Volcanoes National Park Rwanda: Visit Rwanda 2023-2024
Lying in the far Northwest of Rwanda is Volcanoes National Park, a paradise habiting the steep slopes of the magnificent Virunga ranges, a home to the endangered mountain gorillas. The park lies in the heart of central Africa, whose name is derived after the dormant volcanoes. Volcanoes National Park is one of Africa’s must-visit destinations.
Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park protects some of the most unique biological, ecological, and cherished landscapes in Africa. Extending from Sea level to 4507m high, the park encompasses the summits of five of East Africa’s dormant volcanoes – Mount Karisimbi, Mount Sabinyo, Mount Gahinga, Mount Muhabura, and Mount Bisoke.
This gem lying in ‘the land of a thousand hills’ is the best of its kind for any traveler interested in having amazing adventures and unique moments to cherish for a lifetime. For the longest time, the park has rewarded its visitors with enchanting sights of landscapes as well as setting one’s heart a flutter with elusive wildlife. Volcanoes National Park is an exceptional tourist destination endowed with beautiful sceneries, rare wildlife, bird species, mountains, water bodies and many others.
Essential Things to Carry for Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Unlike other hiking adventures, the gorilla trekking experience is no walk in the park. Some trails are steep and slippery as you hike through the thick tropical rainforest. Here is a list of what you should pack for your gorilla trekking experience.
- Long trousers not jeans
- Long-sleeved shirt
- Hiking/ Trekking boots
- hardy gloves
- Warm socks
- A Light weight rain jacket
- Insect repellent
- Water bottle
- A camera with no flash
- Cap/ Hat
Distance to the trekking locations
Volcanoes National Park is nearer to the country’s capital and easily accessible in terms of road distance compared to Bwindi Forest National Park and Mgahinga National Park in Uganda which may require longer hours of driving. Bwindi impenetrable national park from Kampala is about 460 km approximately 8- 10 hours’ drive by road. Mgahinga gorilla is 494.8 km from Kampala approximately 10-12 hours’ drive by road. While Volcanoes national park is about 106.3 km from Kigali close to 2 hours’ drive on a smooth road from Kigali- Rwanda’s capital.
How difficult is the trek?
Although Volcanoes National Park is at a higher elevation, its treks are considered less steep and slippery compared to the ones Bwindi and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
What is more or less similar?
Volcanoes National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga gorilla National parks offer Guided gorilla experiences.
We are affiliated to the Tourism Organizations in Rwanda
