Volcanoes
National Park
An encounter that changes you forever. Trek through the mist-covered slopes of the Virungas to meet the majestic Mountain Gorillas in their home — one of Africa's most profound wildlife experiences.
Plan Your Gorilla TrekVolcanoes — Where Mist Meets Majesty
Volcanoes National Park (Parc National des Volcans) is the oldest national park in Africa, protecting the Rwandan sector of the Virunga Massif — a chain of eight dormant and active volcanoes cloaked in ancient rainforest. It was here that the legendary primatologist Dian Fossey conducted her groundbreaking research, and today it remains one of the only places on Earth where you can stand face-to-face with endangered Mountain Gorillas in their natural habitat.
Beyond the gorillas, the park shelters a remarkable array of biodiversity — golden monkeys, forest elephants, buffalo, and over 170 bird species — across a landscape of breathtaking volcanic peaks, bamboo forests and Afro-alpine moorland. Each of the park's roughly 10 habituated gorilla families offers a completely unique encounter, from the dominance of the immense silverback to the playful antics of newborn infants.
As East African safari specialists, Kudu Untamed Safaris has deep experience arranging gorilla permits, luxury forest lodge stays and expertly guided treks in Volcanoes National Park. Let us craft your unforgettable Rwanda primate experience.
Six Reasons to Trek the Virungas
From life-changing gorilla encounters to volcanic summit hikes, Volcanoes National Park delivers an adventure unlike any other in Africa.
Mountain Gorilla Trekking
The ultimate wildlife experience on Earth — spending an hour in the presence of a wild mountain gorilla family, watching silverbacks, mothers and infants interact in the misty bamboo forests of the Virungas. Profound, moving and unforgettable.
Golden Monkey Tracking
Playful and rare, the endemic golden monkeys of Volcanoes National Park are a delight to observe in the bamboo zone. Troops of 30–80 individuals leap through the trees in their distinctive golden fur — a unique primate experience exclusive to this region.
Volcano Summit Hikes
Summit Mount Bisoke (3,711m) for its stunning crater lake, or tackle the longer, more demanding Mount Karisimbi (4,507m) for panoramic views across the entire Virunga range. Each hike traverses multiple vegetation zones and offers extraordinary scenery.
Dian Fossey Legacy Hike
Pay homage at the Karisoke Research Center and Dian Fossey's final resting place. This challenging full-day hike takes you through the same forests Fossey protected, ending at her grave alongside Digit — the gorilla she made famous. A pilgrimage for wildlife lovers.
Twin Lakes Serenity
Lakes Burera and Ruhondo, set in the foothills of the Virungas, offer breathtaking scenery, peaceful canoe rides and encounters with local fishing communities. The perfect calm-after-the-storm extension to an active gorilla trekking itinerary.
The Ellen DeGeneres Campus
A world-class conservation and education facility at the foot of Mount Bisoke. Designed by the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, the campus offers immersive exhibits on gorilla conservation and the work being done to protect the last remaining mountain gorillas.
Volcanoes National Park Month-by-Month Guide
Gorilla trekking is possible year-round, but trail conditions and visibility vary with the seasons. Use our guide to find the best time for your Volcanoes adventure.
Iconic Wildlife of the Virungas
From the legendary mountain gorilla to rare golden monkeys and the rich diversity of the Afro-montane forest.
Mountain Gorilla
Rare encounter with wild gorilla families in misty forests
Golden Monkey
Endemic to this region — bright golden fur, endlessly playful
Colobus Monkey
Striking black-and-white colobus troops leap through the canopy
Forest Elephant
Smaller forest elephant population in the lower forest zone
African Buffalo
Forest buffalo found in the lower altitudes of the park
Bushbuck
Shy antelope species found in the forest undergrowth
Spotted Hyena
Occasional sightings in the lower forest habitats
Giant Forest Hog
Large pig species found in the bamboo and forest zones
How to Experience Volcanoes National Park
From life-changing gorilla encounters to volcano summit hikes and cultural village visits — the Virungas offer experiences you will carry with you forever.
