Volcanoes National Park is the most popular of Rwanda’s national parks because of the gorillas and the gorilla trekking experience.
The park is located in the north of Rwanda and protects a part of the Virunga Mountain range that extends in Rwanda. Volcanoes National Park has 5 of the volcano mountains of the Virungas, and these are mountains; Muhavura, Gahinga, Sabyinyo, Bisoke, and Karisimbi.
Volcanoes Park is the ultimate destination for active travelers in Rwanda as it offers great trekking opportunities on the volcano mountains.
Below are things to do in Volcanoes National Park and the pricing
Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park
The most popular of activities in Volcanoes National Park is the gorilla trekking or tracking. This is also the signature tour of Rwanda as most travelers visiting Rwanda come to see the mountain gorillas as it is one of the only three countries in the world where they can be seen in their home.
To know all about cost of the gorilla tracking ticket, how to book and the terms and conditions please visit this page about Rwanda gorilla tracking permits
Also, to know about all the costs of the gorilla trip in Rwanda visit this page about cost of a gorilla tracking trip in Rwanda
Dian Fossey tomb trail hike
The Dian Fossey trail hike is one of the not so difficult treks in the park that provides a good chance of seeing more in the Virungas. The trail is located in the valley between mountains Bisoke and Karisimbi and on this trail, you can see the rare mountain plants, wildlife and a good chance to see gorillas. The Dian Fossey trail hike is often done in preparation for the gorilla trek to learn about the person who dedicated her life in leaning and protecting the gorillas and died for them.
| FNR | FR | RC | EA | Students | |||
| N | FR | R | EAC | FR | |||
| $75 | $60 | RwF4000 | $55 | $65 | RwF2000 | $45 | $45 |
Golden monkey trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Golden monkeys are found only in the Virunga mountains. Their beautiful golden fur coats and active character make an encounter with them an exciting adventure worth adding to your trip in Rwanda.
| FNR | FR | RC | EA | Students | |||
| N | FR | R | EAC | FR | |||
| $100 | $65 | RwF4000 | $65 | $80 | RwF2000 | $45 | $45 |
The stunning golden monkeys are a photography delight, and full day photography of the monkeys is available charged at USD 1800 for three consecutive days
Mount Bisoke day hike
Mount Bisoke 3711m is the most popular mountain hiking destination in Rwanda. It has a large crater lake at the summit which is prize after a 6-hour hike. The hike on Mt Bisoke also provides a good chance to see gorillas on the trail as a number of gorilla groups live on this volcano. Golden monkeys will be seen during the hike. Mountain Bisoke is can be hiked by the experienced hiker and even those who are not avid hikers but some fitness.
| FNR | FR | RC | EA | Students | |||
| N | FR | R | EAC | FR | |||
| $75 | $60 | RwF4000 | $55 | $65 | RwF2000 | $45 | $45 |
Mount Muhabura day hike
Mount Muhabura or Muhavura (4127m) is the second highest of the Virunga volcano mountains. And as such, the day hike on Mt. Muhavura is mostly done by the hiking or mountain climbing experienced who want something a little more challenging in day hike than what the popular Mt. Bisoke can give. It is there not a popular mountain for day hikes. Mt. Muhavura will also reward you with a crater lake at the summit, though smaller than that of Mt. Bisoke
| FNR | FR | RC | EA | Students | |||
| N | FR | R | EAC | FR | |||
| $100 | $75 | RwF5000 | $60 | $80 | RwF3000 | $45 | $45 |
Mount Gahinga day hike
Mount Gahinga (3473) is the shortest of the volcanoes in the Virunga mountains in Rwanda. It is not a popular mountain because it does not have much, no crater lake at the summit to look forward to. However, it still offers a great experience of the Virunga mountains, with great views of the mountain range and rolling landscape around. Mt Gahinga is a great option to fall back to for those who love a hike in the Virungas but do not think can take on the tougher hike on Mt. Bisoke and Muhavura.
| FNR | FR | RC | EA | Students | |||
| N | FR | R | EAC | FR | |||
| $75 | $60 | RwF4000 | $55 | $65 | RwF2000 | $45 | $45 |
Mount Karisimbi (4507) is the highest mountain in the Virungas and experience seasonal snow at the summit. Unlike other volcanoes which that are hiked in one day, Mt. Karisimbi requires a 2-day / 1night hike with the overnight spent camping on the mountains. Mt. Karisimbi is suitable for those who would love a mountain climbing experience in the Virunga mountains.
| FNR | FR | RC | EA | Students | |||
| N | FR | R | EAC | FR | |||
| $400 (1 person) & 300 (group) | $250 (1 person) & 200 (group) | RWF30,000 (1 person) & RWF25,000 (group) | $200 (1 person) & $160 (group) | $300 (1 person) & 250 (group) | RWF15,000 (1 person) & RWF12,500 (group) | $180 (1 person) & $150 (group) | $180 (1 person) & $150 (group) |
Note the above pricing does not include camping equipment (tent, sleeping bag) and meals. There is only a camping site for you to establish your tent.
Muhabura – Gahinga 2 day / 1 night hike
This is a brilliant alternative to the Mt. Karisimbi 2-day hike for those who want overnight in the Virunga mountains.
| FNR | FR | RC | EA | Students | |||
| N | FR | R | EAC | FR | |||
| $200 | $160 | RwF20,000 | $130 | $165 | RwF10,000 | $100 | $100 |
Note the above pricing does not include camping equipment (tent, sleeping bag) and meals. There is only a camping site for you to establish your tent.
Nature Walk in Volcanoes National Park
For those who can not take on any of the above hikes and treks but want to explore the Virunga mountains a little bit, a trail along the edge of the forest in the base of the mountains is available that you can take to look at some of the wildlife, enjoy views, and by chance could bump into the mountain gorillas. This is a good option planning a birding trip in Volcanoes as there is not established birding activity in the park. The nature walk is 1 hour long.
| FNR | FR | RC | EA | Students | |||
| N | FR | R | EAC | FR | |||
| $55 | $40 | RwF3500 | $35 | $45 | RwF2000 | $35 | $35 |