Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park
5
6:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
6:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
6:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
6:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
6:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
6:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
6:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
6:00 AM - 4:00 PM
About
The "Parc National de Volcans" (or PNV as it's known by locals) lies along the Virunga Mountains, with 8 ancient volcanoes, which are shared by Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Just a short two hour drive from Rwanda's capital of Kigali, the park is a central location for exploring some distinctly Rwandan experiences. While a visit to the mountain gorillas is often at the top of visitor, the dramatic landscape also offers thrilling hiking and visits to the fascinating golden monkeys.
Suggested duration
More than 3 hours
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
1,201 reviews
Excellent
1,097
Very good
84
Average
11
Poor
5
Terrible
4
AnitaM
Amsterdam, The Netherlands8 contributions
We were very impressed with the way Rwanda Tourism is handled during this "Covid season". All hospitality staff (hotels, airport, guides ect ect) is vaccinated and tourist have mandatory PCR test before entering the country and the parks. Everything is very clean and very well organized.
In the morning (7am - 7:15am) the staff has a meeting about which tourist group will go with which guide and to which gorilla group. Whilst this is going on there is coffee and tea available for you with plenty of seating area's.
At this moment a maximum of 6 tourist are allowed to see a group of gorillas, where as before 8 tourist. There are 12 groups of Gorilla's which tourist are allowed to see. At this moment it is not totally fully booked as usual and therefore in my opinion I would go asap to Rwanda if this is on your bucket list.
The gorillas can move from early morning when they are spotted by the trackers and therefore it is a track as you need to find them. From the meeting place you drive to your park entrance which can take about 30-45 minutes orso. and from there on you hike up to your group.
We hiked for about a big hour before we found them. This was a super amazing experience, we saw the huge Silverback from close by and a 2 month old baby amongst a group of 20 Gorillas! You are allowed to stay for one hour.
We have also done the two hikes, mount Bisoke and we visited the Diane Fossey grave. The mountain hike is very challenging especially if you struggle with the altitude. I actually preferred the hike to the Diane Fossey grave more as the jungle scenery was quite amazing. The hike uphill is about 1/3 of mount Bisoke and from there on it is reasonably flat.
We visited the Golden monkeys which is an easy track and lovely to do if you have a morning to spare.
We were in Rwanda during the dry season and this can be muddy already. I slipped three times! I would certainly recommend gaiters, hike shoes, walking stick (although also provided), and yes do take gardening gloves as recommend in other reviews aswell. Very useful as you need to be able to make your way though the forest and there are plenty of nettles there.
In the morning (7am - 7:15am) the staff has a meeting about which tourist group will go with which guide and to which gorilla group. Whilst this is going on there is coffee and tea available for you with plenty of seating area's.
At this moment a maximum of 6 tourist are allowed to see a group of gorillas, where as before 8 tourist. There are 12 groups of Gorilla's which tourist are allowed to see. At this moment it is not totally fully booked as usual and therefore in my opinion I would go asap to Rwanda if this is on your bucket list.
The gorillas can move from early morning when they are spotted by the trackers and therefore it is a track as you need to find them. From the meeting place you drive to your park entrance which can take about 30-45 minutes orso. and from there on you hike up to your group.
We hiked for about a big hour before we found them. This was a super amazing experience, we saw the huge Silverback from close by and a 2 month old baby amongst a group of 20 Gorillas! You are allowed to stay for one hour.
We have also done the two hikes, mount Bisoke and we visited the Diane Fossey grave. The mountain hike is very challenging especially if you struggle with the altitude. I actually preferred the hike to the Diane Fossey grave more as the jungle scenery was quite amazing. The hike uphill is about 1/3 of mount Bisoke and from there on it is reasonably flat.
We visited the Golden monkeys which is an easy track and lovely to do if you have a morning to spare.
We were in Rwanda during the dry season and this can be muddy already. I slipped three times! I would certainly recommend gaiters, hike shoes, walking stick (although also provided), and yes do take gardening gloves as recommend in other reviews aswell. Very useful as you need to be able to make your way though the forest and there are plenty of nettles there.
