The “Parc National de Volcans” lies along the Virunga Mountains, with 8 ancient volcanoes, which are shared by Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Just a short two hour drive from Rwanda’s capital of Kigali, the park is a central location for exploring some distinctly Rwandan experiences.
While a visit to the mountain gorillas is often at the top of visitor, the dramatic landscape also offers thrilling hiking and visits to the fascinating golden monkeys.
PNV is also one of Rwanda’s conservation epicenters, where many non-profit organizations base their operations.
Visitors can pay homage to the legendary scientist and gorilla advocate Dian Fossey with a hike to her tomb or a visit to the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund that continues her legacy of research and advocacy to this day.
Near the park, the bustling and vibrant markets of Musanze are a place to immerse yourself into everyday Rwandan culture. Go deep into the earth with Musanze’s caves – one of the area’s newest attractions.
Tracking the endangered mountain gorillas on the slopes of the Virunga volcanoes is a magical experience.
Hike through mountain forests to experience these gentle creatures or make your way through airy bamboo forests to find the charming Golden Monkey.
Also available is the ‘Dian Fossey Tomb Trail’ – a beautiful yet challenging hike to 3,000 meters up the slopes of Mount Bisoke or a hike to the beautiful Ngezi Crater Lake at the top.
Permit costs per person:
Mountain Gorillas: $1500 USD
Dian Fossey Hike: $75 USD
Golden Monkey Tracking: $100 USD
Mount Karisimbi Hike $ 150 USD
Mount Visoke Hike: $75 USD
Permits should be booked 3 to 6 months in advance, especially during Rwanda’s high season of June – September.
There are several safari lodges and camps that will offer you accommodation stay while you are on your visit to the Volcanoes National Park to experience gorilla tracking tours.
Among the lodges and camps includes the Luxury, Mid-range and budget as mentioned below: Sabyinyo Silver Back Lodge, Virunga Gorilla Safari Lodge, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Jack Hannah Lodge, Gorilla Nest Camp, Volcanoes Gorilla Lodge, Lebombou Gorilla Lodge, Laplame Hotel and Muhabura Hotel respectively.
These lodges offers the best hospitality on your gorilla holiday’s which can be one trek, double trek or triple trek of the mountain gorillas in the mist and there is also other activities to experience from the mentioned above which include the visit to the Iby’wacu cultural village for the Rwanda cultural performances and visit to the twin Lakes (Bulera and Ruhondo) and this is most loving place for birders. Lastly visit to the Musanze cave which are just few kilometres from the park.