Tucked into Rwanda's northwest corner, where five extinct and dormant volcanoes rise out of the mist along the border with Uganda and the DR Congo, Volcanoes National Park is one of the most rewarding wildlife destinations anywhere on the continent — and one of the easiest to combine with a short visit.

Mountain Gorillas

This is the park that inspired Dian Fossey's decades of research and remains the most accessible place on Earth to track mountain gorillas. Habituated families move through the bamboo and montane forest on the lower slopes of the Virunga volcanoes, and treks here tend to involve shorter, less steep approaches than in Uganda's Bwindi, making it an appealing option for travellers with limited time or moderate fitness.

Golden Monkeys

Sharing the same forest are troops of golden monkeys, an endangered primate found only in the Albertine Rift. They are considerably more energetic than gorillas, moving quickly through the bamboo canopy, which makes tracking them a lively and photogenic add-on to a gorilla trek.

Volcano Hikes

For travellers who want more than wildlife, several of the park's volcanoes offer full-day hikes. Bisoke rewards climbers with a crater lake at its summit, while Karisimbi, the tallest of the range, is a serious two-day trek for the properly prepared. Shorter, gentler options include the walk to the Dian Fossey tombs and former research camp.

Where to Stay

The town of Musanze serves as the gateway to the park, with lodges ranging from comfortable mid-range options to some of Africa's most celebrated luxury properties, many with volcano views right from the room.

Combining Rwanda and Uganda

Because Volcanoes National Park sits close to the Uganda border, it pairs naturally with a wider East African itinerary — gorillas in Rwanda, chimpanzees and game parks in Uganda, all on a single trip.

See our Rwanda safari packages or talk to us about crafting a combined Uganda & Rwanda itinerary.