Volcanoes National Park
DISTRICT GUIDE

Volcanoes National Park

Rwanda's mountain gorilla sanctuary in the misty Virunga Mountains

Look, there's nothing quite like locking eyes with a 400-pound silverback gorilla in the wild. Volcanoes National Park in northern Rwanda makes this possible — one of only three places on Earth where you can trek to see mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. The park sits in the Virunga Mountains, where mist clings to volcanic slopes and bamboo forests hide some of our closest relatives. But here's the thing: this isn't just about gorillas. The park protects golden monkeys, over 200 bird species, and five of the eight Virunga volcanoes. Dian Fossey made this place famous through her research, and today her legacy lives on through conservation efforts that have brought mountain gorillas back from the brink. Just 90 minutes from Kigali, you'll find yourself in a completely different world.

Itineraries coming soon

We're working on adding amazing itineraries for Volcanoes National Park. In the meantime, try the app to create your own!

Gorilla trekking here isn't a casual nature walk. You'll hike through dense bamboo forests, up steep volcanic slopes, and sometimes through thick mud for anywhere from 30 minutes to 6 hours. The park has 12 habituated gorilla families, each assigned to groups of 8 trekkers daily. Susa Group offers the most challenging trek but rewards you with the largest family — up to 28 gorillas including playful twins. Sabyinyo Group stays closer to the park boundary, making it ideal if you're not up for an all-day adventure. Hirwa Group often provides the most intimate encounters, while Kwitonda Group requires serious fitness but delivers incredible mountain views. Golden monkey tracking offers a lighter alternative — these acrobatic primates stick to lower elevations and bamboo zones. The trails can be slippery and demanding, but local porters are available for $15 to carry your pack and provide extra support on tricky sections.

Money-Saving Tips

  • 1.Gorilla permits are $1,500 per person — book directly through Rwanda Development Board to avoid markup
  • 2.Hire a porter for $15 to support local communities and get help on steep trails
  • 3.Bring US dollars in small bills for tips — guides expect $10-20, trackers $5-10
  • 4.Stay in Musanze town to save on accommodation costs compared to luxury lodges
  • 5.Pack your own snacks and water — park shops charge premium prices
  • 6.Golden monkey permits cost only $100 if gorilla permits are sold out
  • 7.Book during shoulder season (March-May, Oct-Nov) for lower accommodation rates

Travel Tips

  • •Start fitness training 2 months before your trip — gorilla trekking is physically demanding
  • •Bring waterproof camera gear or phone case — the forest is humid and trails muddy
  • •Learn basic Kinyarwanda greetings to connect with local guides and porters
  • •Pack extra socks and underwear in your daypack in case you get soaked
  • •Arrive in Rwanda 2 days early to adjust to altitude and recover from jet lag
  • •Keep 7 meters distance from gorillas — guides enforce this strictly for safety
  • •Charge all devices the night before — there's no power on the trails
  • •Book return flights for afternoon or evening — morning treks can run late

Frequently Asked Questions

Gorilla permits cost $1,500 per person and must be booked in advance through the Rwanda Development Board. This includes park entry and a one-hour viewing session with a gorilla family.

Explore Volcanoes National Park

Things to Do in Volcanoes National ParkWhen to Visit Volcanoes National Park3 Days in Volcanoes National Park7 Days in Volcanoes National Park

BUILD YOUR
VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK PLAN

Insider picks, smart timing, and a plan ready when you are.

Start Planning