Volcanoes National Park

Volcanoes National Park in northwestern Rwanda protects a portion of the Virunga volcanic range and is internationally important for its population of endangered mountain gorillas and other Albertine Rift biodiversity. The park includes several volcanic peaks and forested slopes that are the focus of gorilla conservation and visitor trekking.

The park’s primary visitor activity is guided gorilla trekking to habituated family groups, conducted by ranger-led teams along marked trails; golden monkey trekking and guided volcano hikes are also available. The park contains research sites linked to long-term primate studies and community-based conservation programs.

The area was central to Dian Fossey’s mountain gorilla research; the Karisoke Research Center was established in the highlands between volcanoes and remains an important historical and research location for gorilla conservation. Over decades the park’s management has focused on protection of gorilla habitat and on regulated ecotourism.

Volcanoes National Park lies in Rwanda’s Northern Province near the town of Musanze (formerly Ruhengeri), in the highland Virunga region bordering Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda.

• Permits required: Gorilla trekking requires a limited permit obtained in advance; permits are regulated and capacity is capped to protect gorilla groups.
• Seasonal note: Best chances for comfortable trekking are during the drier months; rainy periods make trails muddy and more physically demanding.

What to See #

• Volcano summits: Several of the Virunga volcanoes including Mount Karisimbi and Mount Bisoke, which form the core trekking and research areas in the park.
• Karisoke Research Center: Karisoke Research Center, the field station established by Dian Fossey for long-term study of mountain gorillas and conservation work.
• Trekking trailheads and routes: Gorilla trek trailheads and ranger-managed routes used for habituated group visits and conservation patrols based out of nearby Musanze (Ruhengeri).