Rwanda
Northern Province, Northwestern Rwanda
National Park
160 km²
Gorilla Trekking Destination
A PROLOGUE
Volcanoes National Park lies in northwestern Rwanda and protects the country’s share of the Virunga Mountains. Its bamboo forest, montane rainforest, swamps and high volcanic slopes create one of Africa’s most dramatic landscapes.
The park is internationally known for mountain gorilla trekking. Small, guided groups visit habituated gorilla families under strict conservation rules, offering an intimate and unforgettable encounter with one of the world’s most endangered primates.
Volcanoes is also home to golden monkeys, forest elephants, buffalo, bushbuck and a rich variety of birds. The park’s five volcanoes—Karisimbi, Bisoke, Muhabura, Gahinga and Sabyinyo—form a spectacular backdrop to every visit.
Visitors can combine gorilla trekking with golden monkey tracking, volcano hiking, the Dian Fossey tomb hike and community experiences around Musanze. Its proximity to Kigali makes it Rwanda’s most accessible primate wilderness.
BIRD SPECIES RECORDED
PROTECTED VOLCANIC RAINFOREST
VIRUNGA VOLCANOES SHAPING THE PARK
Habituated families are visited in small guided groups under strict rules.
Energetic monkeys feed and play in bamboo forest.
A colourful forest bird found in bamboo and montane habitats.
Often seen in the forest canopy and along trekking routes.
A small antelope inhabiting dense forest and swamp edges.
May be encountered in forest clearings and dense vegetation.
Rarely seen but present in the forested park.
Accommodations
Rwanda
Singita Kwitonda Lodge sits on land directly bordering Volcanoes National Park, its eight suites and private villa facing the Virunga volcanoes across a reforested buffer zone.
Each suite includes a fireplace, heated floors and a private plunge pool. The property is built largely from locally sourced volcanic stone and supports a substantial nursery and reforestation effort.
Rwanda
Bisate Lodge sits in the eroded cone of an ancient volcano near Volcanoes National Park, its six thatched dome villas built into the natural amphitheatre with the peaks of the Virungas rising beyond.
The lodge anchors an extensive reforestation programme, with hundreds of thousands of indigenous trees planted on formerly degraded farmland surrounding the property.
Location
Most nationalities receive South African entry on arrival; Zimbabwe issues an e-visa or visa on arrival. We confirm requirements for your passport.
Low-risk malaria areas — anti-malarials advised. No mandatory vaccinations from most countries; consult your travel clinic before departure.
South African Rand; US Dollars are widely used around Victoria Falls. Cards are accepted in cities; carry small USD for tips.
Warm days and cool mornings on safari in the dry season. Pack layers — early game drives can be cold even when afternoons are hot.
Neutral, breathable clothing, a warm layer, sun protection and binoculars. Soft bags are required on light aircraft, with strict weight limits.
Wi-Fi at all hotels and lodges, though deliberately gentle in the bush. Power is 230V; bring a universal adaptor.
The practical Guide
Track gorillas, meet golden monkeys and explore volcanic rainforest today.
Per Person
Discover gorillas, golden monkeys, volcano hikes and Rwandan culture together.
Per Person
Experience unhurried trekking, community visits and misty mountain mornings.
Per Person
Akagera National Park lies in eastern Rwanda along the border with Tanzania. It is a diverse protected landscape of open savannah, acacia woodland, rolling hills, swamps and lakes connected to the Akagera River system.
The park has become a leading African conservation success story. Through strengthened protection, community partnerships and wildlife reintroductions, Akagera is once again home to the Big Five: lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhinoceros.
Akagera’s wetland system supports hippos, crocodiles and a remarkable variety of birdlife, while the drier northern plains offer excellent sightings of giraffes, zebras, antelope and predators. More than 500 bird species have been recorded in the park.
Visitors can explore Akagera through game drives, guided walks, boat cruises on Lake Ihema and overnight stays in lodges or camps. Its compact size and easy access from Kigali make it an ideal safari addition to a Rwanda itinerary.
Nyungwe National Park protects one of Africa’s oldest and most important montane rainforests. Located in southwestern Rwanda, its misty hills, forested valleys and high-altitude canopy form a vital part of the Albertine Rift biodiversity region.
The park is best known for chimpanzee trekking and its remarkable primate diversity. Thirteen primate species occur here, including chimpanzees, L’Hoest’s monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys and large troops of black-and-white colobus monkeys.
Nyungwe is also a major birdwatching destination, with more than 310 recorded bird species, including many Albertine Rift endemics. Its forest trails reveal orchids, giant ferns, butterflies, waterfalls and a rich variety of smaller wildlife.
Visitors can join guided chimpanzee treks, colobus monkey walks, birding excursions and the famous Canopy Walkway. Suspended high above the forest floor, the walkway offers extraordinary views across the rainforest and surrounding mountains.
Volcanoes National Park lies in northwestern Rwanda and protects the country’s share of the Virunga Mountains. Its bamboo forest, montane rainforest, swamps and high volcanic slopes create one of Africa’s most dramatic landscapes.
The park is internationally known for mountain gorilla trekking. Small, guided groups visit habituated gorilla families under strict conservation rules, offering an intimate and unforgettable encounter with one of the world’s most endangered primates.
Volcanoes is also home to golden monkeys, forest elephants, buffalo, bushbuck and a rich variety of birds. The park’s five volcanoes—Karisimbi, Bisoke, Muhabura, Gahinga and Sabyinyo—form a spectacular backdrop to every visit.
Visitors can combine gorilla trekking with golden monkey tracking, volcano hiking, the Dian Fossey tomb hike and community experiences around Musanze. Its proximity to Kigali makes it Rwanda’s most accessible primate wilderness.
Kigali is the capital and largest city of Rwanda, set among rolling green hills in the centre of the country. It is widely known for its clean streets, orderly neighbourhoods, growing creative scene and warm hospitality.
The city is an important gateway to Rwanda’s celebrated national parks, including Volcanoes National Park, Nyungwe National Park and Akagera National Park. Kigali International Airport provides convenient connections for visitors arriving for gorilla trekking, wildlife safaris and cultural travel.
Kigali offers meaningful places to learn about Rwanda’s history, including the Kigali Genocide Memorial. It also has lively markets, contemporary art galleries, coffee shops, restaurants and craft centres that showcase the country’s creative energy.
Visitors can explore Kigali’s hillside neighbourhoods, enjoy Rwandan coffee, shop for handmade crafts and take in panoramic views from restaurants and cultural venues. It is an ideal place to begin or end a Rwanda journey.
TOURS & SAFARIS
How it works
01
Share where you long to go and what would make it unforgettable .
02
A tailor-made itinerary matched to the right camps and seasons.
03
We shape every detail until the journey feels entirely your own.
04
A dedicated team is with you from landing to homecoming.
GUEST REVIEWS
answers
June to September and December to February are generally drier and easier for trekking. Gorilla trekking takes place year-round, but rain is possible in all months.
The park is famous for mountain gorilla trekking, golden monkey tracking, the Virunga volcanoes and Dian Fossey’s conservation legacy.
Trek duration varies by gorilla family location. Trails can be steep, muddy and uneven, so a reasonable level of fitness is recommended.
Yes. A permit is essential and should be booked well in advance, especially during peak travel months.
Two to three days allows time for gorilla trekking, golden monkey tracking and an additional hike or cultural activity.
The park is near Musanze in northwestern Rwanda, approximately 2.5 hours by road from Kigali.
