Volcanoes National Park is Rwanda's crown jewel, a dramatic landscape of bamboo forests, hagenia woodlands, and five towering volcanoes that shelter roughly a third of the world's remaining mountain gorillas. Established in 1925 as part of Africa's first national park for conservation, this 160-square-kilometer reserve in the Virunga Mountains is where Dian Fossey conducted her legendary research on gorilla behavior, and her legacy is visible everywhere from the habituated gorilla families to the anti-poaching patrols that guard them. The trekking experience here is extraordinary: you climb through misty bamboo and nettle zones alongside experienced trackers until you encounter a gorilla family resting, feeding, or playing in the undergrowth. The $1,500 permit price is steep, but the encounter itself, sitting within arm's reach of a 200-kilogram silverback, is regularly described as a life-changing moment. Beyond gorillas, the park protects the rare golden monkey (found only in the Virungas), and hikers can summit volcanoes, visit Dian Fossey's tomb, or explore crater lakes nestled between the peaks.
Last updated: February 2026
Wildlife in Volcanoes National Park
Big Five Status
lion
Not present
leopard
Not present
elephant
Not present
buffalo
Rare
rhino
Not present
Wildlife Highlights
Mountain Gorilla
Approximately 340 mountain gorillas live in the park, about one-third of the world's total population of around 1,063. Twelve habituated families are available for trekking.
Golden Monkey
An endangered species found only in the Virunga volcanoes and Nyungwe Forest. Tracking is available at $100 per permit. These striking primates have golden-orange patches on their backs and flanks.
Black-fronted Duiker
Small forest antelope found in the montane zone. Occasionally spotted on gorilla treks.
Spotted Hyena
Present on the higher slopes and alpine meadows of the volcanoes.
178+ bird species including Rwenzori turaco, Handsome francolin, Archer's robin-chat, Rwenzori batis, Grauer's swamp warbler.
Best Time to Visit Volcanoes National Park
Gorilla trekking is available year-round, but the dry seasons (June to September, December to February) offer the best conditions with firmer trails, less mud, and clearer skies for volcano views. The wet seasons bring fewer crowds, lush greenery, and easier permit availability.
peak Season
June, July, August, SeptemberDry, cool, least rainfall. Best trekking conditions.
High
High
Good visibility, gorillas may be at lower elevations
high Season
December, January, FebruaryDry, warm. Short dry season with good trekking conditions.
High (holiday season)
High
Good conditions, clear volcano views
shoulder Season
March, OctoberTransition months, some rain
Moderate
Moderate
Still good, occasional muddy trails
low Season
April, May, NovemberRainy, muddy trails, more challenging trekking
Low
Lowest (though gorilla permits remain $1,500)
Gorillas still visible, just harder to reach
Getting to Volcanoes National Park
By Air
By Road
Entry Gates
Kinigi Park Headquarters
Main registration point. All gorilla treks start with a briefing here at 7 AM. Arrive by 6:30 AM.
Volcanoes National Park Entry Fees (2026)
| Category | Fee (USD) |
|---|---|
| Adult (Non-resident) | $1500/day |
| Child (Non-resident) | $1500/day |
- • Fee shown is the gorilla trekking permit price ($1,500), which includes park entry
- • Golden monkey tracking: $100 per person
- • Dian Fossey tomb hike: $75 per person
- • Volcano hiking (Bisoke, Karisimbi): $75-$300 per person depending on the volcano
- • Book permits through the Rwanda Development Board (rdb.rw) at least 3-6 months in advance
- • Maximum 8 visitors per gorilla family per day, one hour with the gorillas
- • Children under 15 are not permitted on gorilla treks
Activities in Volcanoes National Park
Included Activities
Gorilla trekking
The main event. Trek through bamboo and montane forest with RDB guides and trackers to find a habituated gorilla family. Treks typically last 1-4 hours depending on the family's location. Once found, you spend one hour observing the family at close range.
Optional Extras
Golden Monkey Tracking
$100-$100Track a habituated troop of golden monkeys through bamboo forest on the lower slopes. These beautiful primates are found only in the Virunga volcanoes and Nyungwe Forest.
