Volcanoes National Park

Arguably the best place in the world to observe the critically endangered mountain gorilla.

Volcanoes National Park:
Destination Overview

 

Volcanoes National Park (also known as Parc National des Volcans) is arguably the best place in the world to observe the critically endangered mountain gorilla. This is where Dian Fossey started the habituation of these gentle giants decades ago. Other activities in the park include golden monkey trekking, a hike to Diane Fossey’s former camp, and the more strenuous volcano summit. Volcanoes National Park protects the Rwandan sector of the Virunga Mountains, a range of extinct and active volcanoes that straddle the Ugandan and Congolese borders. The dramatic scenery consists of a chain of free-standing mountains, each connected by forested saddles. The gorillas are often found along these forested saddles, in enormous groves of bamboo. Aside from mountain gorillas, a habituated troop of golden monkeys can be tracked. This rare species is an Albertine Rift endemic. Buffalo and elephant are quite common in the forest, but they are skittish and rarely seen. Smaller animals present include bushbuck, bushpig, giant forest hog, black-fronted duiker and spotted hyena.

Spotlight On:

Mountain Gorilla Trekking, Silverbacks, Golden Monkey Tracking

Best time to Visit

  • J
  • F
  • M
  • A
  • M
  • J
  • J
  • A
  • S
  • O
  • N
  • D
Best
Good
Average

Visit Volcanoes National Park; What to see and do.

Tracking mountain gorillas is one of Africa’s top wildlife experiences and Volcanoes National Park is perhaps the best place for it. There are more habituated troops here than in the other parks that offer this activity. Each troop has its own territory and family structure. Budget permitting, you can consider booking two gorilla treks on two different days. Gorilla trekking is available throughout the year. Sightings are almost guaranteed at any time. In heavy rain, the trails become slippery, therefore tracking gorillas is easier during the Dry season, from June to August, and to a lesser extent in December and January when it also rains a bit less. Gorilla trekking in the Dry season may require booking far in advance to ensure you get a permit. In addition to mountain gorillas, a troop of habituated golden monkeys, endemic to the Albertine Rift, can also be tracked. Other mammals resident in the park (but rarely seen) include: buffalo, elephant, bushpig, giant forest hog and several antelope species.

Birdlife

With about 180 species recorded, Volcanoes National Park offers good birding. However, most of the park’s special birds can also be seen in Nyungwe Forest, which is better set-up for birding. A local specialty is the vulnerable swamp-dwelling Grauer’s swamp warbler and at least 16 Albertine Rift endemics (birds restricted to the Albertine Rift) are present, including handsome francolin, Ruwenzori turaco and Ruwenzori batis, Ruwenzori double-collared sunbird, and Archer’s robin-chat.

Top Destinations Rwanda

Some of the highlights of top destinations you can visit while travelling to Rwanda. You will experience top wildlife encounters,
abundant birdlife, amazing cultures and lots of knowledge from Rwanda!

akagera national park
Akagera National Park

Akagera National Park is Rwanda’s only savannah reserve and is again a Big Five destination after the recent reintroductions of lion and black rhino.

Explore
gishwati mukura national park
Gishwati Mukura National Park

Gazetted in 2015, Gishwati-Mukura is Rwanda’s newest national park. It consists of the Gishwati and Mukura forests, which are about 25km apart in western Rwanda.

Explore
nyungwe forest national park
Nyungwe Forest National Park

The remarkably accessible Nyungwe Forest National Park contains the largest remaining tract of montane rainforest in East Africa.

Explore
volcanoes national park
Volcanoes National Park

Volcanoes National Park (also known as Parc National des Volcans) is arguably the best place in the world to observe the critically endangered mountain gorilla.

Explore

Want a Free Safari Consultation?

Talk to our tour consultants: | EMAIL: safaris@safaripartnersafrica.com | TEL: +256 709 80 81 43