and hiking enthusiasts, Volcanoes National Park presents the opportunity to climb Mt. Bisoke, standing at an altitude of 3,700m above sea level. This expedition, lasting 5-7 hours, offers stunning views and a rewarding experience. Mt. Karisimbi, the second-highest volcanic peak in the Virunga Mountains, adds another layer of adventure for mountain climbing and hiking enthusiasts.

The park’s diverse offerings extend to bike riding experiences, guided nature walks, cultural tours to Ibyiwacu Cultural Village, bird watching, and visits to the twin lakes of Bulera and Ruhondo. With such a rich tapestry of activities, Volcanoes National Park promises an immersive and unforgettable journey for every traveler.