Home to the
mountain gorillas.
hour with the world’s last mountain gorillas.
Overview
Volcanoes National Park lies in the far northwest of Rwanda, in the shadow of the mist-shrouded Virunga Mountains, and is the birthplace of modern gorilla conservation. The park is one of the oldest national parks in Africa and remains the ultimate destination for gorilla trekking, hiking and birdwatching in the region.
The park protects 11 habituated mountain gorilla families across five of the eight Virunga volcanoes, each visited by a small daily group of trekkers to keep the experience intimate and the gorillas undisturbed. This is also where primatologist Dian Fossey set up her Karisoke Research Center between the Bisoke and Karisimbi volcanoes, laying the foundation for the conservation work that continues here today.
What You'll Experience
Gorilla trekking — Hike through bamboo forest and volcanic slopes to spend an hour face-to-face with a habituated gorilla family in their natural habitat — an experience that stays with travelers for life.
Golden monkey tracking — Two habituated troops of the endangered golden monkey, each around 80 members strong, can be tracked through the park’s bamboo forests.
Dian Fossey hike — A guided trek to the researcher’s grave and former research site at Karisoke, set between two volcanoes.
Volcano hiking — Climb Bisoke or Karisimbi for sweeping views over the Virunga range and, on Bisoke, a crater lake at the summit.