Year-RoundExperience 01Mountain Gorilla Trekking
There is no wildlife encounter on Earth quite like meeting a mountain gorilla family in the wild. After a guided hike through misty bamboo and Hagenia forest, you will spend one unforgettable hour with a habituated gorilla group — watching silverbacks assert their authority, mothers nurse their infants and juveniles tumble through the undergrowth. The profound connection you feel in their presence is something that stays with you for the rest of your life.
- Only 96 permits issued daily — book months in advance
- Trek duration varies from 30 minutes to 4 hours each way
- Expert guides and armed trackers accompany every group
- Porters available to carry your bag and assist on steep terrain
Year-RoundExperience 02Golden Monkey Tracking
The golden monkey is one of the most beautiful and least-known primates in Africa — and Volcanoes National Park is one of the only places on Earth to see them. A guided trek into the bamboo zone reveals troops of 30 to 80 individuals leaping through the trees with extraordinary energy. Their striking golden-orange fur, set against the green bamboo, makes for exceptional photography and a delightfully playful alternative to the gorilla trekking experience.
- Half-day trek — generally easier than gorilla treks
- Troops of 30–80 golden monkeys encountered regularly
- Permits more readily available than gorilla permits
- Excellent photographic opportunities in good light
Year-RoundExperience 03The Dian Fossey Legacy Hike
This deeply moving hike follows in the footsteps of the legendary primatologist who devoted her life to protecting the mountain gorillas. The challenging trek ascends through bamboo and Hagenia forest to the Karisoke Research Center site and onwards to Dian Fossey's grave, where she lies alongside her beloved gorilla, Digit. Along the way, guides share stories of Fossey's pioneering work, the challenges of conservation, and the extraordinary success story of the mountain gorilla's recovery.
- Strenuous full-day hike — good fitness required
- Visit the original Karisoke camp site
- Dian Fossey's grave and Digit's grave included
- Guides share deep knowledge of conservation history
Year-RoundExperience 04Volcano Summit Hikes — Bisoke & Karisimbi
For travellers with a sense of adventure, summiting one of the Virunga volcanoes is an extraordinary achievement. Mount Bisoke (3,711m) rewards hikers with a stunning green crater lake at the top. Mount Karisimbi (4,507m) is a two-day expedition requiring overnight camping at 3,800m — culminating in a pre-dawn summit push with spectacular sunrise views over the entire Virunga range, the Rwandan hills and the distant peaks of the Rwenzori Mountains.
- Bisoke: challenging day hike (6–8 hours round trip)
- Karisimbi: two-day expedition with overnight camping
- Both require good fitness and proper hiking boots
- Guides, porters and all equipment provided
Essential Volcanoes National Park Travel Guide
Everything you need to know before you go — from permits and packing to getting there and where to stay.
Getting There
- Fly into Kigali International Airport (KGL). Direct flights available from Nairobi, Addis Ababa, Doha, Brussels and Istanbul.
- Road transfer from Kigali to Kinigi (park headquarters) approximately 2–3 hours by private vehicle.
- Kudu Untamed Safaris arranges all ground transport as part of your itinerary.
- Combine with Nyungwe or Akagera for a complete Rwanda itinerary.
Visas & Permits
- Rwanda eVisa available online for most nationalities. East Africa Tourist Visa also valid.
- Gorilla permit: USD 1,500 per person (2025 rate). Limited to 96 per day.
- Golden monkey permit: approximately USD 100 per person.
- Permits require advance booking — Kudu Untamed Safaris handles all permit procurement.
What to Pack
- Sturdy waterproof hiking boots with good ankle support — essential for muddy trails.
- Waterproof jacket and trousers — rain is possible even in dry season.
- Warm layers for the altitude — temperatures drop significantly above 3,000m.
