Volcanoes National Park
A guide through Rwanda's Northwest
Nestled in Rwanda’s northwest, bordering Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, Volcanoes National Park captivates with its misty volcanic peaks, lush bamboo forests, and ancient craters forming the dramatic Virunga Mountains.
As the heart of mountain gorilla conservation, this UNESCO-recognized haven shelters over half the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, alongside golden monkeys, elephants, and diverse birdlife.
Thrill in guided gorilla trekking adventures, golden monkey encounters, or hikes to volcanic summits like Bisoke and Karisimbi for breathtaking vistas. Immerse in local culture through nearby communities, blending wildlife wonders with Rwanda’s resilient heritage. Ideal for nature lovers, adventurers, and eco-tourists, the park offers customizable, private safaris ensuring safe, unforgettable explorations in East Africa’s primal wilderness.
Gorilla Trekking Day Trip: Up Close with Rwanda's Mountain Giants
Experience the pinnacle of wildlife encounters with the Gorilla Trekking Day Trip, venturing from Kigali into the mist-shrouded forests of Volcanoes National Park.
This private, guided adventure immerses you in Rwanda’s volcanic landscapes, where you’ll track habituated mountain gorilla families through bamboo thickets and ancient craters, spending an awe-inspiring hour in their presence.
Encounter golden monkeys swinging through the canopy, spot diverse birdlife, and learn about vital conservation efforts safeguarding these endangered primates.
Suitable for adventurers aged 15+ with moderate fitness, the tour ensures safety with experienced rangers, porters, and customizable pacing. Amid cooler high-altitude air and stunning vistas, this day escape captures the essence of Rwanda’s primal beauty and resilient biodiversity. We recommend the Gorilla Trekking Day Trip if you have one day to unlock this once-in-a-lifetime primate adventure in East Africa’s wild heart.
Best of Volcanoes National Park Experience - 4 Days
Unleash the ultimate adventure in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park with this immersive 4-day itinerary, delving deep into the Virunga Mountains’ misty realms.
Start with exhilarating gorilla trekking, spending intimate hours observing habituated families in lush bamboo forests. Follow with golden monkey tracking, witnessing their playful antics amid volcanic craters and diverse flora. Hike to summits like Mount Bisoke for panoramic views, explore ancient lava tubes, and engage with local communities for cultural insights into conservation efforts. Enjoy comfortable overnights in eco-lodges nestled in scenic Virunga landscapes, with private guides ensuring personalized pacing and safety.
This multi-day journey captures Rwanda’s biodiversity, resilience, and primal allure for avid nature enthusiasts. We recommend the Best of Volcanoes National Park Experience – 4 Days if you seek a comprehensive escape blending wildlife thrills, hikes, and serene mountain retreats in East Africa’s iconic wilderness.
Gorilla & Golden Monkey Experience — 3 Days in Volcanoes National Park
This three-day journey is built around Rwanda’s most powerful wildlife encounters, set against the dramatic backdrop of the Virunga volcanoes.
The journey begins with a scenic drive north from Kigali, where rolling hills slowly rise into mist-covered volcanoes. A visit to the Dian Fossey–Ellen DeGeneres Campus adds depth before the trekking even begins, offering a clear understanding of the long-term conservation efforts that protect Rwanda’s mountain gorillas today.
Guided by expert rangers, you hike through bamboo forest and dense vegetation to meet a habituated gorilla family. Spending one quiet hour in their presence — watching interactions, movements, and expressions — is an experience that stays with you long after the forest fades behind you.
The itinerary is balanced with time to rest and reflect, complemented by cultural interaction that connects the park to the communities living around it. Golden monkey tracking adds a lighter, more playful contrast to the gorilla experience, rounding out a journey that feels complete, thoughtful, and deeply human.
This is Volcanoes National Park experienced with respect, depth, and meaning — not rushed, not reduced to a checklist.
Practical Information
Rwanda is one of Africa’s most organised destinations, but it’s still important to prepare well.
We guide you through every step before you travel.
Visas & Entry
Visa on arrival / online
Rwanda offers visa on arrival at Kigali International Airport and land borders, and you can also apply online. Migration Rwanda+1
Passport validity: plan for at least 6 months validity. Migration Rwanda
Fees: visa fees should not exceed USD 50 (single entry) or USD 70 (multiple entry). Migration Rwanda
EAC travellers
EAC travellers
Citizens of East African Community member states can receive an entry pass free of charge (commonly up to six months). Visit Rwanda+1
Tip: Entry rules can change. We’ll confirm the best option for your nationality before you travel and share the official steps. Migration Rwanda+1
Health & Fitness
Yellow fever
A Yellow Fever certificate is required if you’re arriving from a country with risk of Yellow Fever transmission (or an active outbreak). rwandair.com+1
Travellers arriving from non-endemic countries generally do not need the certificate. rbc.gov.rw+1
General travel health
Travel with comprehensive insurance, pack any personal medication, and ask your clinic about recommended vaccinations and malaria prevention for your itinerary. (We can advise based on where you’re going in Rwanda, altitude, and season.)
Safety
Rwanda is generally considered safe and well organised, with relatively low crime — but common sense still applies. Travel.gc.ca+2Travel+2
Smart habits
Keep valuables out of sight, especially in busy areas; secure passports and phones. Travel.gc.ca+1
At night: use trusted transport, avoid unlit streets, and keep car doors locked. Travel.gc.ca+1
We’ll brief you on neighbourhoods, driving times, and practical do’s/don’ts for each stop.
Getting Around
In Kigali
Public transport is mainly shared minibuses; city buses use the Tap&Go smart card system. Visit Rwanda
For trips and national parks
For comfort, timing, and flexibility, most visitors use a private vehicle + driver-guide (especially for early gorilla trekking starts and longer routes).
Money & Payments
Currency
The local currency is the Rwandan Franc (RWF). US dollars are widely accepted, but many local services are paid in RWF cash. Visit Rwanda
Cards & cash
Cards are common in larger hotels and many restaurants in Kigali, but keep some cash for smaller shops, tips, and rural stops.
Mobile money
Mobile money is widely used locally; visitors usually rely on card + cash, and we can advise if you want a local SIM + wallet setup.
Language & Connectivity
Languages
Kinyarwanda is the national language; English and French are widely used in tourism.
SIMs & data
Main networks are MTN and Airtel. SIM cards are easy to arrange in Kigali, and coverage is strong in most populated areas. Visit Rwanda+1
Wi-Fi
Most hotels and many cafés offer Wi-Fi (speed varies outside Kigali).