No spectacle is as overwhelming and humbling as coming face-to-face with a mountain gorilla in its natural habitat. In the Volcanoes National Park – celebrated as the setting for the book and film Gorillas in the Mist – approximately 400 of these endangered animals live peacefully, making the area one of the best and easiest places to track gorillas.

The 16,000ha park – the oldest in Africa - offers the life-changing opportunity to trek through the dense Afromontane forest with golden monkeys swinging overhead, in search of these grandiose animals. The beady eyes of three-horned chameleons will watch your feet trampling across the forest floor. Gorilla trekking is not the only activity on offer in the park, as guided nature walks and challenging hikes take visitors through this incredibly biodiverse area. 

It was in this park that Diane Fossey spent 20 years of her life studying mountain gorillas and it was largely her dedication to these animals which ensured their safety from the terrors of poaching. The park now acts as a conservation area for mountain gorillas and is home to around half of the world’s population. It is for this reason that gorilla trekking permits must be arranged before coming to the park and strict conservation rules be abided by.

Volcanoes National Park Highlights

  • Gorilla trekking through the rainforests
  • Home to around half of the world's mountain gorilla population
  • Walk in the footsteps of world-renowned researcher Dian Fossey
  • One of the most biodiverse parks in Central Africa
  • Over 180 bird species
  • Sustainable and luxury accommodation options

Best time to go
Volcanoes National Park

  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec

Frequently Asked Questions

We've taken the liberty to answer everything you may need to know about visiting Volcanoes National Park

  • Our Travel Experts recommend accommodation based on your specific requirements – whether you're honeymooning, travelling as a family with teenagers or toddlers, or seeking maximum comfort between treks. We'll match you to the right area across Volcanoes, Nyungwe, Akagera, or Kigali for your Rwanda tour.

  • Seven to 10 nights is ideal for a rounded Rwanda itinerary covering Volcanoes, Nyungwe, Akagera, and Kigali. For combinations with Kenya, Tanzania, or Zanzibar, plan around 12 to 14 nights.

  • Yes. Rwanda combines especially well with Kenya, Tanzania, and Zanzibar for a 12–14-night East African journey.

  • Rwanda is compact and well-connected by private transfers, domestic flights, and helicopter charters. This makes it one of Africa’s best countries for combining multiple wildlife regions.

  • Essential items for a Rwanda safari include: 

    • Footwear: Waterproof hiking boots with ankle support

    • Clothing: Layers of neutral-coloured clothing, long trousers, and long-sleeved shirts for trekking

    • Accessories: Gardening gloves, a waterproof jacket, and a small daypack

    • Protection: Mosquito repellent for use throughout the day, sunscreen, and a hat

    • Photography: Zoom lens for gorilla photography and a waterproof pack cover

    See our gorilla trekking packing list for more information.

  • Gorilla trekking requires moderate fitness, with treks categorised as short (one hour), medium (two hours), or long (three hours or more) depending on where a gorilla family is located. Porters can carry your packs on muddy forest paths and volcanic slopes, with breaks available as needed.

  • Yes, children under 15 aren’t permitted on a gorilla trek, as the activity can be physically demanding and gorillas are susceptible to human-borne illnesses. A valid gorilla permit is required for all participants.

  • Both countries offer exceptional gorilla encounters, and when weighing between a Rwanda safari tour or a Uganda safari, you’ll notice key differences in accessibility and terrain:

    • Rwanda access: Volcanoes National Park is two hours from Kigali's international airport

    • Uganda access: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park requires longer overland transfers

    • Rwanda terrain: More open forest with clearer sightings

    • Uganda terrain: Denser forests with more demanding hikes

  • Yes, Akagera National Park in eastern Rwanda offers Big 5 safari opportunities, protecting lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, and rhinos across wetlands and savannah. Lake Rwanyakazinga hosts substantial hippo and Nile crocodile populations, with boat safaris offering wildlife viewing at dawn and dusk.

  • Most visitors can obtain a 30-day tourist visa on arrival at Kigali International Airport or apply for an e-visa in advance through the Rwanda Directorate General of Immigration. The East Africa Tourist Visa allows multiple entries across Rwanda, Uganda, and Kenya for combined journeys.

  • A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is required if arriving from a country with Yellow Fever transmission risk, and anti-malarial medication is recommended, particularly for Akagera National Park. Consult your doctor or travel clinic at least six weeks before departure for personalised advice.