National park · Rwanda
Volcanoes National ParkParc des Volcans
Spend a day on a gorilla trek (US$1,500 permit, book early) or a half‑day golden‑monkey hike (RWF 30,000) in the dry season; avoid rainy months July–August.
- Source checked
- A source and a date are on record: we read it from an official or published page. Not yet confirmed on the ground.
- Field checked
- Someone checked it on the ground, with the date shown.
- Plan calculated
- Worked out by Voykit from its own data (times, distances, budgets). A calculation, not a measurement.
Unknown times stay unknown. How we verify
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Map to the park
Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.
Area
160 km² (62 sq mi)62 sq mi (160 km²)
approximate
Established
1925
Best months
Jun, Sep
UNESCO
None
Rules in force · 9Nine African countries on this site have no trip line bec…Carry the yellow fever certificate on every leg of a mult…
- Africa ↗When a route touches a yellow-fever country — even a transit of 12 hours or more — keep the original yellow card (ICVP) in your hand luggage; health desks and airlines can refuse boarding or entry without it.
- Africa ↗Nine African countries on this site have no trip line because governments advise against travel; several others have no-go regions. Read your government's advice for every country on the route before paying deposits.
- East Africa ↗Carry the yellow fever certificate on every leg of a multi-country trip: Uganda and Burundi check it for all arrivals, and a stop in Kenya or Ethiopia makes the next border ask for it.
- East Africa ↗Advice for Ethiopia, Somaliland, Eritrea, Somalia, South Sudan and the Congo border areas can change within days; read your government's page the week you fly and before every regional flight.
- East Africa ↗Price park, reserve and permit fees before comparing lodges: they are charged per person per day, often with VAT, and are fixed whatever bed you choose.
- Rwanda ↗Rwanda issues visas on arrival to all nationalities; check on the Directorate General of Immigration site whether your passport is fee-exempt, and use the official Irembo portal for any online application.
- Rwanda ↗Book a travel-clinic visit several weeks ahead; ask about malaria prevention and carry a yellow fever certificate if you come from or connect through a risk country.
- Rwanda ↗Plastic carrier bags are banned and can be confiscated on arrival; pack in fabric or paper.
- Rwanda ↗On the last Saturday morning of each month (Umuganda community work), many businesses close and traffic is restricted; plan transfers around it.
At a glance
- Country
- Rwanda
- Area
- 160 km² (62 sq mi)62 sq mi (160 km²)
- Approx. 160 km²; some references give slightly higher figures (check).
- Established
- 1925
- Best months
- Jun, Sep
- Permits
- For some areas
Volcanoes National Park protects the volcanic slopes of the Virunga range, offering gorilla trekking, golden‑monkey hikes and volcano scenery in Rwanda's north‑west.
Decide
Why go, which months, and what lives here when
At a glance
Status
- Special national siteRwanda's oldest protected area (check).
Size and age
160 km² (62 sq mi)62 sq mi (160 km²) · national park since 1925
Approx. 160 km²; some references give slightly higher figures (check).
Why go
- Gorilla trekking with the world’s highest‑density mountain‑gorilla population.
- Golden‑monkey trekking on volcanic slopes.
- Scenic volcano hikes and views of the Virunga range.
When to go
- JanGo
- FebGo
- MarCaution
- AprCaution
- MayCaution
- JunBest
- JulCaution
- AugCaution
- SepBest
- OctCaution
- NovCaution
- DecGo
- JanDry, cool.
- FebDry, cool.
- MarEarly rains may start.
- AprRainy season begins.
- MayRainy, trails muddy.
- JunDry, good trekking.
- JulRainy, possible road issues.
- AugRainy, trails slippery.
- SepDry, clear.
- OctRain may return.
- NovRainy start.
- DecDry, cooler.
Wildlife and nature calendar
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mountain gorillas (permit groups only)All year | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Golden monkeysJun–Dec | no | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Bamboo forest birdsMar–Sep | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no |
Arrive & move
Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are
Show 3 sectionsHideHow to get there, Zones and sectors, Sketch map
How to get there
Zones and sectors
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Musanze headquarters | Visitor centre, registration desk, tea/coffee, restrooms. | Open daily; entry with trek permit. |
| Gorilla trekking area | Forest zones on the slopes of the Virunga volcanoes. | Guided groups only. |
| Golden‑monkey sector | Higher‑altitude forest trails. | Guided groups; day‑trip only. |
Sketch map
Take the points offline
3 points as a GPX waypoint file, plus a plain-text list of coordinates. Save it while you have signal: maps apps show the points without a connection.
Coordinates approximate for orientation.
See & do
Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking
Show Top experiencesHide
Top experiences
Practical
Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong
Show 8 sectionsHideEntry fees and permits, Park rules, Where to stay, Safety, Accessibility, Visiting lightly, Questions people ask, Related
Entry fees and permits
| Item | Range | Per | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gorilla trekking permit | RWF 1,500,000 | person | US$1,500 (2026 estimate). |
| Golden‑monkey trek fee | RWF 30,000 | person | — |
| Park entry (headquarters) | Free | person | Entry included in trek fees. |
Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.
Gorilla trekking permit permit or guide
Golden‑monkey trek permit permit or guide
What would our group pay?
People
Nights or days
- RWF 1,500,000
- RWF 30,000
Tick the fees that apply to your trip to see a total.
A guide, not a quote: the ranges are estimates (checked 2026-09) and each fee may have rules on who pays it. Confirm on Rwandan Office for Tourism and National Parks (ORTPN) before you go.
Park rules
- Guides
- All treks require a licensed park guide.
- Photography
- No flash; distance must be kept from gorillas.
- Camping
- Not allowed inside park; stay in Musanze town or approved lodges.
- Litter
- Carry out all waste; no fires.
- Drones
- Prohibited without special permission.
Where to stay
Near the park
Kinigi Guest House
Dormitory and private rooms 300 m from HQ; basic meals.
Near the park
Musanze town hotels
Range from budget to upscale; many offer transport to park.
Safety
Altitude and steep terrain medium
Rain‑induced landslides high
How much daylight do you have?
Time out
Finding the local time zone…
Times are local to the spot (zone loading). The half-hour margin is our rule of thumb, not an official figure; light fades earlier in forest or under cloud. Carry a headlamp on any route that could run late.
Accessibility
- Headquarters area reachable by car; short walks.
- Trails are steep and uneven; not suitable for limited mobility.
Visiting lightly
- Use park‑approved guides; avoid unofficial “langur” tours.
- Support lodges that recycle waste and employ local staff.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter Volcanoes National Park?
Entry is free; the main cost is the gorilla trekking permit (US$1,500 / RWF 1,500,000) or a golden‑monkey trek fee of RWF 30,000.
What are the best hikes in Volcanoes National Park?
Gorilla trekking (hard, 3–4 h), golden‑monkey trek (moderate, 2–3 h), and the optional Mount Bisoke crater hike (hard, 5–6 h).
When is the best time to visit Volcanoes National Park?
Dry season June–September and December–February offers clear trails and good wildlife viewing.
Do I need a guide for all treks?
Yes. All trails, including the golden‑monkey trek, require a licensed park guide.
Can I camp inside the park?
No. Camping is prohibited; stay in Musanze town or at approved lodges near the park.
Deep dive
Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go
Show the detailsHide
Ask about Volcanoes National Park
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