- Gardening gloves for gripping bamboo and nettles during the trek.
- Lightweight daypack, water bottles, energy snacks and camera with zoom lens.
Health & Safety
- Malaria prophylaxis recommended — consult your travel clinic before departure.
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate required for entry to Rwanda.
- Travel insurance with medical evacuation cover is essential.
- Altitude awareness needed for summit hikes — acclimatisation recommended.
Costs & Fees
- Gorilla permit: USD 1,500 per person (single trek).
- Luxury lodge rates: from USD 600 – 2,000+ per person per night fully inclusive.
- Park entry fees included in permit price for gorilla treks.
- Kudu Untamed Safaris provides full transparent pricing with no hidden fees.
Trip Duration
- Minimum 3 nights recommended: 1 gorilla trek, 1 golden monkey trek, 1 rest/cultural day.
- Combine with Nyungwe Forest (3 nights) and Akagera (2 nights) for the full Rwanda circuit.
- Volcanoes also pairs well with a Kenya safari (Mara + Amboseli) for an East Africa grand tour.
- Our team can design 5–14 day tailor-made itineraries for all travel styles.
Volcanoes National Park — FAQs
Our team answers the questions we hear most often from guests planning their first gorilla trekking safari.
The dry seasons — June to September and December to February — offer the best trekking conditions with drier, less slippery trails and clearer skies for photography. July and August are the peak season months. Gorilla trekking is possible year-round, and the rainy seasons (March-May, October-November) bring lush green landscapes, fewer crowds and a more intimate experience, though trails can be very muddy. Your chances of seeing gorillas are equally high at any time of year — the families are always there.
A Rwanda gorilla permit costs USD 1,500 per person as of 2025, granting one hour of trekking and time with a habituated gorilla family. Only 96 permits are issued per day — 12 per family — and they routinely sell out 3–6 months in advance during peak season. Kudu Untamed Safaris handles all permit bookings as part of your itinerary. We recommend securing permits before booking flights and accommodation, as they are the most constrained element of any gorilla safari.
Gorilla trekking requires a moderate level of fitness. The terrain involves steep, muddy slopes at altitudes between 2,500m and 3,500m, and treks can last anywhere from 30 minutes to 4 hours each way depending on where the gorilla family is located. Porters are available for hire (approximately USD 10–20) to carry your bag and assist you on the trail. We recommend regular walking or hill hiking in the months before your trip. The summit hikes (Bisoke, Karisimbi) are considerably more demanding and require good fitness.
Absolutely. Volcanoes National Park combines beautifully with Nyungwe Forest National Park (4–5 hours drive) for chimpanzee tracking and canopy walks, and with Akagera National Park (5–6 hours drive) for classic Big Five savannah game drives. Many of our guests also extend their trip into Kenya or Uganda — combining gorilla trekking in Rwanda with the Maasai Mara, Amboseli, or Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Our team specialises in multi-country East African itineraries and can design the perfect combination for your interests.
There is an excellent range of accommodation, from ultra-luxury lodges like Singita Kwitonda and Bisate Lodge to comfortable mid-range options and charming boutique guesthouses near Kinigi. Most lodges are located between 15–45 minutes from the park entrance and offer stunning views of the Virunga volcanoes. Luxury lodges provide private butler service, gourmet cuisine, fireplaces and spa treatments — a wonderful way to recover after a day of trekking. Kudu Untamed Safaris will recommend the perfect lodge for your preferences and budget.
Yes — Rwanda is one of the safest and most well-organised travel destinations in Africa. Volcanoes National Park is professionally managed by the Rwanda Development Board, and every trekking group is accompanied by armed trackers, experienced guides and porters. The park has clear safety protocols, and Kigali is regularly ranked among the safest cities in the world. Kudu Untamed Safaris monitors all conditions closely and provides comprehensive pre-departure guidance to ensure your safety and peace of mind.
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