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Volcanoes Safaris

Although mountain gorillas are undoubtedly the most alluring reason to go on a Volcanoes safari—and, many would argue, to visit Rwanda—they are only one factor contributing to the country’s increased inclusion on safari itineraries.

Five of the eight volcanoes that pushed out of the centre of Africa are found in Volcanoes National Park, which also preserves the Rwandan portion of the Virunga mountains. Only in terms of volcanic activity are all of Rwanda’s summits inactive. They are buzzing with activity and vitality in every other way.

Because of the large elevation difference between the lower slopes and the volcanic peaks, Volcanoes has a diverse diversity of habitats despite being a relatively small park.

Although there is a lot of vegetation, pathways make it possible to reach the places that gorillas most frequently visit. Much is known about their social behaviour, habits, and migrations thanks to years of research. Quality encounters are virtually guaranteed by anti-poaching patrols and daily tracking.

Although going on a gorilla trek can be challenging, it is not a chore because of the endlessly intriguing fruits, flowers, and leaves found in the forests, as well as the opportunity to view lesser primates and colourful birds.

Activities/Things to Do in Volcanoes National Park Rwanda

In 1925, Africa’s first national park, Volcanoes National Park Rwanda, was officially established. Until her death, biologist Dian Fossey studied mountain gorillas in this park. As a result of her efforts with these magnificent primates, Gorilla trekking at Volcanoes National Park is now the most popular volcanoes safari activity in all of Rwanda. Located two hours outside of Kigali, Rwanda’s capital, is Volcanoes National Park. Visiting Volcanoes National Park on safari is a must if you’re in Rwanda, and here are the top five things to do there.

Gorilla Trekking

There are 12 gorilla families that have become acclimated in Volcanoes National Park. If you’re planning a safari in Rwanda, you really must do gorilla trekking. Only the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, and Rwanda are home to the world’s remaining gorilla population, which is critically threatened. Volcanoes National Park is home to all of Rwanda’s remaining mountain gorillas. The Amahoro, Umubano, Karisimbi, Sabinyo, Susa, and Hirwa families are among those you should pay a call on.

Golden monkey trekking

Seeing the golden monkeys of Volcanoes National Park is a must for every primate enthusiast planning a safari in the park. In order to improve the visit for visitors, they have been habituated. The bamboo forest at the base of the Virunga Volcanoes is a popular habitat for golden monkeys. When you go on a golden monkey trek, an expert guide will help you find the primates, tell you all about the park’s history, and show you the best places to see the monkeys. Finding golden monkeys is significantly faster than searching for gorillas.

Volcano hiking

Hiking enthusiasts visiting Volcanoes National Park have their pick between the Day Hike and the Overnight Hike. One of the Virunga volcanoes, Mount Bisoke, is the destination of the Day Hike. It has a crater lake at its peak and a height of 3700 meters.

Dian Fossey tomb hike:

One of the most well-known things to do in the Volcanoes National Park is to take a stroll to the Dian Fossey Tomb. Hikers must drive for 30 minutes from the park’s headquarters to reach the Karisoke camp, and from there, it’s only a 10-minute walk to the park’s border. The tomb or grave is located at a research facility, which is another 1 hour and 30 minutes’ walk from the park’s entrance.

When you get there, you can see the house where Dian Fossey was killed in 1985, as well as where she was buried next to her favorite gorilla and roughly 20 other gorillas that had been killed by poachers or died of natural causes.

Best Time to Visit – Volcanoes National Park Rwanda

Details on the Best Time to Visit – Volcanoes National Park Rwanda.

Volcanoes National Park is available all year for Rwanda Gorilla trekking and hiking. Gorilla sightings are practically certain and are not affected by the weather. However, after heavy rain, the routes become quite treacherous, and trekking is undoubtedly easier in the dry season months of June to August, and to a lesser extent in early September, December, and January.

Best Time

From June through September (It is drier and trails are easier to hike)

High Season

From June through September (Permits may sell out and lodges charge higher rates)

Low Season

March, April, October, and November are all good months (These are the peaks of the rain)

Best Weather

From June through August (Least rain)

Worst Weather

April and March (Most rain, forest trails are slippery)

June to August –Dry Season

• Hiking becomes easier and more enjoyable on drier routes.
• The sun has a better chance of breaking through the clouds.
• Gorilla trekking is easier
• It is hard to obtain the limited gorilla trekking permits in the high season
• Lodges might be full and charge more

September to May –Wet Season

• Gorilla permits are easier to obtain
• Lodges might have discounted rates
• The rain doesn’t diminish the experience of seeing the gorillas
• Rain can make forest trails challenging
• It might rain for days