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June – September and December – February (Drier trails and better photography conditions)
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Mountain Lodges / Boutique Hotels (Musanze or Kinigi area)
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4x4 Land Cruiser (Essential for the volcanic terrain) / Helicopter Transfer
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Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
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Professional English-speaking Driver/Guide & RDB Specialist Rangers
Destination Overview
Volcanoes National Park is the crown jewel of Rwanda tourism. At Maudie Safaris, we view this destination as the most accessible and historically significant place to trek Mountain Gorillas. Located in the northwest of Rwanda, the park protects the steep slopes of this magnificent mountain range – home of the endangered mountain gorilla and a rich mosaic of montane ecosystems, which embrace evergreen and bamboo forests, open grassland, swamp and heath.
This is hallowed ground for conservationists. It was here that Dian Fossey spent 20 years studying the behavior of these gentle giants, bringing their plight to the world’s attention. The park is named after the chain of dormant volcanoes making up the Virunga Massif: Karisimbi, Bisoke, Sabinyo, Gahinga, and Muhabura. The trekking here is generally considered slightly less arduous than in Bwindi due to the bamboo vegetation, but the altitude is higher. It is a place of mist, mystery, and profound connection with nature.
Preserving the Ecosystem
Rwanda is a world leader in conservation, and Volcanoes National Park is its success story. The mountain gorilla population here has been steadily increasing thanks to extreme protection measures.
Maudie Safaris strictly adheres to the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) guidelines. The price of a permit here is higher than in neighboring countries, but this premium supports high-end, low-impact tourism and robust community sharing schemes. By visiting, you are directly funding the expansion of the park habitat and the “Kwita Izina” baby naming initiatives. We prioritize lodges that employ local staff, ensuring that the community sees the gorillas as a source of livelihood rather than a threat.
Highlights
- Mountain Gorilla Trekking: The headline act. Tracking one of the habituated families through the bamboo forests of the Virungas is a seamless, world-class experience.
- Golden Monkey Tracking: Volcanoes is one of the only places on earth to see these rare, playful, and photogenic primates with their distinctive gold-orange backs.
- Dian Fossey Tomb Hike: A pilgrimage for conservationists, this hike leads to the Karisoke Research Center ruins where Fossey is buried alongside her favorite gorilla, Digit.
- The Musanze Caves: Explore the geological history of the region by walking through these ancient volcanic tunnels formed by lava flows.
- Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village: Now known as the Gorilla Guardians Village, this center offers a chance to meet former poachers who have turned into performers and artisans, showcasing Rwandan royal history and dance.
- The Twin Lakes: Lakes Burera and Ruhondo offer breathtaking scenery and a chance to relax after the morning treks.