Volcanoes national park is a stop center for all Rwanda gorilla safari sheltering the highest number of mountain gorillas in the Virunga Conservation area. The strategic location of the Volcanoes National Park roughly 2 hours drive from Kigali international airport make it the most accessible gorilla National Park in the world. Besides gorillas, Volcanoes National park is a home for golden monkeys, a variety of birds, reptiles, amphibians, and insects among other creatures which together make a complete Rwanda wildlife safari packages.
Spanning on a 160 sq km area in the northern part of Rwanda, Volcanoes National Park is part of the great Virunga volcano conservation region spanning to cover Virunga National Park Congo and Mgahinga National Park Uganda. It was initially a small area around Karisimbi, Mikeno and Visoke volcanoes which was gazetted to protect the Mountain gorillas which were facing the threat of extinction as a result of poaching.
Best time visit Volcanoes
Volcanoes are open for gorilla trekking and hiking throughout the year. Sightings of gorillas are almost guaranteed and don’t depend on the weather. However, the trails become very slippery in heavy rain and hiking is definitely easier in the Dry season months, from June to August, and to a lesser extent in early September, December and January.
Weather and climate in Volcanoes
Volcanoes receive a steady stream of rain and mist. Combined with the high altitude, this means that the climate is wet and cold. Temperatures don’t change much throughout the year. Temperatures are around 16°C/61°F during the day. At night, it cools off to about 6°C/43°F. The park’s wide range of altitudes also means a range of climatic conditions. The temperature drops by about 6.5°C for every 1,000m climbed (or 3.5°F per 1,000ft).
How to get to Volcanoes
Kigali International Airport (KGL) will be your entry point into Rwanda. It is about 10km/6mi from the capital, Kigali.
There are no scheduled domestic flights to Volcanoes National Park. Most people opt for a tour around the country with our 4×4 safari vehicles.
Volcanoes National Park is located in the north of the country 130km/81mi from Kigali, 70km/43mi from Gisenyi and 12km/7mi from Musanze.
Akagera Aviation offers charter helicopter transfers to anywhere in the country, including Volcanoes National Park.