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Meet the mountain gorillas.
Discover one of Rwanda’s most remarkable destinations, where mist-covered volcanic mountains, lush forests, and unforgettable encounters with mountain gorillas come together.
Volcanoes National Park is home to Rwanda’s famous mountain gorillas and forms part of the wider Virunga Massif, a dramatic landscape of volcanic peaks and dense mountain forests.
Beyond gorilla trekking, the park offers opportunities to discover golden monkeys, explore the surrounding landscapes, and experience the rich natural environment of northern Rwanda.
Join a guided trek through the forest in search of one of the world’s most remarkable wildlife experiences: seeing mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.
Discover another of the region’s unique primates through guided trekking experiences in the forest.
Explore the dramatic scenery created by Rwanda’s chain of volcanic mountains, with lush forests and mist-covered slopes.
Experience the park through guided walks and other activities that allow you to discover its wildlife and natural surroundings.
Learn about the conservation efforts and local communities connected to the protection of Rwanda’s mountain gorillas and surrounding habitats.
Volcanoes National Park can be visited throughout much of the year, although weather conditions can influence trekking experiences.
| PERIOD | WHAT TO EXPECT |
|---|---|
| January – February | Generally drier conditions can make trekking more comfortable, although rainfall is possible at any time. |
| March – May | Wetter conditions can make forest trails muddier and more challenging, while the landscape remains lush and green. |
| June – September | A popular period for trekking, with generally drier conditions and favorable hiking weather. |
| October – December | Rain showers become more frequent, while the forests remain vibrant and green. |
Weather and trail conditions can change quickly in the mountains. We'll help you choose travel dates based on the experience you want and your preferred travel style.
Combine gorilla trekking with Rwanda’s landscapes, culture, and other wildlife experiences on a journey designed around your interests and budget.
Open a day to see what happens.
Begin your journey in Kigali and travel north toward Volcanoes National Park, passing through Rwanda’s scenic countryside.
Set out with experienced guides and trackers into the mountain forest in search of Rwanda’s famous mountain gorillas.
Discover another side of the region through a guided nature experience. Depending on your interests and availability, choose from golden monkey trekking, hiking, cultural experiences, or other activities.
Enjoy a final morning in the area before beginning your journey back to Kigali.
From intimate lodges surrounded by mountain landscapes to comfortable hotels near the park, there are accommodation options to suit different travel styles and budgets.
Tell us what matters most to you, and we’ll help you find the right place to stay near Volcanoes National Park.
HIGHLY, HIGHLY recommend! I had such a good experience booking my safari with her. Everything was so smooth, especially considering how last-minute my trip was.
Very well arranged everything was as I hoped they delivered well Very great trip. … We gave them our budget they stuck to it.
The level of professionalism is top notch. I really enjoyed my trip.
Everything was smooth and stress free from start to finish and their customer service was exceptional. They checked in regularly to make sure I had arrived safely … and genuinely cared that I was enjoying my trip.
Planning our Cape Town trip with Elite Travel Consultants was very seamless from start to finish. The team was professional, responsive, and always ready to answer our questions.
The park is about 2-3 hours by road from Kigali, with the town of Musanze as the gateway. Helicopter transfers are also available.
Most travellers spend around 2-3 nights in the area, depending on whether they want to include gorilla trekking, golden monkey trekking, hiking, or other experiences.
Sturdy hiking shoes, comfortable layered clothing, waterproof outerwear, insect repellent, sun protection, and a small backpack are useful essentials.
Trekking conditions vary depending on where the gorilla group is located and the terrain on the day. Some treks can be relatively short, while others may involve steeper or longer hikes.
Gorillas are wild animals, so sightings cannot be guaranteed. Experienced guides and trackers work to maximise opportunities while following conservation guidelines.
Age and participation requirements apply to gorilla trekking. We’ll help you understand the current requirements when planning your trip.
The official currency is the Rwandan Franc (RWF).
Kinyarwanda, English, French, and Swahili are commonly used in Rwanda.
Rwanda uses Central Africa Time (CAT), which is UTC+2.
Tell us when you’d like to travel, who you’re travelling with, what you’d like to experience, and what you’d like to spend. We’ll help you turn your ideas into a personalised journey.
