Volcanoes National Park

Volcanoes national Park covers 12, 000 hectares making it Rwanda’s smallest protected area. Situated in the far northwest of Rwanda, this park protects the steep slopes of this magnificent mountain range. Volcanoes national Park is home to the rare mountain gorilla and a rich mosaic of montane ecosystems, which embrace evergreen and bamboo forest, open grassland, swamp and heath.

Over 180 bird species have been recorded in Volcanoes National Park with the vulnerable swamp-dwelling Grauer’s rush warbler is a local specialty. At least 16 Albertine Rift endemics are present, including handsome francolin, Rwenzori Turaco, Rwenzori double-collared sunbird, Rwenzori batis, strange weaver, dusky crimson-wing, collared Apalis, red-faced woodland warbler and Archer’s ground robin.

Gorilla tracking is the most popular activity in Volcanoes national park. However, this is no longer the only activity in the park. Walking safaris, volcano climbs and treks can now be organized. A two-day ascent of the Karisimbi, nature walks to the near by crater lakes, and visits to a habituated troop of the near-endemic golden monkey are now some of the park’s newer tourist attractions. Visits can be arranged to the former Karisoke Research Camp which now houses the gorilla cemetery. You can also visit Dian Fossey’s tomb, Fossey’s old living quarter which she had nick named the mausoleum (a ruin at present). These excursions can be arranged at an extra US$50 per person. Accommodation is available outside the park at either ORTPN Gisakura for luxurious stay and Kinigi for the budget tourist. These accommodation facilities are strongly recommended since they are a few minutes drive from the park. This is because assembly time for trackers is at 7:00am; and a drive from Kigali will last 3 hours definitely making you late in the event of a problem enroute.