Permit included
Volcanoes3 days
Gorilla trekking & golden monkeys in the Virungas
4.9· 212 reviewsout of 5
From
$1,890per person
Volcanoes National Park
Five dormant volcanoes wrapped in bamboo and cloud forest — home to around a third of the world’s mountain gorillas.
- 2.5 h from Kigali
- 160 km²
- Gorillas & golden monkeys
- All year
Where the gorillas live
Volcanoes National Park protects the Rwandan side of the Virunga Massif, a chain of volcanoes shared with Uganda and Congo. Twelve habituated gorilla families can be visited here, each by a group of up to eight people for one hour a day.
Beyond the gorillas there are golden monkeys in the bamboo zone, the hike to Dian Fossey’s grave, and a climb to the crater lake on Mount Bisoke. Most visitors stay two or three nights near the park headquarters at Kinigi.
- Gorilla permit
- $1,500 per person
- Minimum age
- 15 for gorillas
- Nearest town
- Musanze, 15 min
- Stay
- 2–3 nights
- Altitude
- 2,400–4,500 m
Essentials
What you’ll do
- Gorilla trekkingOne hour with a gorilla family
Golden monkeysPlayful troops in the bamboo
Dian Fossey hikeTo her grave and research camp
Bisoke craterA full-day summit hike
When to visit Volcanoes
| Jan | Good |
|---|---|
| Feb | Good |
| Mar | Rainy |
| Apr | Rainy |
| May | Rainy |
| Jun | Best |
| Jul | Best |
| Aug | Best |
| Sep | Best |
| Oct | Rainy |
| Nov | Rainy |
| Dec | Good |
Volcanoes tours
Every tour includes a private guide and vehicle, park fees and permits where needed.
Signature
Volcanoes + Akagera6 days
Gorillas & the Big Five in one week
4.9· 131 reviewsout of 5
From
$3,420per person
Signature
All of Rwanda10 days
The complete Rwanda: gorillas, chimps & savanna
5.0· 94 reviewsout of 5
From
$4,980per person
Where to stay in Volcanoes
Three places we know well, from simple comfort to the very best.
- Mid-range
Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
Stone cottages with fireplaces on the slopes of Mount Sabyinyo.
From $280 / night
- Luxury
Bisate Lodge
Six forest villas in an eroded volcanic cone, facing Bisoke and Karisimbi.
From $1,800 / night
- Comfortable
Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge
Warm, simple rooms close to the park headquarters.
From $190 / night
Getting there
- By road · 2.5 hoursA paved, scenic drive north from Kigali through terraced hills.
- By helicopter · 30 minutesPrivate transfers from Kigali land near the park. From $2,600 per flight.
- Combine with Lake KivuGisenyi on Lake Kivu is just 1.5 hours away — a perfect way to finish.
Volcanoes FAQ
How hard is gorilla trekking?
Treks last 1–5 hours on steep, muddy slopes at altitude. Rangers match groups to families by fitness, and porters can carry your bag.
How far ahead should I book permits?
Four to six months for June–September and December. We secure permits for you as soon as your trip is confirmed.
Can children visit?
The minimum age for gorillas is 15, but younger travellers can join golden monkey treks and the cultural village.
Plan your Volcanoes trip with us.
Tell us your dates and dreams. A Kigali-based planner replies within the hour with a first itinerary — free, and without obligation.