Written August 10, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Kim G
Toronto, Canada1,251 contributions
This is an incredible national park that offers so much.
Upon arrival, they check documentation for COVID testing carefully and registration of your details is required. You are separated into groups and you meet with your guide for a briefing.
You then drive to a different location for the start of your trek. We did a gorilla trek one day and a golden monkey trek the next. Both of our guides were knowledgeable and passionate about their work and the importance of the park.
The trackers were amazing - taking us through the brush and finding the animals for us. They take their time and use machetes to cut away a path. Mask wearing was strictly enforced for the safety of the animals.
In our opinion it is necessary to hire a porter for the day. These young folks are awesome and help by carrying your gear and helping you to navigate the sometimes non existent trail. For $10.00 USD it is the best money we spent there and you are supporting a person from the community.
Visiting gorillas is a once in a lifetime experience and was everything we thought it might be and better. Being so close to these incredible animals is like no other experience in the world. We were so happy we came to Rwanda to see them.
Upon arrival, they check documentation for COVID testing carefully and registration of your details is required. You are separated into groups and you meet with your guide for a briefing.
You then drive to a different location for the start of your trek. We did a gorilla trek one day and a golden monkey trek the next. Both of our guides were knowledgeable and passionate about their work and the importance of the park.
The trackers were amazing - taking us through the brush and finding the animals for us. They take their time and use machetes to cut away a path. Mask wearing was strictly enforced for the safety of the animals.
In our opinion it is necessary to hire a porter for the day. These young folks are awesome and help by carrying your gear and helping you to navigate the sometimes non existent trail. For $10.00 USD it is the best money we spent there and you are supporting a person from the community.
Visiting gorillas is a once in a lifetime experience and was everything we thought it might be and better. Being so close to these incredible animals is like no other experience in the world. We were so happy we came to Rwanda to see them.
Written July 29, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
JeanLouiseFinch
Fernandina Beach, FL68 contributions
My comments are more advisory – if you are hiking the gorillas and golden monkeys, you know it is going to be an experience of a lifetime! First: Rent wellies from the park. We did two days of gorilla trek and one day of golden monkey trek. On the first day I had normal boots, sneaker-high and while I had a porter, trying to not step into mud so deep that it would go over my boots made the trek much trickier. My guide on the first day, Patience, knew I had two more treks and suggested I rent wellies from the park the next two days – my driver nor camp knew you could do this! $5/day and I could easily walk in anything – made a huge difference in my trek experience! Second: Please hire and tip a porter; they are inexpensive, and it is how they make a living. If you don’t hire one, the few porters that have been hired will still help you because I guarantee that on these treks, the porters may have to do something like create a human bridge to get you over a ravine. They also cut through the bamboo so you can trek in. Third: Please be sure to tip the guide (and any assistant guide), and the trackers. We were confused on our first trek in another location and didn’t quite get it right, particularly when it was time to trip the trackers. The guide usually has them stand there when you leave the gorillas/monkeys and he thanks them before they go back in – that is your cue to tip. Our guides Patience, Eugene and Patrick were so knowledgeable and professional – they aren’t just locals who know the animals - they are required, at a minimum, to be university educated to be a guide. Everyone at the park is passionate about the land and animals. As everyone has said, it is an incredible experience.
Written September 9, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Leah G
Jerusalem, Israel31 contributions
I love this place! I spent one of the most beautiful mornings of my life with the golden monkeys-some of the most beautiful creatures imaginable.
My guide Ignatious was terrific and knowledgable and did everything he could to make my hike comfortable and memorable.
He even helped me find a mechanic when we discovered my rental car had sprung a leak-it was TOTALLY above and beyond anything I would have expected.
I very much look forward to going back on my next trip and hope one day to be able to afford the mountain gorillas trek (currently $1500 per person.)
My guide Ignatious was terrific and knowledgable and did everything he could to make my hike comfortable and memorable.
He even helped me find a mechanic when we discovered my rental car had sprung a leak-it was TOTALLY above and beyond anything I would have expected.
I very much look forward to going back on my next trip and hope one day to be able to afford the mountain gorillas trek (currently $1500 per person.)
