Volcanoes National Park is a top safari destination in Rwanda, with the highest growing number of travelers visiting Rwanda for mountain gorilla trekking experiences and other Rwanda wildlife safaris. Travelers to Volcanoes National Park have other activities to engage in depending on their personal interests and time. Click here to see mountain gorilla trekking safaris

Mountain gorilla tracking is a top priority for many travelers to Volcanoes National Park. Volcanoes National Park accommodates over 10 habituated mountain gorilla families that are ready for trekking. Volcanoes National Park shares borders with Virunga National Park in the Congo and Mgahinga gorilla national park in Uganda. Click here to see our recommended mountain gorilla trekking tour

Golden monkey trekking is the second-best-done tourism activity in Volcanoes National Park, attracting thousands of travelers to this African jungle. Golden monkeys are magnificent creatures that travelers should not miss out on adding to their Rwanda safari basket list. Golden monkey tracking is only done in Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda. Travelers can track golden monkeys in their natural environment. Fortunately, golden monkey tracking permits are relatively cheap compared to mountain gorilla trekking.

Besides wildlife species, Volcanoes National Park accommodates the three extinct volcanoes where travelers can engage themselves in hiking to the top of any of the volcanoes, which rewards them with spectacular views of Rwanda’s a thousand hills, Kigali city, the Virunga chained volcanoes, and the local communities in Rwanda. Other activities at volcanoes include caving and visiting the twin lakes of Bulera and Buhondo.

A visit to the Volcanoes National Park takes most travelers gorilla trekking, although there are several incredible activities to choose from for visitors. Travelers can be spoiled for choice and wish they had more time to finish all the activities in Volcanoes National Park. Volcanoes National Park's major attractions include mountain gorilla trekking, golden monkey trekking, a visit to the grave of Dian Fossey, mountain hiking, and visiting the lakes of Ruhondo and Burera.

Mountain Gorilla Tracking

The Volcanoes National Park is among the four national parks in Africa protecting mountain gorillas. The other national parks include Virunga National Park in the Congo, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda. A safari to Volcanoes National Park takes travelers to see the unique endangered mountain gorillas. Rwanda’s mountain gorilla trekking permits cost $1500 per individual.

Tracking golden monkeys

Volcanoes National Park also protects the endangered golden monkeys that can be spotted feeding, grooming young ones,and swinging from bamboo tree branches. Golden monkey trekking permits at Volcanoes National Park cost $100 per traveler. A group for golden monkeys can consist of nearly 100 members and is always led by a dominant male. Golden Monkey trekking can be carried out either before or after mountain gorilla trekking.

Visiting the Tomb of Dian Fossey

Tour the late Dian Fossey, who is one of the greatest primatologists ever in the history of Rwanda. Because of her determination and courage, she helped reduce the poaching of animals, particularly mountain gorillas, in Volcanoes National Park. Today, hundreds of tourists go to pay homage to the late Dian Fossey grave near the Karisoke Research Center, which is situated between Mount Karisimbi and Mount Bisoke.

Hiking Mount Karisimbi Volcano

Mount Karisimbi is an extinct volcano that stands about 4,507m above sea level. Hiking Mount Karisimbi is among the top tourist attractions in Musanze. It is considered the fifth highest in Africa and requires both mental and physical preparation in order to conquer this 2-day hike. The Mount Karisimbi hike involves passing through thick forests before stopping at an altitude of 3700m for your first stop, rest, and overnight. Then hikers continue hiking the last steep part early in the morning until they reach the top of the summit.

Hiking Mount Bisoke

Mount Bisoke is an extinct volcano that is part of the wider Virunga chain of mountains. Hiking to the summit of Mount Bisoke takes 1 day, and it is relatively easier in comparison to hiking Mount Karisimbi. However, hikers may still need to be physically fit to complete the hike up to the summit.

Hiking Mount Muhabura

Hiking Mount Muhabura is another interesting and adventurous volcano to be done while visiting the Volcanoes National Park. Mount Muhabura stands at a height of 4,127m; it is the third-highest mountain within the Virunga chain of mountains. The Mount Muhabura hike starts at about 1200 m, and by the time one reaches the summit, hikers must have passed through beautiful evergreen forests and viewed other volcanoes within the Virunga region.

Visiting the Twin Lakes of Ruhondo and Burera

After major activities like mountain gorilla trekking, travelers can always relax by visiting the twin lakes of Ruhondo and Burera. A boat cruise through the deep waters of these two lakes is another rewarding nature activity with beautiful sights of many bird species.

The dry seasons in different national parks go from June to September and again from December to March, and this is considered the best time to go to volcanoes national parks for travelers who want to trek mountain gorillas and golden monkeys, hike Mount Bisoke, and visit the late Dian Fossey tomb because all the trails are dry and easily accessible.