Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park: Famous For Its Mountain Gorillas
Volcanoes National Park in northwest Rwanda hugs the slopes of the Virunga massif, a chain of eight colossal volcanoes which Rwanda shares with Uganda, and Congo. The national park is home to the endangered mountain gorillas. Rwanda is known worldwide for its silverbacks, and for good reason: according to the African Wildlife Foundation, it is the only great ape species in the world experiencing population rise. Volcanoes is also the oldest national park in all of Africa established in 1925. You may have heard of it because of primatologist Dian Fossey. She carried out her research here and founded a centre to protect gorillas from poachers. Her story inspired the film Gorillas in the Mist, which brought global attention to these endangered giants.
6 things you need to know about Volcanoes
Before we explore the Volcanoes National Park in detail, here are some few facts to know:
- Volcanoes National Park is located about 120 km (3 hour drive) from Rwanda’s capital, Kigali
- The park spans 160km² and encompasses five of the eight Virunga volcanoes.
- It is Africa’s Oldest National Park, gazetted in 1925
- It offers possibly the best mountain gorilla trekking in Africa with 12 habituated gorilla families
- The park was the base for American primatologist Dian Fossey, who set up a research center there in 1967 and worked to protect mountain gorillas until her death.
- Beyond gorillas, Volcanoes National Park protects endangered golden monkeys, over 200 species of birds, and various montane ecosystems.
Dian Fossey
Volcanoes National Park became world famous because of Dian Fossey.
Born in 1932, this American wildlife warrior arrived in Rwanda in 1966 to study critically endangered mountain gorillas. She spent nearly 20 years living in the forest, watching gorilla families at close range and patiently earning their trust. She was tragically murdered in 1985 in her pursuit to protect gorillas from poachers. She was buried here alongside her beloved Digit, her favorite gorilla, who was also killed by poachers in 1977. Her story was beautifully depicted in the popular Hollywood ‘Gorillas in the Mist’ movie, which was also the title of the book she wrote.
After Fossey’s death, conservation efforts in the area unexpectedly continued. The park continued to suffer from the practices of local poachers, who still targeted the mountain gorillas. Volcanoes later became inaccessible during the Rwandan civil war from 1990 to 1999.
Recovery began in 2005 with the launch of the famous baby gorilla naming ceremony, Kwita Izina. Each newborn gorilla receives a name in a public celebration, symbolizing protection and hope. The event helped restore tourism and renewed international interest, while strengthening long-term conservation of these remarkable animals.
Volcanoes and misty jungles
Volcanoes National Park offers some of the most breathtaking scenery in East Africa. The park features 5 volcanic mountains blanketed in lush green forests.
During the rainy season, the landscape feels especially magical. Soft mist drifts through the trees while the volcano peaks rise dramatically above the clouds. As the sun breaks through, the fog slowly lifts, revealing layer upon layer of deep green slopes. The transformation is unforgettable.
Although these volcanoes dominate the skyline, they are no longer active. Their last eruptions occurred long ago, leaving behind rich soils and dramatic shapes. Over time, several craters have filled with clear water, forming serene mountain lakes hidden among the peaks.
See Gorillas And Golden Monkeys
Volcanoes National Park is one of only few safe places in Africa where you can trek to see wild mountain gorillas. For many visitors, meeting these Great Apes at close range becomes the highlight of their African safari. Standing just meters from a powerful male silverback gorilla can be a hair-raising experience, especially if you have only seen large wild animals from inside a vehicle. Despite their intimidating size, gorillas are gentle, nonaggressive vegetarians. The park is also famous for its golden monkeys. These rare monkeys live only in the Virunga Mountains and nowhere else on Earth.
The park is covered with mountain rainforest. Because of this, you will not see savanna animals like zebras or big cats. Instead, the forest is home to many primates and other small animals. Volcanoes National Park is also a wonderful place for bird lovers. The forest shelters many colorful and endemic bird species. For birdwatchers, it is a quiet and rewarding place to explore and spend time in nature.
