Visiting Volcanoes National Park and Associated Costs

Visiting Volcanoes National Park and Associated Costs

Volcanoes National Park, located in the stunning northwestern region of Rwanda, is one of East Africa’s top travel destinations. Known locally as Pariki Yigihugu y’ibirungu in Kinyarwanda and Parc des Volcans in French, this park is famous for its breathtaking landscapes, rich biodiversity, and, of course, its role as a sanctuary for the endangered Mountain Gorillas and Golden Monkeys. It is part of the Virunga Conservation Area, which is home to five majestic extinct volcanoes: Muhabura, Sabyinyo, Gahinga, Karisimbi, and Bisoke.

A visit to Volcanoes National Park offers a rare opportunity to observe these incredible animals in their natural habitat. But what are the associated costs of visiting this remarkable park? Here’s a breakdown:

Costs of Activities in Volcanoes National Park

Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

Mountain Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, attracting travelers from all over the world. Rwanda has 10 habituated gorilla families, and each day, 80 permits are available for visitors to trek these incredible primates.

To participate in a gorilla trek, you need a Rwanda gorilla permit, which costs $1,500 per person for any nationality. This permit includes the guiding and conservation fees, and it allows you one hour to observe the gorillas in their natural habitat. During your trek, you will see how the gorillas feed, move, rest, and interact with one another. Your chances of spotting the gorillas are 99%, as expert trackers, guides, and park rangers assist you.

The trek begins at the Kinigi Headquarters at 7:00 AM with a briefing about safety guidelines, as gorillas, despite sharing 99% of our DNA, remain wild animals. The trekking itself can take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours, depending on the gorillas’ location within the park.

Trek Africa Expeditions can help you arrange an affordable and unforgettable gorilla trekking experience. Let us assist you in booking your permit and tailoring a trip to suit your needs.

Golden Monkey Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

Golden monkey trekking is another exciting adventure in Volcanoes National Park. These rare and vibrant monkeys are found only in a few areas of the world, and the park is home to two habituated golden monkey families, each with around 80 members. This trek is much less intense than gorilla trekking and offers a more relaxed, yet equally rewarding experience.

The golden monkey trekking permit costs $100 per person for all nationals. Like the gorilla trek, you will be briefed by park wardens before heading into the forest with a guide to find the golden monkeys. The trek typically lasts between 30 minutes and several hours, depending on where the monkeys are located. Once you find them, you will have one hour to observe their behavior and take photos.

To book your golden monkey trek with Trek Africa Expeditions, contact us and we’ll handle all the details.

Dian Fossey Tomb Hike

A Dian Fossey Tomb Hike is another fascinating activity in Volcanoes National Park that allows visitors to pay tribute to the legendary primatologist who dedicated her life to protecting mountain gorillas. The hike takes you to Karisoke Research Camp, where Dian Fossey is buried, and it costs $75 per person.

The trek is approximately 1 hour long, covering 2,500m to 3,000m, and it leads you to Fossey’s Tomb, where you can reflect on her immense contributions to gorilla conservation. This memorial site is not only a tribute to her work but also a powerful reminder of the importance of preserving endangered species.

Iby’Iwacu Cultural Experience in Volcanoes National Park

Rwandan culture is a fascinating and enriching aspect of your visit to Volcanoes National Park. One of the most unique experiences here is visiting the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village. Historically, the people who now live in Iby’Iwacu were once residents of the forest, and some even participated in poaching. After being evacuated from the park, they were settled into this vibrant village, where they now share their rich cultural heritage with visitors.

Located in Nyabigoma, Kinigi, in the Musanze District, Iby’Iwacu offers an incredible opportunity to immerse yourself in the traditional Rwandan way of life. When you visit, you’ll experience the locals’ daily activities, learn about their customs, view artifacts, and watch traditional dances that reflect Rwanda’s rich cultural history. It’s a beautiful way to connect with the people of Rwanda while also supporting conservation efforts that help protect the endangered wildlife in Volcanoes National Park.

At Trek Africa Expeditions, we tailor trips that include cultural experiences like Iby’Iwacu, ensuring you have a memorable time while discovering the heritage of Rwanda. We make sure your visit to the village is both authentic and enriching, leaving you with lasting memories of the community’s warm hospitality and vibrant traditions.

Volcano Hiking in Volcanoes National Park

For adventurous souls, mountain volcano climbing is a must-do activity in Volcanoes National Park. Whether you’re looking for a challenging ascent or a more relaxed hike, you can choose from several volcanoes to explore:

• Mountain Bisoke: $75
• Mountain Muhavura: $100
• Mountain Gahinga: $75

Each volcano offers unique views, and you can choose your hiking challenge based on your physical fitness. Whether you decide to hike to the summit or explore a lower section of the volcanoes, the experience promises spectacular vistas and a great workout.

Transportation Costs to Volcanoes National Park

When planning your trip to Volcanoes National Park, transportation is a key factor to consider. The cost of transportation typically includes:

• Vehicle hire per day
• Driver guide allowance per day
• Fuel for the round trip

To enter Rwanda, you’ll need to secure a Rwanda visa at $30, either upon arrival at Kigali International Airport or at one of the border points.

From Kigali, the park is only about 2 hours’ drive, or if you’re coming from the Cyanika border (between Rwanda and Uganda), it’s roughly a 1-hour drive. For your convenience, we use 4×4 vehicles in our all-inclusive packages, ensuring a comfortable ride.

• Vehicle hire ranges from $80 to $250 per day, depending on your choice of vehicle.
• Driver guide allowance is around $50 per day.
• Fuel for the round trip typically costs $150.

These costs vary depending on the number of days you spend in the park and the activities you choose. In addition, remember that you will need to secure permits for any activities you wish to do, as well as pay for park entrance fees.

Accommodation Costs in Volcanoes National Park

When visiting Volcanoes National Park, a good place to stay is essential for a comfortable and unforgettable safari. The park offers a range of accommodations, from budget options to luxurious lodges:

• Luxury options:
  • Bisate Lodge
  • Gorilla Nest Lodge
  • Virunga Lodge Price range: $750 per person per night
• Mid-range options:
  • Sabinyo Silverback Lodge
  • Five Volcanoes Lodge
  • Le Bamboo Mountain Gorilla Lodge Price range: $300 per person per night
• Budget options:
  • Kinigi Guesthouse
  • Hotel Muhavura
  • Gorilla Volcanoes Lodge Price range: $100 per person per night

Hotel rooms tend to sell out quickly, especially during the high season, so it’s best to book your accommodation well in advance. Some lodges also offer discounts for longer stays, and you may find seasonal rates based on whether you travel during the high or low season.

Why Book with Trek Africa Expeditions for Volcanoes National Park?

At Trek Africa Expeditions, we’ve been offering incredible experiences in Volcanoes National Park and across Rwanda for years. Our tailored packages ensure you get the best experiences at affordable prices, without any hidden costs.

We take pride in our expert team, which combines the energy of young, passionate staff with the knowledge of seasoned professionals. This unique blend allows us to deliver authentic experiences that resonate with our guests. Our commitment to customer satisfaction is reflected in our high ratings on platforms like TripAdvisor and Safari Bookings, where you can read reviews from past visitors.

Let us help you create your dream Rwanda safari with Trek Africa Expeditions. Whether you’re trekking gorillas, hiking volcanoes, or enjoying a cultural experience at Iby’Iwacu, we’ll make sure your time at Volcanoes National Park is unforgettable. Contact us today for personalized trip planning, discounted packages, and expert guidance to ensure a smooth and enriching adventure!