The Volcanoes National Park is located in the Northern province of Rwanda. The park, covers an area of 160 Square Kilometers and was made a wildlife conservation area in the early 1920’s. Why is it called The Volcanoes National Park? It boasts of 5 major volcanoes – Karisimbi at 4,507m, Muhabura at 4,127m, Gahinga at 3,474m, the Bisoke volcano at 3,711m and lastly Sabyinyo at 3,634m. Gahinga, Sabyinyo and Muhabura stretch up to Uganda. When Dian Fossey established her gorilla research station in 1967, the park received a lot more publicity hence becoming the most visited National Park in Rwanda.
Dian Fossey’s Karisoke Research Centre helped reduce poaching which had become uncontrollable. Diane Fossey attracted funding to the park and channeled most of it to gorilla conservation and research. Because of her efforts, the park has become associated with her research work with the endangered mountain gorillas. Thousands of tourists visit the part each year to explore the mountainous landscape, lakes, rivers, green forests, mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, birds and other wildlife. The Volcanoes National Park has 4 types of vegetation – The Hagenia/Hypericum vegetation at higher altitudes but below 3,300m, Afro-alpine vegetation above 4,000m and sub-alpine vegetation. Bamboo forests are the dominant form of vegetation on the lower slopes.
What animals are found at the Volcanoes National Park? The park has 30% of the remaining population of mountain gorillas. Travelers can also find golden monkeys, forest hogs, bush pigs, leopards, Duikers, the spotted hyena forest buffaloes and elephants. Birders will not be disappointed as there are over 200 recorded species. The top ones to look out for are the Rwenzori Turaco and Francolins.
Activities in Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda
Travelers to the Volcanoes National Park will find lots of activities that they can participate in. The most popular activity is gorilla trekking. Nevertheless, one can also engage in visiting the grave of Dian Fossey, golden monkey trekking, mountain hiking, visiting the Iby’iwacu cultural village, touring lake Burera and Ruhondo. Let’s discuss each of them in more detail: –
Gorilla Trekking: The Volcano National park is one of the only three parks where tourists can pay to see habituated mountain gorillas in the wild. The other national parks are Virunga in Congo, Mgahinga 
and Bwindi in Uganda. Gorilla trekking in the Volcanoes National Park brings millions of dollars into the country each year. Before one goes can take part in gorilla tracking, one needs to buy a gorilla permit at $1500 from the Rwanda Development Board or through their tour operator of choice. The overall cost of a gorilla safari in Rwanda is expensive compared to Uganda and Congo. Despite the higher price for permits, some tourists consider Rwanda the best place to see gorillas in Africa because of better infrastructure, shorter driving distance and manageable terrain. There are currently discounted gorilla permits in Rwanda. Costs aside, one needs to be in good shape and with the right clothing before taking part in gorilla tracking. Good and light hiking shoes that are water proof are crucial. One also needs long trousers, long sleeved shirts, hand gloves and a raincoat for the best experience.
Mountain Hiking: Hiking one of the Virunga volcanoes found in the park is also very popular among tourists. Only Mount Bisoke, Mount Karisimbi and Mount Muhabura are open to hiking from the Rwanda side. Gahinga, Sabyinyo and Muhabura can only be accessed from the Uganda side at the moment. Karisimbi is the highest of all the volcanoes in Virunga. At 4,507, it is the fifth highest mountain in Africa. Hiking mount Karisimbi takes 2 days. While at the summit, one can view all the volcanoes within the Virunga region, the snow caped Rwenzori Mountain, Mount Nyiragongo and the beautiful scenery of the Volcanoes National Park.
The other popular volcano is Mount Bisoke. In comparison to Mount Karisimbi, it is easier to hike mount Bisoke. It only takes one day to climb to the top of the volcano. However, it is a long drive through difficult roads from the park headquarters to the foot of the mountain. Although climbing mount Bisoke is considered easy in comparison to others, one needs to be prepared mentally so as not to be surprised. One also need to fit enough and courageous to handle any challenges along the way. Like climbing mount Karisimbi, one needs to be in good physical form and ensure that they move with the right hiking gear (clothing, head gear and a hiking stick). Porters are available for hire at a cost of about $15 at the starting point.
Visiting the grave of Dian Fossey: Tourists can also visit the tomb of Dian Fossey while visiting the park to track gorillas. Dian Fossey is one of the greatest primatologists. Because of her research, fight 
against poachers and ability to attract funding, we still have mountain gorillas. Fossey discovered many things about mountain gorillas that has helped current researchers in habituating them. She learnt how to imitate their sound and most important of all, she learned how to gain the trust of a dominant silverback. Without her initial discoveries, it would be difficult habituate wild gorillas and tourists would not be able to approach them. The hike to her tomb and former Karisoke Research station is a whole day activity and costs $75. Visiting her grave will help you appreciate the amazing work she did with the gorillas. You will also appreciate the remarkable biodiversity in the Volcanoes National Park.
