Parc National des Volcans

Parc national des Volcans or the Virunga National Park of Rwanda is a small park, covering just 120 km² and includes the peaks of Karisimbi (4,507m), Visoke (3,711m), Sabyinyo (3,534m).
The eight great, old volcanoes shared between Uganda, DRC and Rwanda, are mostly dormant and form the northwest border of Rwanda. Here a lush home exists for the mountain gorilla, the only place in the world they are able to survive. 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.
Entrance gate Parc National des Volcans
The views from the slopes of the volcanoes are magnificent in all directions, although one needs to dress warmly as it can be quite chilly! 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 park but are not easily seen. Gorilla treks are run on a daily basis from the park headquarters but as there are a limited amount of permits available, these need to be booked well in advance.
Diane Fossey's memorial, laboratory and grave are nearby with a full history of her life and works with the gorillas.
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.
Return to Rwanda home
Purely Primates
$ 2358
This privately guided primate safari explores the Rwandan habitat of mountain gorillas and golden monkeys within a chain of 5 volcanoes, just north of Kigali near the border with Uganda.
Probably the easiest and smartest way to trek for gorillas
Kigali and Parc de National Virunga, Rwanda - 4 days/3 nights
Spirit of Rwanda
$ 7656
Explore Rwanda including Nungwe Forest to track chimpanzees. Travel via Lake Kivu bound for the Virunga Mountains, to spend time with mountain gorillas before returning to Kigali.
A tiny mountainous country full of forests, primates and birds.
Nungwe Forest, Lake Kivu, Parc National des Volcans, Rwanda - 8 days/7 nights.
Rwanda Safari Spots
Kigali | Parc National des Volcans | Nyungwe Forest | Akagera National Park | Lake Kivu
Central African Countries
Central African Republic | Congo | Democratic Republic of Congo | Gabon | Rwanda | Uganda
Safari types
Traditional Safaris | Walking Safaris | Canoe Safaris | Family Safaris | Mobile Safaris | Honeymoon Safaris | Special Interest Safaris | Primate Safaris | Bush and Beach Safaris | Off Beat Explorations | Active Safaris | Migration Safaris | Riding Safaris
Return to Rwanda home