Activities in Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park is the ultimate destination for the more active traveler. You can climb volcanoes, hike to see gorillas, or delve deeper into the local culture. These are our favorite activities:
1. Gorilla Trekking
The most famous activity in Volcanoes National Park is gorilla trekking to see the rare mountain gorillas in the wild. The park is home to at least ten habituated gorilla families. Accompanied by experienced rangers, you set out on an exciting trek through dense rainforest, bamboo slopes, and mist-covered hills in search of one of these groups. The family you visit is assigned on the day, based on your fitness level and the gorillas’ current location. Some treks are short and gentle, while others can be steep and challenging. Who knows, you might even go in search of the Susa group, which Dian Fossey has researched for years.
2. Golden Monkey Trekking
In Volcanoes National Park, two habituated groups of rare golden monkeys can be visited, each numbering more than eighty individuals. These endangered primates live only in the volcanic highlands of Rwanda and southern Uganda’s Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. The trek is organized in small groups of up to eight visitors, accompanied by an experienced ranger, similar to gorilla trekking. However, the terrain is generally flatter and less demanding, so the walk is usually easier. Once the monkeys are located, you are allowed to spend one hour observing them in their natural habitat.
3. Visit Dian Fossey Research Center
In Volcanoes National Park, you can hike to the former Karisoke Research Center, once home to the legendary primatologist Dian Fossey. The trek takes about three hours through beautiful mountain forest, with sweeping views, colorful birds, and occasional sightings of monkeys along the way. Although the research station itself is no longer fully intact, rangers explain how Fossey lived and carried out her groundbreaking work in this remote location. You will also see the site of her former cabin, offering a glimpse into her simple life among the gorillas. The walk ends at her quiet gravesite, where she rests beside several of her beloved gorillas.
4. Climb a Volcano
For experienced hikers, Volcanoes National Park offers the chance to climb some of the dramatic Virunga volcanoes. Treks range from demanding half-day hikes to tough overnight expeditions. The most popular climb is Mount Bisoke (3,711 m / 12,175 ft), known for its stunning crater lake at the summit. For a more strenuous adventure, trekkers can attempt Mount Karisimbi (4,507 m / 14,787 ft), the tallest volcano in the range. This demanding climb usually requires an overnight stay near the summit. Other rewarding options include Mount Gahinga (3,474 m / 11,398 ft) and Mount Muhabura (4,127 m / 13,540 ft), which can be climbed separately or combined for an even more challenging adventure.
5. Visit The Gorilla Guardian Village
After visiting the gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, you can also visit the Gorilla Guardians Village. This inspiring community project shows how conservation can change lives. Years ago, some local people survived by poaching gorillas and other wildlife.
In 2004, with strong community support, many of these former hunters were given new jobs and a new purpose; protecting the animals they once hunted. Today, the village welcomes visitors to experience Rwanda’s rich culture firsthand. You can watch energetic traditional dances, taste local food, explore handmade crafts, and hear powerful personal stories of transformation.
Visitors also have the chance to buy souvenirs that directly support the community. The experience is both educational and uplifting. It reveals how people and wildlife can thrive together – and how former poachers became proud guardians of the very gorillas they once threatened.
6. Visit to Ellen DeGeneres Campus
This is a unique opportunity to experience gorilla conservation firsthand at the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund. Located beside Volcanoes National Park, this eco-friendly campus features three main areas: the Research Center, the Education Center, and the Conservation Gallery. As a leading conservation hub, it brings together scientists, students, local communities, and visitors from around the world. Its mission is not only to protect mountain gorillas, but also to inspire and educate future generations to care for wildlife and the environment.
7. Canoeing On Mukungwa River
The Mukungwa River flows gently near Volcanoes National Park, starting from the twin lakes of Burera and Ruhondo. A canoe trip here is a perfect addition to your gorilla trekking adventure. With a professional Rwandan guide, you’ll paddle slowly through lush landscapes, spotting birds, playful otters, and even curious children waving from the riverbanks. In the distance, the Virunga volcanoes rise majestically above the horizon. It’s a peaceful, scenic journey and a wonderful way to experience rural life in Rwanda while taking in unforgettable views of this volcanic region.