Volcanoes National Park

Rwanda, Africa

Volcanoes National Park is a majestic national park in Rwanda, renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and as a sanctuary for the endangered mountain gorillas. Home to eight volcanic mountains, this UNESCO World Heritage site offers visitors the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to trek through lush forests, witness incredible biodiversity, and engage with vibrant local culture. Its unique attractions include gorilla trekking, golden monkey tracking, and stunning volcanic peaks that provide panoramic views. Ideal for adventure and wildlife enthusiasts alike, it's an unforgettable destination.

Quick facts

Target stay

3-5 days

Type

Nature Reserve

Vibe

Active

Airport

Kigali

Known for

Beach

Hiking

Leisure

Wildlife

Best time to visit
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

13 Best Things to Do in Volcanoes National Park

1

Est. 8 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Gorilla Trekking

Encounter endangered mountain gorillas in their habitat.

Booking required
2

Est. 4 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Golden Monkey Tracking

Observe playful golden monkeys in the wild.

Booking required
3

Est. 6 hrs

Year round

Adults only

Hike Mount Bisoke

Climb an active volcano with stunning views.

Booking required
4

Est. 2 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Visit the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund

Learn about conservation efforts for gorillas.

No booking required
5

Est. 1.5 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Explore the Musanze Caves

Discover unique volcanic caves formed centuries ago.

No booking required
6

Est. 3 hrs

Seasonal

Family-friendly

Bird Watching

Spot diverse bird species in lush landscapes.

No booking required
7

Est. 2 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Cultural Village Visit

Experience Rwandan culture and local traditions.

No booking required
8

Est. 2 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Nature Walks

Enjoy scenic trails through the national park.

No booking required
9

Est. 5 hrs

Year round

Adults only

Volcanoes Trekking

Trek to the summit of stunning volcanoes.

Booking required
10

Est. 3 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Photography Tour

Capture breathtaking landscapes and wildlife.

No booking required
11

Est. 3 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Visit Lake Kivu

Relax by the scenic shores of Lake Kivu.

No booking required
12

Est. 2 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Rwanda Genocide Memorials

Learn about Rwanda's history at memorial sites.

No booking required
13

Est. 2 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Local Market Tour

Explore local markets for authentic Rwandan crafts.

No booking required

Need to know, before you go

Country info

Tipping

No data

Tapwater

Not safe to drink

Safety

1 2 3 4 5

Medium

LGBTQ+ safety score

-10 (#143 globally)

Cost

Expensive

Currency

Rwanda Franc

Majority religion

Christian

Language

Kinyarwanda

(20-50% speak English)

Best dishes to try

Brochettes

Grilled meat skewers, popular snack. (National dish)

Ugali

VE

Starchy maize porridge, staple food.

Isombe

VE

Cassava leaves cooked with groundnuts.

Matoke

VE

Steamed green bananas, often served with sauce.

Ibihaza

VE

Pumpkin pieces, often cooked or mashed.

Phrases to learn

English

Kinyarwanda

Hello

Muraho

(Moo-rah-ho)

Yes/No

Yego / Oya

(Yeh-go / Oh-yah)

Thank you

Urakoze

(Oo-rah-koh-zeh)

Excuse me

Mbabarira

(M-bah-bah-ree-rah)

How much?

Angahe?

(Ahn-gah-heh)