Parc National des Volcans
The great, old volcanoes shared between Uganda, DRC and Rwanda form the northwest border of Rwanda, and have created a lush home for the mountain gorilla, one of the main reasons for visiting the country. The steep slopes are covered with rich bamboo forests, and evergreen glades with open grassland and heath. The slopes are perfect terrain for the gentle giants of the primate world, gorillas. The park is small, covering just 120 km² and includes the peaks of Karisimbi (4,507m), Visoke (3,711m), Sabyinyo (3,534m).
Entrance gate Parc National des Volcans
Views on the slopes of the Virunga volcanoes are magnificent in all directions, although one needs to dress warmly as it can be quite chilly on these lofty heights! Habituated golden monkeys live in the same forests and this is one of the few places they can be seen for relatively long periods at a time. Buffalo and elephant do inhabit the area but are not easily seen. Gorilla treks are run on a daily basis from the park headquarters although there is a limited amount of permits available and these need to be booked well in advance. The park is well run by the Rwandan authorities and the gorilla conservation fund is well supported. Around 380 mountain gorilla live on the slopes although the population changes as these animals know no borders and range freely between the DRC, Uganda and Rwanda.
Diane Fossey's memorial, laboratory and grave are nearby with a full history of her life and works with the gorillas. Although the park can be visited for the day from Kigali, it is a long drive along curving, scenic roads and most visitors are advised to stay in one of the many lodges and hostels which have been built around the park and Ruhengeri. 
Village dancers performing for guests at Virunga Lodge
The town of Ruhengeri is a busy market centre with traders coming from far and wide and boda boda's transporting shoppers here and there. The stunning lakes of Buhera, Ruhondo and Karago are near to the Park but are rarely visited.
Our Recommended Tours
Purely Primates
$ 4926
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Virunga Volcanoes NP - 8 days/7 nights
SPECIAL OFFER - free second gorilla permit (worth US$500.00) when booking a tailor-made holiday of 6 days or more. Also on offer are two free nights worth (US$1000.00 per person) at the fabulous Mount Gahinga Lodge in Uganda when booking a tailor-made safari in Uganda or Rwanda.
An eight day safari from Entebbe or Kigali visiting the mountain gorillas in Rwanda and Uganda. This safari optimises time for gorilla trekking and the option to add on a chimpanzee sanctuary at the end.
Price quoted is for 4 guests in one vehicle on a private trip per person.
Discover Rwanda
$ 5688
Akagera National Park, Parc National des Volcans and Nungwe Forest
Starting and finishing in Kigali, capital of Rwanda, this safari starts with a visit to Akagera National Park to view the beautiful wetland savannah and Rwanda's fabulous birds and animals. The highlight of the trip is gorilla trekking in Parc National des Volcans of course and if time allows a visit to the golden monkeys. After gorilla trekking the safari continues to Nyungwe rainforest. There are 13 primate species, 300 bird species and a variety of orchids and butterflies.
Price quoted is for a set departure group safari staying in high quality lodges and camps and is per person.
Other Options
Rwanda Safari Spots
Kigali | Parc National des Volcans | Nyungwe Forest | Akagera | Lake Kivu