Dian Fossey Tomb Hike
$75-$75Hike to the former Karisoke Research Center where Dian Fossey studied gorillas for 18 years. Visit her tomb and the graves of her favorite gorillas.
Mount Bisoke Summit Hike
$75-$75Climb to the summit of Mount Bisoke (3,711m) with its stunning crater lake. A challenging but rewarding day hike through multiple vegetation zones.
Mount Karisimbi Summit Hike
$300-$300Two-day trek to the summit of Rwanda's highest volcano (4,507m). Overnight camping at 3,800m. Requires good fitness and warm gear.
Where to Stay
Accommodation is concentrated around Musanze town and the Kinigi area near the park gate. Options range from world-class luxury lodges with volcano views to clean budget guesthouses in Musanze. Most lodges arrange gorilla permit bookings and transport to the park headquarters.
luxury
$600-$2500/person/nightIncludes: All meals, gorilla trekking logistics, guided walks, transfers, drinks
Examples: bisate-lodge, one-and-only-gorillas-nest, singita-kwitonda
mid range
$200-$600/person/nightIncludes: Meals, some activities, comfortable rooms with views
Examples: mountain-gorilla-view-lodge, le-bambou-gorilla-lodge
budget
$40-$150/person/nightIncludes: Basic rooms, meals available, help with permit logistics
Examples: musanze-guesthouses, kinigi-guesthouse
Practical Tips
- 1Book your gorilla permit at least 3-6 months in advance for dry season through RDB
- 2Arrive at Kinigi park headquarters by 6:30 AM for the 7:00 AM briefing
- 3Wear sturdy waterproof hiking boots with ankle support and bring garden gloves
- 4Bring rain gear regardless of season; mountain weather is unpredictable
- 5Hire a porter ($20) to carry your daypack; it supports the local community and makes the trek easier
- 6Pack warm layers; temperatures at gorilla elevation can drop below 10 degrees Celsius
- 7Bring insect repellent, sunscreen, and a hat for volcano hikes
- 8Keep a distance of 7 meters from gorillas; guides enforce this, but gorillas may approach you
- 9If you have a cold or flu, you may be asked not to trek (gorillas are susceptible to human diseases)
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does gorilla trekking cost in Volcanoes National Park?
A gorilla trekking permit costs $1,500 per person through the Rwanda Development Board (RDB). This includes park entry and allows one hour with a gorilla family. The price is the same for all foreign visitors regardless of nationality. Book well in advance, especially for the dry season months.
How difficult is the gorilla trek?
Treks range from moderate to strenuous depending on which gorilla family you are assigned. You will hike through bamboo and montane forest at altitudes of 2,400 to 3,500 meters. Most treks take 1-4 hours each way. Porters are available for $20 and are highly recommended. The guides set a manageable pace.
Can children go gorilla trekking?
Children must be at least 15 years old to go gorilla trekking in Volcanoes NP. This is an RDB regulation with no exceptions. Younger children can enjoy golden monkey tracking (no age restriction) or volcano hikes.
How do I book a gorilla permit?
Book directly through the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) website at rdb.rw, or through a licensed tour operator. For peak season (June to September, December to February), book 3-6 months in advance. Permits require full payment at the time of booking and are date-specific.
What is the best time to trek gorillas in Volcanoes NP?
The dry seasons (June to September and December to February) offer the best trekking conditions with firmer trails and clearer skies. However, gorilla trekking is available every day of the year. The wet season (March to May, October to November) has muddier trails but fewer visitors.
Is Volcanoes NP worth the $1,500 permit price?
Most visitors describe the gorilla encounter as a once-in-a-lifetime experience that justifies the cost. The premium price funds gorilla conservation and community development, and ensures small group sizes (maximum 8 visitors per family). The accessibility from Kigali (2 hours) and the well-organized trekking experience add significant value.
Official Resources
Sources
- Approximately 340 mountain gorillas in Volcanoes NP (roughly one-third of the world's ~1,063 mountain gorillas): Greater Virunga Transboundary Collaboration / Rwanda Development Board
- Park established in 1925, covering 160 sq km with five of the eight Virunga volcanoes: Rwanda Development Board