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Photo: Emmanuelkwizera, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Rwanda · East Africa · Gorillas

Volcanoes National Park

Mountain gorillas and golden monkeys on the slopes of the Virunga volcanoes.

Best timeJun to Sep, Dec to Feb
Ideal stay2 to 3 nights
GatewayKigali
Month by month
  1. JAnuary (good)
  2. FEbruary (good)
  3. MArch
  4. APril
  5. MAy
  6. JUne (good)
  7. JUly (good)
  8. AUgust (good)
  9. SEptember (good)
  10. OCtober
  11. NOvember
  12. DEcember (good)

Volcanoes National Park is about two and a half hours from Kigali, making it the easiest place to trek to mountain gorillas. Permits are expensive, and the money funds conservation and nearby communities. Dian Fossey’s research station was here.

Mountain gorilla (Gorilla beringei beringei) female eating rootMountain gorilla

Highlights

  • Gorilla trekking
  • Golden monkey tracking
  • Hike to Dian Fossey’s grave
  • Twin lakes Burera and Ruhondo

Wildlife to look for

Where to stay

From community guesthouses in Musanze to some of Africa’s most exclusive lodges.

Getting there

Drive about 2.5 hours from Kigali International Airport.

Tips

  • Permits sell out for peak months; book early through the Rwanda Development Board or an operator.
  • You need reasonable fitness; treks can take from one to several hours.
  • Spend a day at the Kigali Genocide Memorial before or after.

Best time to visit

Jun to Sep, Dec to Feb. See where to go in Africa in June and our guide to the best time to visit Africa.

Plan your stay

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Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit Volcanoes National Park?

Jun to Sep, Dec to Feb. Permits sell out for peak months; book early through the Rwanda Development Board or an operator.

How long should I spend at Volcanoes National Park?

2 to 3 nights.

How do I get to Volcanoes National Park?

Drive about 2.5 hours from Kigali International Airport.

Have you been to Volcanoes National Park?

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