Volcanoes National Park is one of Rwanda’s most famous conservation parks, renowned for its mountain gorillas and dramatic volcanic landscapes. Located in northwestern Rwanda, the park is part of the larger Virunga Mountains, which spread out through Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The park is home to five of the eight Virunga volcanoes, including Mount Karisimbi, Mount Bisoke, and Mount Muhabura, with spectacular scenery and excellent hiking trails.
Gorilla trekking is the principal attraction of the park, and it offers visitors a one-off opportunity of seeing endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitats. The park also has golden monkeys, a number of bird species, and other animals, and it is thus an ultimate destination for nature enthusiasts. Besides wildlife viewing, the park offers opportunities for excursions to Dian Fossey’s research camp where the renowned primatologist carried out her seminal work on gorilla conservation.
For those who seek adventure, the park has difficult volcano hikes such as hiking to the crater lake of Mount Bisoke. The Musanze Caves provide another cultural and historical experience. Volcanoes National Park is one place that no person who wants to experience Rwanda’s natural beauty, wildlife, and extensive conservation history should evade.
