Named after the chain of dormant volcanoes making up the Virunga Massif, Volcanoes National Park is the most famous destination in Rwanda. The park is situated in the far northwest of Rwanda and its forested mountain range is home to the endangered mountain gorillas.

There is an abundance of activities to in Volcanoes National Park, in this blog we have listed the must do activities in this iconic Rwanda safari destination.

Gorilla Trekking

Undoubtedly gorilla trekking is the most popular and one of the must do activities in Volcanoes National Park. The park host about 30% of the world’s mountain gorillas making it one of the best places for mountain gorilla encounters.

Gorilla trekking excursion begins early in the morning with briefing at the park headquarters in Kinigi, visitors are then divided into groups of 8 people and assigned a gorilla family to track. In company of armed ranger guides, you trek through the misty forests looking for mountain gorillas.

The gorilla trek can last about 30 minutes to several hours depending on the movement of the gorillas and where they spent their previous night, when you locate them you are allowed to spend a maximum of one hour as you observe them play, feed, pick fruits and groom each other.

To participate in gorilla trekking in Rwanda, you must be in possession of a gorilla permit costing $ 1,500 per person per trek. The funds collected from gorilla permits is used to support conservation efforts and contributes to local community development. Due to high demand and controlled availability of gorilla permits, visitors much book their permits in advance.

The gorilla trek can be demand as it involves hiking through dense bamboo forests and steep slopes, which us why trekkers need to be in good physical condition. Also, it is important to wear proper clothing. Your packing list for gorilla trekking should include long sleeved shorts and trousers, sturdy hiking boots, and carry a rain gear due to the unpredictable weather in the park.

Golden Monkey Trekking

Golden monkey trekking is another amazing primate experience in Volcanoes National Park, it is similar to gorilla trekking but less strenuous.

Golden monkey trekking in Volcanoes National Park is one of the must do activities involving tracking the beautiful and playful golden monkeys thriving in the bamboo forests. The golden monkeys are known for their striking golden fur and energetic social interactions, they are a sub-species of the Skyes monkey, characterized by its striking orange fur and is endemic to the Virunga Region, which spans parts of Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo.

Golden monkeys are a delight to watch as they leap and play through the bamboo forests.

Volcanoes National Park has two habituated troops of golden monkeys, with the larger troop located near Mount Sabyinyo, consisting of around 80 to 100 individuals. The golden monkeys primarily dwell in the bamboo forests at the base of the volcanoes, making them relatively easy to track and observe.

Golden monkey trekking experience typically begins early morning with a briefing at the park headquarters in Kinigi around 07:00 Am. Then visitors are divided into small groups and guided by experienced park rangers.

The trek takes approximately 30 minutes to 4 hours or more depending on the movement of golden monkeys as they tend to move frequently in search for food. Once located, trekkers can spend one hour observing them as they feed, play and swing through the trees. This interaction provides a unique opportunity for photography and an opportunity to view their social behaviors up-close.

To participate in golden monkey trekking in Rwanda all visitors are required to have a golden monkey trekking permit costing $ 100 per person. Unlike gorilla trekking, golden monkey trekking in Volcanoes National Park has no age limit, making it a perfect experience for families.

Volcano Hiking

Volcanoes National Park offers some of the best and most accessible volcano hiking trails in Rwanda as well as East Africa Region. The park is home to five of the eight volcanoes of the Virunga mountain range that is Mount Karisimbi, Mount Bisoke, Mount Muhavura, Mount Gahinga and Mount Sabyinyo.

Among these volcanoes, Mount Bisoke and Mount Karisimbi are the most popular hikes.

• Climbing Mount Bisoke – Standing at 3,711 meters and featuring a stunning crater lake at its summit. The hike typically takes about 5 to 7 hours round trip, depending on individual fitness levels and the frequency of stops. The trail to the summit is considered moderately challenging, making it accessible to physically fit people who do not necessarily require prior hiking experience.

Hikers are guided by experienced rangers who provide insights into the local flora and fauna and safety instructions. The trek offers breathtaking views of the region’s rugged landscapes, including lush forest and volcanic features.

• Climbing Karisimbi – Hiking Mount Karisimbi is a more strenuous trek and is often completed within two days, requiring hikers to camp overnight at high altitude. Mount Karisimbi at 4,507 meters is the highest peak of the Virunga Volcanoes and because of that, the hike demands good physical fitness and endurance.

The trek passes through several ecosystems, including bamboo forests and Afro-Montane vegetation, offering hikers a chance to experience the rich biodiversity of Volcanoes National Park. Upon reaching the summit, trekkers are rewarded with panoramic views of the other volcanoes in the range and the beautiful Twin lakes of Burera and Ruhondo below.

Cultural Encounters

Volcanoes National Park offers incredible immersive cultural experiences showcasing the rich heritage and traditions of Rwanda, these cultural encounters are among the must do activities in Volcanoes National Park.

Cultural encounters in Volcanoes National Park include

• Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village

Also known as the Gorilla Guardians Village, the Iby’Iwacu Village is listed among the remarkable cultural attractions in Volcanoes National Park. Here, visitors engage with the local culture through traditional music and dance performances, storytelling and interactive workshops.

Visitors can participate in activities such as banana beer brewing, traditional cooking and experience a day in the life of the locals by engaging in subsistence farming practices. The Ib’Iwacu cultural village visit also offers a unique opportunity to learn about the history and customs of the Rwandan people, including insights into the royal traditions of the past.

• Batwa Pygmy Community Experience

Visiting the people of the forest, the Batwa is another memorable cultural experience to do in Volcanoes National Park. The Batwa pygmies used to live in the forests of Virunga until the area was gazetted as protected area, now they lived in the forests surrounding Volcanoes National Park.

The Batwa have transitioned from their traditional lifestyles as gatherers to engaging in various income-generating activities such as pottery making and craft production. Visitors can take participate in several hands-on activities, including cooking traditional meals or learning about local crafts. This interaction enriches the visitors’ experience and supports the Batwa’s efforts to preserve their culture while adapting to modern livelihoods.

• Annual Kwita Izina Festival

Also known as the Gorilla Naming Ceremony, Kwita Izina is a unique educative experience held annual in Musanze, just outside Volcanoes National Park. This event celebrates the birth of baby mountain gorillas and it is modeled after a centuries- old Rwandan tradition where families name their children in the presence of loved ones.

Kwita Izina was officially launched in 2005 and has become a significant occasion for both conservation and cultural heritage, highlighting the importance of protecting these endangered species. The ceremony is attended by conservationists, reseachers and dignitaries gathering to name the newborn gorillas from the past year.

The Kwitza Izina Festival honors the gorillas as well as acknowledging the efforts of local communities, rangers and conservationists who work tirelessly to protect these endangered creatures.

• Guided Community Walks

Led by a local guide, guided walks in the nearby villages provide an authentic glimpse into the daily life of the local community and often include visits to local homes, schools and markets, allowing tourists to observe and participate in local customs and practices.

Visitors can engage with local artisans and farmers gaining a deeper understanding of Rwandan culture and fosters connections between visitors and residents.

Dian Fossey Hike

Hiking to the grave of Dian Fossey is one of the most poignant trails in Volcanoes National Park. Dian Fossey was a pioneer in studying and conserving mountain gorillas who dedicated her life to the cause.

The trek to her grave site, located near her former research camp at Karisoke, allows visitors to pay homage to her legacy while learning about her significant contributions to wildlife conservation. The hike typically takes 1 to 3 hours, and you can spot various wildlife, including birds and monkeys as well as the stunning views of the surrounding volcanic landscape.