Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park from Kigali

Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park from Kigali

Are you planning to fly into Kigali for an unforgettable gorilla trekking adventure in Volcanoes National Park? You’re in luck! The park is just a two-hour drive from Kigali, making it easily accessible for your trekking experience. Known as Parc des Volcans in French and Pariki Yigihugu y’ibirungu in Kinyarwanda, this stunning national park is situated in the northeastern region of Rwanda, near the town of Musanze.

Volcanoes National Park is one of the most significant national parks in Rwanda and East Africa, renowned for its rich biodiversity. It is home to endangered mountain gorillas and golden monkeys, as well as various bird species, monkeys, and unique flora and fauna. The park is part of the Virunga Conservation Area, featuring five extinct volcanoes: Mount Muhabura, Mount Sabyinyo, Mount Gahinga, Mount Karisimbi, and Mount Bisoke.

Managed by the Rwanda Development Board, the park was established to protect mountain gorillas, which faced extinction due to poaching and habitat loss. The tropical rainforest borders Uganda’s Mgahinga National Park and the Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo, promoting collaborative conservation efforts among these three countries to safeguard these magnificent creatures.

Suggested Tour Packages from Kigali

• 2 Day Rwanda Gorilla Tracking Tour
• 3 Day Rwanda Gorilla Tracking Safari
• 5 Day Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Tour
• 5 Day Rwanda Gorillas and Culture
• 5 Day Rwanda Gorillas and Chimp Tour

Getting to Volcanoes National Park from Kigali

Upon arriving in Kigali, you’ll need to secure a Rwanda visa for USD 30 at Kigali International Airport or any border point. The drive to Volcanoes National Park is straightforward, taking only two hours by road. For a comfortable journey, we provide 4×4 vehicles as part of our all-inclusive packages. Don’t forget that you’ll need to obtain permits for any activities you choose to partake in, or pay the park entrance fees.

What to Do and See in Volcanoes National Park

Gorilla Tracking

The main attraction of Volcanoes National Park is the mountain gorillas. Gorilla trekking occurs daily throughout the year, drawing visitors from around the globe. This incredible experience allows you to visit habituated mountain gorillas in their natural habitat, observing how they feed, move, and interact with one another. The park hosts 10 habituated gorilla families, with a limit of eight visitors per family each day. Your chances of seeing the gorillas are an impressive 99%, guided by experienced trackers, guides, and park rangers.

Gorilla trekking begins daily in Kinigi at 7:00 AM, starting with a briefing on the guidelines to ensure a safe and respectful interaction with these majestic animals. Although mountain gorillas share 99% of our DNA, they remain wild, so it’s essential to follow the dos and don’ts provided by your guides. The trek can take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours, depending on the gorillas’ location.

To participate in gorilla trekking, you must secure a Rwanda gorilla permit for your desired date from the Rwanda Development Board. The permit costs USD 1,500 for all nationals, allowing you one hour of viewing and photography with the gorillas. Booking your gorilla trek with Trek Africa Expeditions guarantees a lifetime experience to check off your bucket list!

Golden Monkey Tracking

For another incredible wildlife encounter, consider golden monkey tracking. This activity lets you visit the rare and beautiful golden monkeys in their natural habitat. Volcanoes National Park has two habituated golden monkey communities, each consisting of about 80 members, with no limit on the number of visitors.

The golden monkey trekking permit costs USD 100 and can also be obtained from the Rwanda Development Board. Similar to gorilla trekking, the activity starts at the park headquarters at 7:00 AM, where you’ll receive a briefing before heading into the forest with guides. You might walk anywhere from 30 minutes to a few hours, depending on the monkeys’ location. Once you find them, you’ll be able to observe and interact for one hour.

Visiting the Dian Fossey Tomb

The Dian Fossey Tomb hike is one of the most celebrated activities for visitors to Volcanoes National Park, especially for those traveling from Kigali. This one-hour trek from the Karisoke Research Camp leads you to the final resting place of the renowned American primatologist Dian Fossey. Known for her dedication to protecting endangered mountain gorillas, Fossey’s legacy continues to inspire conservation efforts today. Tragically, she was killed by alleged poachers and is buried in the park, where a memorial honors her contributions to gorilla conservation. Her story gained global attention through the film “Gorillas in the Mist.”

The hike itself covers a scenic trail at an altitude of approximately 2,500 to 3,000 meters, offering breathtaking views as you make your way to Fossey’s tomb. This experience not only celebrates her passion for mountain gorillas and her groundbreaking research but also deepens your appreciation for the importance of conservation.

Iby’Iwacu Cultural Experience

Immerse yourself in the rich culture of Rwanda during your visit to Volcanoes National Park. The Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village, located in Nyabigoma, Kinigi, is a fantastic place to experience local traditions. Originally, many locals lived in the forest and participated in poaching. Following conservation efforts, they were relocated to form this vibrant community, where they share their heritage with visitors.

At Iby’Iwacu, you’ll engage with local people, explore their lifestyle, and discover traditional artifacts, dances, and daily activities. This cultural experience provides a unique opportunity to learn about the customs and practices that shape Rwandan life.

Bird Watching

For bird enthusiasts, Volcanoes National Park is a paradise. With over 300 bird species calling this forest home, the park is an excellent destination for bird watching. Among the notable species you might encounter are the vulnerable Grauer’s rush warbler, Rwenzori turaco, Archer’s ground robin, and dusky crimson-wing, among many others.

We offer specialized birding packages in both Rwanda and Uganda, led by professional birding guides who will help you spot and identify a variety of birds.

Where to Stay in Volcanoes National Park

Choosing the right accommodation can significantly enhance your safari experience in Volcanoes National Park. Options range from budget-friendly to luxury lodges.

Luxury choices include Bisate Lodge, Gorilla Nest Lodge, and Virunga Lodge. For a mid-range experience, consider Sabinyo Silverback Lodge, Five Volcanoes Lodge, or Le Bamboo Mountain Gorilla Lodge. Budget travelers can opt for Kinigi Guesthouse, Hotel Muhavura, or Gorilla Volcanoes Lodge.

It’s essential to book your accommodation in advance, especially during the high season, as rooms can fill up quickly.

Why Book Your Gorilla Trekking Adventure with Trek Africa Expeditions

Trek Africa Expeditions is your go-to choice for unforgettable experiences in Volcanoes National Park, including gorilla trekking from Kigali. Our safaris can begin anywhere in Rwanda, and we offer tailored packages that include gorilla trekking, birding, cultural experiences, and golden monkey tracking.

Our dedicated team combines youthful energy with extensive experience, ensuring that your trip is both authentic and enjoyable. Trek Africa Expeditions is highly rated on TripAdvisor, where you can read about the experiences of other travelers who have explored Volcanoes National Park with us.

For an incredible journey into the heart of Rwanda, contact us today to book your adventure!