Explore Destination · Rwanda
Volcanoes National Park
Gorilla trekking Rwanda: Volcanoes National Park lies in north-west Rwanda and covers 160 km² of bamboo.
- CountryRwanda
- Best timeMid-June to September is the long dry season and the most popular time
- TripsTailor-made for you
- Destinations nearby—
Gorilla trekking Rwanda: what to know
Volcanoes National Park lies in north-west Rwanda and covers 160 km² of bamboo and montane forest on the slopes of five Virunga volcanoes, the highest of which is Karisimbi at 4,507 m. It is the Rwandan part of the range where mountain gorillas live, and the place where Dian Fossey carried out her research from 1967.
What to know before you go
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Gorilla trekking in Rwanda
Treks start from the park headquarters at Kinigi, where visitors are assigned to one of about a dozen habituated gorilla families in groups of up to eight. The walk begins through farmland before entering bamboo and then forest. Time to reach the gorillas varies from about half an hour to several hours. You then have one hour with the family. The minimum age is 15, and permits must be bought in advance.
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Other things to do
Golden monkeys, a rare and very active species found only in the Virungas, can be tracked in the bamboo zone on a shorter, easier walk. A trail of two to three hours leads to the site of Fossey's Karisoke research camp and her grave beside those of the gorillas she studied. Fit hikers can climb Mount Bisoke to its crater lake in a day, and the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund near Kinigi has a good free exhibition.
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Getting there
The park is two to three hours by tarred road from Kigali International Airport, which makes a gorilla trek possible on a three-day trip. It combines easily with a Tanzania safari through direct flights between Kigali and Kilimanjaro.
When to visit Volcanoes National Park
Mid-June to September is the long dry season and the most popular time. Mid-December to early February is a shorter dry spell. Treks run all year, but trails are muddier and steeper going in March to May and October to November.
Where It Is
Volcanoes National Park and the other places we travel to nearby.
Volcanoes National Park
Trips to combine with Volcanoes National Park
We do not have a ready-made itinerary in this style yet. These trips are a good starting point, and we adapt any of them for you.
Plan Your Safari to Volcanoes National Park
Our team in Arusha answers in English, French, German and Spanish.
Questions about Volcanoes National Park
How much is a gorilla permit in Rwanda?
The standard permit costs US$1,500 per person for one trek. Prices are set by the Rwanda Development Board and should be confirmed when you book.
How far is Volcanoes National Park from Kigali?
About 110 km, or two to three hours by road to the Kinigi area where most lodges are.
What should I wear for gorilla trekking?
Waterproof hiking boots, long trousers, a long-sleeved shirt, a rain jacket and gardening-style gloves for grabbing vegetation. Gaiters help in the wet months.
Shall we plan your trip?
Tell us your dates and what you would like to see. A specialist in Arusha sends a route and a clear proposal within 24 hours.
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