The Twin Lakes of Ruhondo and Burera: If you love nature and beautiful scenery, you must visit these lakes. The lakes are located are known for their deep waters and surrounding hills but what strikes the eye is the scenery. Birds are in plenty and there are waterfalls close by. The greatest activities while at the lake are canoeing and interacting with the local communities. Visiting Lake Burera and Ruhondo is ideal after completing gorilla trekking or hiking one of the volcanoes. It is the perfect place for relaxation, photography and appreciating the beauty of Africa.
Golden Monkey Tracking: Golden Monkey are subspecies of the blue monkey. They are mostly found in the Virunga region, Kahuzi Biega National Park and Nyungwe forest. Golden monkey tracking is one of the top 5 activities while at the Volcanoes National Park. Golden monkeys move in large groups that can reach 100 individuals. They feed on mainly bamboo shoots but will raid human farms if possible. While getting their permits is relatively easier compared to that of mountain gorillas, one is advised to book them in advance for better preparation. Golden monkey permits cost $100 and can be got through a tour operator or directly through the Rwanda Development Board.
How to get to the Volcanoes National Park
The Volcanoes National Park can be accessed from the capital in Kigali or from Uganda. From Kigali, one can use public or private transport. It takes 2 hours driving from Kigali to Musanze district and to the park offices. This implies that one can do gorilla trekking or any of the activities discussed earlier in 
one day if they can start the journey from Kigali at 4am. Although using the services of a tour operator is recommended for international tourists, one can use a public bus from Kigali to the park offices and then hire a private car in Musanze up to the park headquarters. You can use a tour operator to organize your entire tour of the Volcanoes National Park. A tour operator can take the responsibility of picking you up from the airport all the way to the Park Headquarters in Kinigi. The tour operator can also arrange for accommodation, meals and permits for the activities. If you are arriving from Kampala in Uganda, you will have to endure a long 10 hours to reach the border with Rwanda. Visiting the Volcanoes National Park from Uganda is more practical if you are also visiting National Parks like Kibale, Queen Elizabeth, Bwindi and Mgahinga.
The best time to visit the Volcanoes National Park Rwanda
When is the best time to visit the Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda? Visitors generally prefer the dry season as it is easier to go on a hike or track the gorillas. The dry season falls in the months between June and September and also from December to February. The rainy season has its perks too. The scenery is more beautiful with greener grass and there are less crowds. Less crowds means more private time. It is important to note that the Volcanoes National Park can be visited throughout the year. All activities take place regardless of the season or whether there are public holidays.
Accommodation at the Volcanoes National Park
Getting accommodation at the Volcanoes National Park is largely dependent on one’s budget. Regardless of which type of accommodation expect to find one that meets your standards. Most of the hotels and 
lodges offer self-contained rooms with a restaurant, a bar and a swimming pool. They are built to offer guests that feeling of being out in the African wilderness. Here are some of the accommodation facilities:-
Five Volcanoes Hotel: This is a relatively new luxurious hotel in the area. It is located in a quiet environment while offering a special presidential cottage, family Suites, deluxe and standard rooms. The rooms are all self-contained and include a fridge, flat screen TV, kettles, a mini bar, a restaurant, laundry services and private parking. There is great security including smoke detectors. Five Volcanoes stands out from the other lodges in the park because it offers high end facilities at a reasonable cost. Rooms cost around $400 per night.
Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge: Located 3km away from the Volcanoes National Park headquarters, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge offers great view of the farmlands and Virunga volcanoes. It offers large bedrooms, a central sitting areas, a dining room, fire place, a library, a souvenir room and a games room. It is a super luxury lodge and offers rooms that cost $3000 per night
La Palm Hotel: La Palm Hotel is a 3-star hotel which was built for those looking for a good self-contained rooms at a very good rate. The hotel serves both local and international dishes which is served at the central dining room or in individual rooms. The hotel has free Airport pickups, free Wi-Fi, a large parking space among other amenities.
Note: Please note that there are other great hotels and guesthouses close to the Volcanoes National Park. Some are at the same level or even better than the three we have already discussed. They include Virunga Hotel, Mountain Gorilla View Hotel, Kinigi Guesthouse, Villa Gorilla Lodge, Jack Hanna Cottages and Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge. A tour company can advise you on which one is the best alternatives during specific times of the year depending on your budget.