Written January 22, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thomas Jason
5 contributions
Friends
It was a lifetime experience with karisimbi Tours africa where they arranged us unforgettable trip for gorilla trekking . The team was very helpful, quick response during our arrangements and they really provided enough information on everything we wanted to know before we fly off for our trip in Rwanda .our driver guide (frank) was helpful , very professional and knowledgeable , cool and supportive which gave us amazing trip beyond our expectations..
Very professional and reliable .
Very professional and reliable .
Written October 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
64falcon260
San Francisco, CA146 contributions
Family
1. Altitude is high. So give yourself time to acclimate
2 suggest going to the Dian fossey gorilla fund ( Ellen degeneres) facility first. Great introduction
3 do the golden monkey hike first if you are planning to do it. Easiest of the hikes. When we went monkeys were within 1 meter and generally ignored us.
4. Hikes to see the gorillas can be easy medium or hard. Be prepared
Stinging nettles can be 4 or 5 feet tall super irritating to skin at first but pain slowly goes away Over 24 hours. I was wearing thin hiking pants and a thin hiking long sleeve shirt. Almost zero protection! Thorns went through with a slight brush of the olants. A heavy single layer or two think is good protection
6 the hike to Dian fossey grave is beautiful and a good hike in the dry season. Do it last since it may the hardest. 4 hours round trip. It is a 1500 ft climb the first half. U need to be in good shape. We have had a little rain each day and the mud in some places was 6” deep. So it is muddy! If it has been rating do not even try. Guides was saying mud can get 3 feet deep!!
7 the gorilla guardian village is a fun visit with great people and beautiful music
8 hand spun hope is a workshop that processes raw wool to finish products. Very interesting and a great charity as they give work to women who need a place
9. Local food : eateries where great! Good food and great staff
10 we stayed at amaharro guest house. Facilities were..bearable. Management location and other guests were great? I will give it 5 stars for that!
2 suggest going to the Dian fossey gorilla fund ( Ellen degeneres) facility first. Great introduction
3 do the golden monkey hike first if you are planning to do it. Easiest of the hikes. When we went monkeys were within 1 meter and generally ignored us.
4. Hikes to see the gorillas can be easy medium or hard. Be prepared
Stinging nettles can be 4 or 5 feet tall super irritating to skin at first but pain slowly goes away Over 24 hours. I was wearing thin hiking pants and a thin hiking long sleeve shirt. Almost zero protection! Thorns went through with a slight brush of the olants. A heavy single layer or two think is good protection
6 the hike to Dian fossey grave is beautiful and a good hike in the dry season. Do it last since it may the hardest. 4 hours round trip. It is a 1500 ft climb the first half. U need to be in good shape. We have had a little rain each day and the mud in some places was 6” deep. So it is muddy! If it has been rating do not even try. Guides was saying mud can get 3 feet deep!!
7 the gorilla guardian village is a fun visit with great people and beautiful music
8 hand spun hope is a workshop that processes raw wool to finish products. Very interesting and a great charity as they give work to women who need a place
9. Local food : eateries where great! Good food and great staff
10 we stayed at amaharro guest house. Facilities were..bearable. Management location and other guests were great? I will give it 5 stars for that!
Written August 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
AltabasTravels
London, UK141 contributions
Couples
We came to do two treks in Volcanoes National Park, day one to see the mountain gorilla and day two to see the Golden Monkey.
The experience with the Mountain Gorilla was absolutely out of this world and amazing. We met the Hillwa family group with one silverback and two nearly grown up blackback males along with the females and smaller babies. The Gorilla were extremely relaxed, they even came to meet us through the bamboo forest! The guides were excellent; extremely knowledgeable about the animals and always making sure we were comfortable and safe. We spent an incredible hour with the troop. It was also a relatively easy walk to and from where we found the Gorilla.
Similarly on day two we got to spend an hour with the Golden Monkeys whilst they are and scampered around us. Again very relaxed and also again very knowledgeable and helpful guides.
If you're going to come to Rwanda, simply a must do activity regardless of the price.
The experience with the Mountain Gorilla was absolutely out of this world and amazing. We met the Hillwa family group with one silverback and two nearly grown up blackback males along with the females and smaller babies. The Gorilla were extremely relaxed, they even came to meet us through the bamboo forest! The guides were excellent; extremely knowledgeable about the animals and always making sure we were comfortable and safe. We spent an incredible hour with the troop. It was also a relatively easy walk to and from where we found the Gorilla.
Similarly on day two we got to spend an hour with the Golden Monkeys whilst they are and scampered around us. Again very relaxed and also again very knowledgeable and helpful guides.
If you're going to come to Rwanda, simply a must do activity regardless of the price.
Written June 29, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Eric_the_Bish
Plymouth, UK794 contributions
Solo
We visited when it was still wet season on the mountain. This made the going underfoot exceptionally difficult: lots of slippery mud and rocks.
Attempts to improve the path have been destroyed by the Buffalo on the mountain.
Guide and porters excellent; Rwandan army protection patrol highly professional.
Fully recommended. We saw nothing at all from the top due to the mist, apart from a brief partial glimpse of the crater lake.
No sign of gorillas either!
Attempts to improve the path have been destroyed by the Buffalo on the mountain.
Guide and porters excellent; Rwandan army protection patrol highly professional.
Fully recommended. We saw nothing at all from the top due to the mist, apart from a brief partial glimpse of the crater lake.
No sign of gorillas either!
Written May 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Barbaradj2
1 contribution
We hiked to see the gorillas in the Volcanoes National Park. The tour was well organized and informative, the visit to the gorillas was extraordinary, humbling and moving, and there was evidence that real conservation is being done - the mountain gorilla numbers are improving, the time spent with the gorillas is carefully controlled, local communities benefit from tourism and conservation, etc. Plus, the beauty of the volcanoes and their surrounds was breath-taking. I'd definitely go back.
Written January 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Matvl
4,312 contributions
Volcanoes National Park is amazing. We had a gorilla trek and a golden monkey visit and both were brilliant. The way it is run, professionalism and knowledge of guides (Loyce was brilliant) and the surprisingly excellent cappuccinos on arrival were all appreciated. Come prepared with the right clothes and if it’s rainy you’ll get muddy. But it’s just the most amazing place. And in terms of covid management felt perfect under the circumstances and very safe.
Written March 17, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Crio2046
Geneva, Switzerland84 contributions
Hello, Can you rent gaiters at the park entrance? Many thanks for your replies.
pegtravels
50 contributions
Are there any Restrooms along the gorilla trek Rwanda? I assume not, however, do the porters clear an area for a bush pee and then leave you for privacy?
New Horizon Africa Safaris
Kigali, Rwanda508 contributions
Hi Peg,
Yes there are at the starts of the trekking trails, in case of any bush pee yes the privacy would indeed be guaranteed.
Were there any other fees not listed for the 2 day gorilla trekking?
chandrassekhar
Mumbai, India114 contributions
HI Jake!
Greetings !
As I mentioned depending on the time you choose to visit the park your park entry fees will be $1500 or $1050. I heard recently the Rwanda Government has introduced a special offer to restart/attract tourists post Covid-19 unlocking phase. You can check that special offer which I understand is upto December,2020.
Other than this will be your taxi/vehicle cost from your hotel to Park entry/registration office; which is normally $80. And if you offer any tips to the guide, porter or trekker that will be additional expenses. Other than these there is no other fees or expense that you have to incur.
julier123848
Chicago, IL2 contributions
How did you book the hike to the gorillas, through a tour agency or directly through the park? Thanks!
Hman
30 contributions
We booked through Rwanda Eco Tours online on recommendation. No issue either the company or drivers.
Connor R
1 contribution
Hi everyone
I'm soon to visit Rwanda, and am looking at hiking either/both Mt. Bisoke and Mt. Karisimbi – it is easy enough to find information about entrance/guide fees, but I am wondering the cost and best way to arrange transport from Kisingi to the start of both hikes - is this included in the entrance fee, or does it need to be arranged separately?
Thanks for the help,
Connor
odyek fred
Kigali, Rwanda126 contributions
Hi,
Thanks so much for your concern, i can arrange all the relevant information and package for you, including transport.
Just get in touch with Rwanda Eco Company and Safaris, we shall take care of every thing as we plan together, if you need transport and permit, we can as well secure it for you..
Visit our website and trip advisor page for more information, about the hiking as well.
tekyle
Chicago, IL19 contributions
How long is the duration of the Golden Monkey Hike? Would it be possible to be back from the hike by 1pm?
odyek fred
Kigali, Rwanda126 contributions
Hi,
Thanks so much for the question. The golden monkey always takes 2 -4 hours, and you can catch up with your flight to Kigali.
This also depends on the driver. It is just 2 hrs drive from Musanze to Kigali.
Meaning, by 1200 hrs, you can be done with your trek and drive back to Kigali, and by 14.30, you can be in Kigali.
On several occasion, my clients have succesfully managed to do that, including gorilla trekking in Uganda, and returning to catch up evening flight back.
In case you would like to book this safely, or request car hire.
Kindly feel free to email me or visit our website at Rwanda Eco Company and Safaris. Thus rwandaecocompany
You can as well visit our trip advisor page for prove of reviews.
Thanks
Shelley G
Glendora, CA3 contributions
I will be visiting Rwanda this August. I'm 62 years old, in good health, but have knee pain after hiking about 1 mile down hill. Uphill is good.
Do you put people in groups based on their age or physical ability?
I know you can't guarantee that I will see gorillas, but what are my chances of seeing gorillas at Volcanoes National Park?
Adiannaber
Denver, Colorado60 contributions
We had signed up for the moderate group and ended up in the most difficult group because the gorillas moved. We hiked uphill for over an hour, and about the same down. It was muddy and slick, and I has the assistance of a porter who was of great use. The only choice you have if you face this circumstance is to not go on the tour.
Hi,
I would like to do the hike to mount karisimbi. I have found a driver that can take me from Kigali to the park in the morning for 65 000 RWF a day (car, driver and fuel).
What I don't know is how do you sign up for this walk? Do you need to do this beforehand? Can you do it the morning you arrive? Is there an option to join other travellers (I'm a solo traveller).
My driver leaves and comes back on the second day to take me back to Kigali. I read multiple reviews that you need a driver to drive you from the main builing to the start of the walk. Can your own driver do that and if so how does he know where he has to be and at what time when finishing the walk on the second day?
Thank you for your advice.
Kindly,
Liesbeth
AuntieMush
NY196 contributions
I don’t know. Sorry
kiwigroenie
Sydney, Australia30 contributions
Hi there, is it possible to trek this national park if you're not gorilla trekking and if so what are the best trails and prices? We are interested in one and two day treks.
VIRUNGA ECOTOURS
Ruhengeri, Rwanda83 contributions
hey you can do karisimbi hiking 4507m the highest point in country its amazing things to do you will spent 1 night in the park
OK2122
Great Barrington, MA146 contributions
Hi,
What did people pay on average? It seems like there were some different options?
odyek fred
Kigali, Rwanda126 contributions
Hey, the permit is 1500 dollars, contact Rwanda Eco Company and Safaris, they will help you out
Volcanoes National Park (Ruhengeri) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Volcanoes National Park
- Volcanoes National Park is open:
- Sun - Sat 6:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- We recommend booking Volcanoes National Park tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 85 Volcanoes National Park tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Volcanoes National Park:
- 2 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari (From $705.39)
- Gorilla trekking Transfer From Kigali (From $320.52)
- 1 Day Gorilla trekking volcanoes national park (From $2,380.00)
- 2 Days Mountain Gorilla Safari Rwanda (From $1,292.31)
- One Day Golden Monkey and Cultural tour (From $247.70)
- Hotels near Volcanoes National Park:
- (6.10 mi) Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge
- (4.85 mi) Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge
- (5.58 mi) Wilderness Safaris Bisate Lodge
- (8.18 mi) Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel
- (5.14 mi) One&Only Gorilla's Nest
- Restaurants near Volcanoes National Park:
- (4.17 mi) Crema
- (9.93 mi) Migano Cafe
- (9.45 mi) Volcana Lounge
- (8.80 mi) Susa Gardens
- (9.80 mi) Maya's