Basic Information About Volcanoes National Park
Basic information
There is a difference between a good trip and a great trip. Therefore, planning ahead eases the strain of travelling to new environments.
Physical address and directions
Volcanoes National Park is situated in the Northern Province of Rwanda, specifically in the Village of Kinigi within the Ruhengeri District of Musanze Province. It is approximately a two-and-a-half-hour journey from Kigali to this stunning national park. Visitors participating in gorilla trekking or similar activities are often encouraged to commence their journey from Kigali by 4:30 AM to ensure timely arrival at Volcanoes National Park for the briefing session.
Operating hours
Apart from emergency situations, the park is open 7 days a week from 6am to 5pm.
Volcanoes National Park has its park headquarters located at Kinigi the northern province of Rwanda only 2 hours drive from Kigali.
Weather
The weather at Volcanoes national park varies daily and may be rainy and chilly at any time of the year. Be prepared for the park’s unpredictable weather.
What to pack
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, long-sleeved shirt, hiking boots, hardy gloves, socks, a lightweight rain jacket, insect repellent, water bottle, a camera among others.
Gorilla Permit
A gorilla tracking permit ordinally costs $1500 for international tourists. Book your permit in advance the Rwanda Development Board or any registered tour company.
Accommodation
Whether inside or outside the park, there are plenty of accommodation options for every one and every budget. Book yours ahead of your trip to avoid unnecessary inconveniences.
Directions and transportation
Volcanoes national park is located north east of Rwanda near Uganda in the north and Democratic Republic of Congo in the west. The park is 2 hours drive on a smooth road from Kigali- Rwanda’s capital. By air, the park.
Things to do
Other than gorilla trekking which is the highlight of the park, there is plenty to do at Volcanoes National Park. Visitors also get to enjoy; golden monkey trekking, birding, nature walks among others. Close your eyes. Picture an alpha silverback rising up or moving about from the deep of the forest. Golden monkeys jumping from one branch to the next, twin lakes at the base of Muhabura glint the sky, Mount Karisimbi piercing above the blue sky, and Bisoke with its beautiful view. Surely, there is no place like Volcanoes National Park
Weather and climate
Visiting Rwanda for gorilla trekking can be done all year round. However, the best time to travel is during the drier seasons between December to March and June to September. Visitors traveling on budget may travel between the months March- May and July to September which are usually wet. This is because during this season several hotels offer visitors discounted food and sleeping services.