Volcanoes National Park
Rwanda's volcanic highlands — home to roughly half the world's remaining mountain gorillas, trekked through bamboo forests at the foot of the Virunga volcanoes.
Destination
Type
Jun-Oct
Best Time
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Expert VerifiedWritten from Arusha, TanzaniaUpdated Jun 2026
Highlights
Why Visit Volcanoes National Park
The top experiences that make Volcanoes National Park worth the journey.
1Mountain gorilla trekking — 1,000+ gorillas remain
2Golden monkey tracking in bamboo forests
3Dian Fossey's Karisoke research centre
4Summit hike to Mount Bisoke crater lake
5Cultural encounters with local communities
6One of the most biodiverse regions on Earth
Essential Info
Plan Your Visit to Volcanoes National Park
Everything you need to know before booking your Volcanoes National Park safari — from the ideal season to budget expectations and logistics.
When to Go
Best Time to Visit Volcanoes National Park
Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park is available year-round — permits are allocated daily.
June to September and December to February are the dry seasons — trails are less muddy, making the trek more comfortable. March to May and October to November bring rain — treks can be tough but the forest is lush and permits are easier to secure. Morning clouds often clear by midday. The park sits at 2,500-4,507m altitude so temperatures are cool to cold year-round.
Budget
What It Costs
Gorilla permit $1,500/person (non-negotiable, Rwanda's main revenue). Budget guesthouses in Musanze/Ruhengeri $30-80/night. Mid-range lodges $100-300/night. Luxury (Bisate, Singita Kwitonda) $1,000-3,500/night. Golden monkey trek $100/person. Dian Fossey hike $75/person.
Combine With
Destinations Near Volcanoes National Park
Combine Volcanoes National Park with these nearby destinations for a multi-stop safari itinerary.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions About Volcanoes National Park
What is the best time to visit Volcanoes National Park?
Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park is available year-round — permits are allocated daily. **June to September** and **December to February** are the dry seasons — trails are less muddy, making the trek more comfortable. **March to May** and **October to November** bring rain — treks can be tough but the forest is lush and permits are easier to secure. Morning clouds often clear by midday. The park sits at 2,500-4,507m altitude so temperatures are cool to cold year-round.
How do I get to Volcanoes National Park?
Volcanoes National Park headquarters at Kinigi is 2.5 hours (110km) from Kigali by road. The drive passes through stunning terraced hillsides. Kigali International Airport (KGL) has direct flights from Nairobi (1.5h), Johannesburg, Addis Ababa, Dubai, and Brussels. Alternatively, fly into Kamembe and drive 4 hours. Park HQ at Kinigi is where gorilla trekking briefings begin at 7am.
