Directions to Volcanoes National Park
Directions to Volcanoes National Park By roads.
Directions to Volcanoes National Park, Reaching Volcanoes National Park is conveniently accessible, as there are multiple transportation alternatives available. You have the option to use a private mode of transportation, such as hiring a tour operator, to get from the city center of Kigali or the airport to Musanze. Alternatively, you can opt for public transportation. Musanze serves as the most optimal access point to the volcanoes. Nevertheless, the general public is not allowed to access the park regions from where the hiking begins. You will need to employ additional private transportation to facilitate your travel between Musanze and the Kinigi park, as well as to and from the beginning location of the gorilla trekking expedition. If you have utilized the services of a tour operator, there is no cause for concern, since they possess comprehensive knowledge of the routes and processes required to reach Kinigi Park. The commencement of all events is at 0700 hours in the morning.
As a travel operator, they possess knowledge about this. If you plan to go trekking on the same day, it is advisable to take a night public transportation that will arrive in Musanze early. This will allow you to quickly connect to the park. Alternatively, you can travel to Musanze a day before the trek and make the connection the following day. There are no available public transportation options from Musanze to the park headquarters; therefore, you will need to use a 4 x 4 jeep for transportation. In order to reach your accommodation or the park headquarters on the day of your trip, you will need to arrange for private transportation, as the public transportation only stops at bus terminals. Nevertheless, we advise against utilizing public transportation. If you choose to do so, you assume the responsibility for any potential risks.
Additionally, it is important to be aware that the terrain is quite rugged and filled with volcanic rocks, necessitating the use of a 4 x 4 safari vehicle or jeep. The distance between Musanze and Kinigi, where the park headquarters are located, can be covered in just 15 minutes by car. Several lodges are situated in close proximity to the park headquarters, with a few being a 10 to 30-minute drive away.
Directions to Volcanoes National Park By air
You have the option to arrange for a helicopter to transport you from Kigali to Musanze. This will provide you with a magnificent airborne perspective of the picturesque landscape known as the “land of 1000 hills” as you go to Musanze. If you choose to travel to Musanze, you have the option of either booking a scheduled flight or arranging a private charter. If you are using a tour operator, there is no need to be concerned, as they will take care of all the necessary arrangements on your behalf. The flight is a mere 25 minutes from Kigali. However, you will still require transportation to reach your hotel, where you will spend the night. Additionally, you will need means of transportation to travel to the Volcanoes national park headquarters for a briefing, and then to the gorilla trekking location.
What is the distance between Kigali and the park?
Volcanoes National Park is located approximately 105 kilometers (65 miles) from the city and airport of Kigali, the capital of the country. It takes approximately two and a half hours to drive from Kigali to the park. We strongly advise utilizing the services of a tour operator to facilitate your gorilla trekking adventure at Volcanoes National Park. They will efficiently handle all necessary arrangements, ensuring a hassle-free trip for you. If you are interested in renting a car, we have a variety of vehicles available, including mini jeeps and extended land cruisers. These vehicles are quite comfortable for transportation purposes.
To reach the location for Gorilla Trekking.
The gorilla trekking location is located a short distance from the park headquarters in Kinigi, accessible by car. There exist multiple gorilla families, with some in close proximity and others located at a distance, approximately an hour’s drive away. A reliable mode of transportation is necessary because to the rough terrain caused by volcanic rocks and eruptions.
Best time to visit Rwanda.
Visit Rwanda ideally between June and September, during the dry season. Since these times offer the finest climbing conditions and the lowest risk of malaria, this is also the ideal time of year to visit mountain gorillas in Rwanda.
Outside of these ideal seasons of year, you can visit Rwanda and hike to observe mountain gorillas; but, keep in mind that the terrain may be more challenging due of rains as well as steep and muddy trails. Before you start your journey to the mountain gorillas in Rwanda’s deep, tropical jungles, you have to be in quite good form.