Volcanoes National Park Safaris

Land of Giants: Gorilla Treks, Volcanic Peaks, and Rwanda’s Wild Heart.

High Season

June to September

Size

Approx 160 square kilometres

Altitude

2,400 - 4,507 metres

above sea level

Volcanoes National Park Safari Holidays

Where Mist Meets Mountain Majesty

In Rwanda’s far northwest, a chain of dormant volcanoes pierces the clouds, their slopes cloaked in thick montane forest. This is Volcanoes National Park — a place of extraordinary beauty and profound encounters.

Here, families of mountain gorillas live in the shadow of towering peaks, and golden monkeys leap through bamboo groves. Mist drapes the valleys in the morning, giving every trek a sense of mystery and anticipation.

For travellers, it’s not just a destination — it’s a chance to stand eye-to-eye with one of our closest relatives in the wild, an experience that lingers for a lifetime.

Why Visit Volcanoes National Park?

This park offers one of the most extraordinary wildlife experiences on Earth: trekking to see wild mountain gorillas. The intimate, one-hour encounters are powerful, humbling, and transformative.

But Volcanoes is more than gorillas — it’s home to golden monkeys, rare forest birds, and hiking trails that lead to volcanic craters, lava tunnels, and Dian Fossey’s historic research site.

Its compact size, excellent guiding, and proximity to Kigali make it one of the most accessible great ape destinations in Africa.

Every visit supports gorilla conservation and community development, ensuring your journey has a lasting impact.

Wildlife and Nature

Volcanoes National Park shelters around one-third of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, living in habituated family groups that can be visited on carefully managed treks.

Golden monkeys add splashes of colour to the highland bamboo zones, while forest elephants and buffalo roam in the shadows.

Birdlife is rich, with more than 200 species including Albertine Rift endemics like the Ruwenzori double-collared sunbird and the dusky crimsonwing.

The park’s varied vegetation — from bamboo and hagenia forest to alpine moorland — creates striking contrasts as you ascend the slopes of its five volcanic peaks.

Best Time to Visit Volcanoes National Park

The dry seasons — June to September and December to February — offer the best trekking conditions, with less mud and clearer paths.

These months are also the busiest, so permits should be booked well in advance.

The wet seasons (March to May and October to November) bring lush greenery, dramatic mist, and fewer crowds, though trails can be slippery.

Wildlife viewing remains excellent year-round, as gorillas don’t migrate, and golden monkeys are reliably found in the bamboo forests.

Safari Experiences in Volcanoes National Park

Mountain Gorilla Trekking: Led by expert trackers, you’ll hike through bamboo stands, hagenia groves, and tangled vines in search of your allocated gorilla family. The moment you first see them — a silverback calmly watching over his group, youngsters tumbling in play, mothers cradling infants — is unlike anything else in travel. Treks vary in length and difficulty, but the reward is always the same: a powerful, intimate connection with a species that shares 98% of our DNA.

Golden Monkey Tracking: These endangered primates are playful, curious, and photogenic. Found mainly in the park’s bamboo forests, they live in large, lively groups. Watching them leap between stems and feed on young shoots is pure joy. Golden monkey treks are shorter and less strenuous than gorilla treks, making them a great addition to your itinerary.

Hiking the Volcanic Peaks: Adventurers can climb peaks like Mount Bisoke, with its breathtaking crater lake at the summit, or take on the challenge of Mount Karisimbi, Rwanda’s highest point. These hikes reward you with sweeping views over the Virunga Mountains and into neighbouring Uganda and the DRC. Along the way, you’ll pass through distinct vegetation zones, each with its own wildlife.

Visiting Dian Fossey’s Research Site: Pay homage to one of conservation’s most influential figures at the Karisoke Research Center site. The trek passes through beautiful forest and offers insight into Fossey’s groundbreaking work protecting gorillas. It’s a moving experience for anyone inspired by her legacy.

Where to Stay in Volcanoes National Park

Accommodation ranges from luxury lodges with volcano views to intimate eco-retreats close to the park gates.

• Luxury Gorilla Lodges — Spacious suites, fireplaces, private decks, and fine dining, often with included trekking services.
• Mid-Range Lodges — Comfortable, stylish stays offering great value and easy access to park activities.
• Community Guesthouses — Locally run properties that support conservation and cultural exchange.

We have access to a wide range of handpicked accommodation options in Volcanoes National Park — from rustic eco-camps and authentic lodges to high-end retreats. If you don’t see the exact lodge or camp you’re looking for, just let us know — we’re able to arrange a variety of stays to suit different tastes, travel styles, and budgets.

A Selection of our Volcanoes National Park Safari Accommodation

We have access to a wide range of handpicked accommodation options — from rustic eco-camps and authentic bush lodges to stylish tented retreats with breathtaking views. If you don’t see the exact lodge or camp you’re looking for, just let us know — we can arrange a variety of stays to suit different tastes, travel styles, and budgets.

Average Weather and Climate in Volcanoes National Park

The park’s high altitude keeps temperatures cool year-round, often dropping to 5°C at night and rising to around 15–20°C during the day.

• January: Dry, cool; great trekking conditions.
• February: Similar to January; low rainfall, clear views.
• March: Start of long rains; lush scenery, fewer visitors.
• April: Peak rains; dramatic mist and vibrant forest colours.
• May: Rains ease; gorilla trekking still rewarding.
• June: Dry season begins; ideal trekking weather.
• July: Cool mornings, dry trails, prime gorilla viewing.
• August: Dry, sunny, with excellent conditions for hiking.
• September: End of dry season; still great for treks.
• October: Short rains return; fresh vegetation, moody light.
• November: Continued short rains; fewer crowds.
• December: Dry, bright, and busy; book permits early.

No matter the month, gorilla trekking is always possible, with the experience shaped more by weather than by wildlife movements.

Combine with Other Destinations

Volcanoes National Park pairs perfectly with Nyungwe Forest for chimpanzee tracking, Akagera National Park for a Big Five safari, and Lake Kivu for lakeside relaxation.

You can also combine it with Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park for a multi-country gorilla trekking experience.

Talk to us about creating a custom itinerary.

Travelling to Volcanoes National Park

From London, fly to Kigali via hubs like Brussels, Amsterdam, or Doha, with travel times of 11–14 hours including layovers.

From Kigali, Volcanoes National Park is just a 2–3 hour scenic drive, making it one of Africa’s most accessible great ape destinations.

Private transfers or guided tours can be arranged for a seamless journey.

Discover the Wild, Your Way: Tailor Your Volcanoes National Park Safari with Us

A journey to Volcanoes National Park is more than a holiday — it’s an emotional, once-in-a-lifetime encounter with some of the planet’s most endangered creatures. Whether you dream of gorilla trekking, hiking volcanic peaks, or exploring the park’s rich history, we’ll design an itinerary just for you.



Talk to us about the experiences you’ve always dreamed of. We’ll match you with handpicked lodges, expert local guides, and authentic adventures that bring Volcanoes to life.

Speak to one of our safari specialists today — call us or fill out our quick enquiry form, and let’s start planning your tailor-made adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions