Volcanoes National Park Rwanda

Gorilla trekking permits at Volcanoes National Park cost $1,500 USD per person. Low season discounts (November-May) reduce permits to $1,050 when you stay 2 nights in Nyungwe or Akagera National Park - a 30% savings.

Volcanoes National Park is home to 11 habituated mountain gorilla families: Susa, Karisimbi, Sabyinyo, Amahoro, Umubano, Hirwa, Agashya, Kwitonda, Bwenge, Ugenda, and Muhoza. Each family can be visited by 8 tourists per day, totaling 80 gorilla permits available daily.

Volcanoes National Park is located in northern Rwanda, 116 kilometers (72 miles) from Kigali International Airport. The scenic drive takes approximately 2 hours on well-maintained paved roads through Rwanda's beautiful terraced hillsides.

Consistently Cool Temperatures

 Located in Rwanda’s high-altitude region, Volcanoes National Park maintains a cool climate year-round. Daytime temperatures average around 15°C (59°F), while nights can drop to 7°C (45°F). Due to its mountainous terrain, temperatures remain relatively stable, making the park a comfortable destination for trekking and wildlife exploration.

Long Dry Season (June – September)

 This is the best time for gorilla trekking and hiking, as the trails remain dry and accessible. With temperatures ranging between 25°C and 27°C (77°F to 81°F) during the day and 13.5°C to 15°C (56°F to 59°F) at night, visitors can enjoy clear skies and excellent wildlife viewing conditions.

Short Wet Season (October – December)

 Rains begin in October, bringing lush greenery and revitalizing the park’s vegetation. Though trekking is still available, muddy trails can make the experience more challenging. However, this season is a great time for birdwatching as migratory birds arrive in the region.

Short Dry Season (January – February)

 This brief dry spell offers another excellent window for mountain gorilla tracking. The minimal rainfall ensures easier hikes, making it a preferred time for those looking to avoid the wetter months while still experiencing the park’s beauty.

Long Wet Season (March – May)

 This is the rainiest period in the park, with dense mist and slippery trails. While this season provides breathtaking green landscapes and fewer crowds, visitors should prepare for challenging hikes due to heavy rainfall.

Plan Your Visit Accordingly

 Since rainfall can occur at any time, visitors are encouraged to pack waterproof gear, sturdy hiking boots, and warm clothing to ensure a comfortable experience in Volcanoes National Park. Regardless of the season, this remarkable destination offers unforgettable wildlife encounters and breathtaking scenery.

The best time for gorilla trekking at Volcanoes National Park is during dry seasons: June-September and December-February. These months offer drier trails and easier hiking conditions. However, gorilla trekking is available year-round, with low season discounts available March-May and October-November.

Consistently Cool Temperatures

 Located in Rwanda’s high-altitude region, Volcanoes National Park maintains a cool climate year-round. Daytime temperatures average around 15°C (59°F), while nights can drop to 7°C (45°F). Due to its mountainous terrain, temperatures remain relatively stable, making the park a comfortable destination for trekking and wildlife exploration.

Long Dry Season (June – September)

 This is the best time for gorilla trekking and hiking, as the trails remain dry and accessible. With temperatures ranging between 25°C and 27°C (77°F to 81°F) during the day and 13.5°C to 15°C (56°F to 59°F) at night, visitors can enjoy clear skies and excellent wildlife viewing conditions.

Short Wet Season (October – December)

 Rains begin in October, bringing lush greenery and revitalizing the park’s vegetation. Though trekking is still available, muddy trails can make the experience more challenging. However, this season is a great time for birdwatching as migratory birds arrive in the region.

Short Dry Season (January – February)

 This brief dry spell offers another excellent window for mountain gorilla tracking. The minimal rainfall ensures easier hikes, making it a preferred time for those looking to avoid the wetter months while still experiencing the park’s beauty.

Long Wet Season (March – May)

 This is the rainiest period in the park, with dense mist and slippery trails. While this season provides breathtaking green landscapes and fewer crowds, visitors should prepare for challenging hikes due to heavy rainfall.

Plan Your Visit Accordingly

 Since rainfall can occur at any time, visitors are encouraged to pack waterproof gear, sturdy hiking boots, and warm clothing to ensure a comfortable experience in Volcanoes National Park. Regardless of the season, this remarkable destination offers unforgettable wildlife encounters and breathtaking scenery.

Between November and May, travelers can receive a 30% discount on Rwanda gorilla trekking permits, provided they meet certain conditions. To be eligible, you’ll need to spend a minimum of two nights in 

 followed by at least one night in Akagera National Park.

Rwanda Safari makes it simple by offering a Low Season 4-Day Safari & Gorilla Trekking package designed around this discount, along with other national park itineraries that qualify. By working with licensed tour operators and all Rwanda’s parks, Rwanda Safari ensures you book only verified, highly rated, and discounted safaris.

The minimum age for gorilla trekking at Volcanoes National Park is 15 years old. This age requirement applies to all park activities including volcano hiking, golden monkey tracking, and the Dian Fossey tomb hike.

Gorilla trekking difficulty varies from moderate to challenging depending on which family you're assigned. Treks can take 1-6 hours through steep, sometimes muddy terrain at 2,500-3,500m altitude. Reasonable fitness is recommended, though porters are available to help carry your pack and provide assistance.

Yes, Volcanoes National Park is accessible for day trips from Kigali (2.5-hour drive). 

However, most visitors stay overnight near the park to be ready for the early 7:00 AM gorilla trekking start time and to enjoy a more relaxed experience.

Volcanoes National Park offers gorilla trekking ($1,500), golden monkey tracking ($100), volcano hiking including Mount Bisoke crater lake ($75) and Mount Karisimbi summit ($400), Dian Fossey tomb hike ($75), and Musanze Caves exploration ($40). Most visitors combine gorilla trekking with volcano hiking or golden monkeys