Volcanoes National Park, on the Rwandan slopes of the Virunga Massif, is one of the last refuges of the endangered mountain gorilla — and the most luxurious place on Earth to meet them. Trekking through dense bamboo and Afro-montane forest, accompanied by expert trackers, you spend a precious, permit-protected hour just metres from a wild gorilla family: a silverback resting in the undergrowth, mothers cradling infants, youngsters tumbling at play. It is, for almost everyone who experiences it, the single most moving wildlife encounter of their lives. This is also the land where Dian Fossey carried out her pioneering research, and her legacy of conservation endures in one of Africa's great success stories. Beyond the gorillas, you can trek to rare golden monkeys, hike to Fossey's research camp, and immerse yourself in Rwanda's remarkable culture and its inspiring story of renewal. Easy access via Kigali — barely a two-hour drive away — and the presence of the finest gorilla lodges on the continent, from Bisate to Singita Kwitonda and One&Only Gorilla's Nest, make Rwanda the definitive luxury primate destination.
We don't just secure the permit. We help you earn the encounter. One hour with a mountain gorilla family, after a climb through the mist — it is among the most moving hours in travel. We handle permits, fitness advice and porters so you're ready for it.
At a glance, Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda spans 160 km² park, mountain gorillas & golden monkeys, protected since National Park 1925 — and the best time to be here is typically Jun – Sep & Dec – Feb.
The Gorilla Trek — An Hour That Changes You
After a briefing at park headquarters, you set off with expert trackers into the forest, climbing through bamboo and tangled undergrowth until — suddenly — you are there. A gorilla family, going about its day just metres away. A vast silverback dozes in a shaft of sunlight; an infant somersaults from a branch; a mother meets your gaze with startling, gentle intelligence. For one permit-protected hour, you share their world. Almost no one returns unchanged.
- Spend a precious, permit-protected hour with a wild mountain gorilla family
- Accompanied by expert trackers and guides who know each family intimately
- Trek through dramatic bamboo and Afro-montane forest on volcanic slopes
- Your permit directly funds the conservation that is saving the species
Why Go
- Trek to endangered mountain gorillas — the world's most moving wildlife encounter
- Home to the finest gorilla lodges on Earth: Bisate, Singita Kwitonda, One&Only
- Golden monkey trekking in the bamboo forests of the Virungas
- Hike to Dian Fossey's research camp and tomb
- Easy access — barely two hours from Kigali International Airport
- Rwanda's inspiring conservation success and cultural renewal
A Predator's Country
Here is what the guiding team looks for on a typical few days in the bush.
Mountain Gorilla. Around a third of the world's remaining mountain gorillas live in the Virungas
Golden Monkey. Endangered, jewel-coloured monkeys found only in this region
Forest Elephant. Elusive forest elephants roam the higher slopes of the Virungas
Buffalo. Hardy mountain buffalo inhabit the forest and bamboo zones
Spotted Hyena. Found in the park's forests, occasionally seen on treks
200+ Bird Species. Including the rare Rwenzori turaco and Albertine Rift endemics
How to Explore
Mountain Gorilla Trekking
Half to full day · Primate Trek
The pinnacle of any African journey — trek through the Virunga forest with expert trackers to spend a permit-protected hour with a wild mountain gorilla family. An emotional, intimate and utterly unforgettable encounter with one of our closest relatives.
Best for: Bucket-list travellers, Honeymooners, Nature lovers.
Golden Monkey Trekking
2–4 hours · Primate Trek
Trek into the bamboo forests of the Virungas to find troops of endangered golden monkeys — playful, jewel-coloured primates found only in this region. A delightful, active and less strenuous complement to the gorilla trek.
Best for: Primate lovers, Families, Photographers.
Dian Fossey Hike to Karisoke
Half day · Nature
Hike through the forest to the site of Dian Fossey's Karisoke Research Center and her tomb, where she lived among and fought to protect the gorillas. A moving pilgrimage into the heart of gorilla conservation history.
Best for: History lovers, Active travellers, Conservationists.
Iby'Iwacu Cultural Village
2–3 hours · Culture
Immerse yourself in Rwandan culture at a community village on the edge of the park, with traditional Intore dancing, drumming, local crafts and the chance to meet reformed poachers now working in conservation.
Best for: Culture lovers, Families, Couples.
Twin Lakes & Musanze Caves
Half day · Scenic
Explore the scenic twin lakes of Burera and Ruhondo and the dramatic Musanze lava-tube caves, taking in the lush, terraced beauty of the Land of a Thousand Hills.
Best for: Scenic lovers, Active travellers, Photographers.
Kigali City & Genocide Memorial
Half to full day · Culture
Discover Rwanda's clean, vibrant capital and visit the moving Kigali Genocide Memorial — essential context for understanding the nation's remarkable journey of healing and renewal.
Best for: Culture lovers, First-time visitors, Couples.
Where We Send Our Guests
We hand-pick every camp and lodge we use in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda. These are the addresses we return to, chosen for their guiding, their location and the way they make the wilderness feel like your own.
Singita Kwitonda Lodge ★★★★★
From $2100 per person per night. Eight glass-fronted suites on the edge of Volcanoes National Park, each with a fireplace and heated pool framing the misty Virunga peaks — Singita's conservation-led gorilla lodge.
- 8 suites with volcano views
- Heated private pools
- 178-acre reforestation reserve
- Spa, gym & boutique
Condé Nast Traveler #1 Resort in Africa
Bisate Lodge ★★★★★
From $1900 per person per night. Six dome-shaped 'nests' woven into a volcanic amphitheatre — Wilderness's iconic, design-led lodge that has planted over 100,000 indigenous trees across its slopes.
- 6 forest 'nest' villas
- Dramatic volcanic amphitheatre
- Reforestation programme
- Spa treatments
Tatler Best New Hotel · Nat Geo Unique Lodges
One&Only Gorilla's Nest ★★★★★
From $2200 per person per night. Set in a towering eucalyptus forest at the base of the Virunga volcanoes, One&Only's all-suite lodge pairs serious comfort with direct access to the gorilla trailheads.
- 21 lodge & forest rooms
- Towering eucalyptus setting
- Spa & wellness
- Helipad transfers
Forbes Travel Guide · One&Only debut in Africa
Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge ★★★★
From $1100 per person per night. Rwanda's original luxury gorilla lodge — community-owned and funding local development, with ten characterful suites and grand views across the five Virunga volcanoes.
- 10 suites & cottages
- Community-owned lodge
- Sweeping Virunga views
- Fireplaces & butlers
Responsible Tourism Award · Governors' Camp Collection
Best Time to Go
Long Dry Season (Jun – Sep). The most popular time to trek, with drier trails and easier forest conditions. Book gorilla permits well in advance. Wildlife: prime gorilla trekking; weather 10–25°C, drier.
Short Dry Season (Dec – Feb). A second excellent window with good trekking conditions and lush scenery between the rains. Wildlife: excellent gorilla trekking; weather 10–25°C, drier.
Rainy Seasons (Mar – May & Oct – Nov). Wetter and muddier trails, but gorillas are tracked year-round, lodges are quieter and the forest is gloriously green. Wildlife: year-round gorilla trekking; weather 10–24°C, frequent rain.
How to Get Here
Rwanda is one of the most accessible gorilla destinations in Africa. Fly into Kigali International Airport — well connected via Nairobi, Addis Ababa, Doha and Brussels — then enjoy a scenic two-to-three-hour drive through the terraced 'Land of a Thousand Hills' to Volcanoes National Park. Helicopter transfers are also available. Rwanda pairs superbly with a Kenyan or Tanzanian safari, or with Uganda's primates.
- Kigali: 2–3 hour scenic drive (105 km)
- Nairobi: 1.5-hour flight to Kigali (1,150 km)
- Entebbe (Uganda): 1-hour flight to Kigali (500 km)
Pair It With
The finest journeys rarely stop at one destination. Here is how our specialists most often pair Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda:
- Serengeti Tanzania — Pair the gorillas with the Serengeti's plains for East Africa's two greatest experiences.
- Masai Mara Kenya — Combine Rwanda's forests with the Mara's big cats for a primates-and-plains journey.
- Uganda Bwindi — Add Uganda's Bwindi for a second gorilla trek and chimpanzee tracking.
Plan Your Journey
Every trip we craft to Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda is private and built around you — your dates, your pace and the wildlife you most want to see. Our specialists have travelled this ground themselves and design each itinerary by hand. Contact our team to begin planning, or explore our Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda destination guide for more detail.
