Volcanoes National Park

Nestled within the Virunga Mountains in northwestern Rwanda, Volcanoes National Park is home to five majestic volcanoes: Karisimbi, Bisoke, Visoke, Muhabura, and Gahinga. Established in 1925 as Africa’s first national park, it was initially just 160 square kilometers. Today, the park is celebrated worldwide for its role as a sanctuary for endangered Mountain Gorillas and as a key research site for primatologist Dian Fossey.

A Legacy of Gorilla Conservation

The late Dian Fossey’s legacy is etched into the slopes of Mount Visoke, where she founded the Karisoke Research Center in 1967. Fossey’s pioneering research revealed the unique personalities and social behaviors of mountain gorillas, bringing global attention to their conservation. Her unwavering fight against poaching helped shape international wildlife protection efforts. Visitors can experience her impact by hiking to her tomb on Karisoke peak, learning about her life, and visiting the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund’s Ellen DeGeneres Campus.

Gorilla Tracking Adventure

Volcanoes National Park offers one of the most unforgettable wildlife encounters: Mountain Gorilla Tracking. With only 80 daily permits available at $1,500 USD per person, this exclusive adventure allows visitors to hike through cultivated volcano slopes and dense jungle to observe one of the park’s ten habituated gorilla families. Under the guidance of expert rangers, you’ll safely follow gorilla trails and witness these gentle giants up close.

Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. This guided trek takes you deep into the heart of the rainforest, where you’ll have the rare opportunity to see habituated gorilla families in their natural habitat. The park offers day permits for gorilla trekking, allowing small groups to get up close and personal with these gentle giants.

For many, the main reason to visit Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda is to experience the thrill of watching mountain gorillas in the wild. This experience is both humbling and exhilarating, as you watch these endangered animals interact in their family groups.

Bird Watching and Wildlife

The park is also a haven for bird lovers, with over 175 species, including 13 species and 16 subspecies unique to the Albertine Rift. This biodiversity hotspot teems with wildlife, making it an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts.