Volcanoes National Park

Covering an expanse of 160 square kilometres in the northern region of Rwanda, the Volcanoes National Park forms a part of the Greater Virunga Landscape that is shared among the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Republic of Rwanda, and the Republic of Uganda.

Located in the far northwest of Rwanda, the Volcanoes National Park safeguards the steep inclines of a remarkable mountain range. This area is not only the habitat of the endangered mountain gorilla but also hosts a diverse array of montane ecosystems. These encompass evergreen and bamboo forests, open grasslands, swamps, and heathlands.

Named after the series of dormant volcanoes constituting the Virunga Massif, the Volcanoes National Park includes prominent peaks like Karisimbi, which is the tallest at 4,507 meters, Bisoke with its lush crater lake, as well as Sabinyo, Gahinga, and Muhabura.

Initially, the park covered a smaller vicinity around Karisimbi, Mikeno, and Bisoke volcanoes. It was designated as a protected area to combat the imminent extinction of Mountain gorillas due to rampant poaching.

Among the Virunga Mountains, the Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda serves as one of the three habitats for the critically endangered mountain gorillas. Alongside gorillas, the park provides a haven for golden monkeys, diverse bird species, reptiles, amphibians, insects, and various other creatures

The Main Tourism activity in the Volcanoes National Park is the gorillas trekking, in addition, the golden monkey tracking, birds watching, mountains Kalisimbi, Muhabura, Gahinga, Bisoke hike, nature walk, Musanze caves, Dian Fossey Tomb tour, Ibyiwacu cultural Village, Buhanga eco-park….
To ensure the continued recovery of the tourism industry, the Rwanda Development Board has put in place promotional rates which are valid until December 31st, 2023. For further information, it is advisable to reach out to the Volcanoes National Park and Rwanda Development Board