Volcanoes National Park

Pros & Cons

• Best mountain gorilla trekking in Africa
• Large golden monkey troops
• Incredible scenery with volcanoes
• Several other activities are available making a longer stay attractive
• Very expensive gorilla trekking permit and limited availability
• All accommodation is in cultivated areas outside the park

Wildlife

Aside from mountain gorillas, you can track one of the habituated troops of golden monkeys, one of which numbers up to 100 individuals. This endangered species is an Albertine Rift endemic. Buffalo and elephants are quite common in the forest, but they are skittish and rarely seen. Smaller animals present include bushbuck, bushpig, giant forest hog, black-fronted duiker and side-striped jackals.

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Scenery

Volcanoes NP protects the Rwandan sector of the Virunga Mountains, a range of dormant and active volcanoes that straddle the Ugandan and Congolese borders. The dramatic scenery consists of a chain of freestanding mountains, connected by forested saddles. The gorillas are often found along these saddles, in enormous groves of bamboo.

Activities

The most popular activity is gorilla trekking, which gets you close to one of the world's most iconic wild creatures. Wildlife enthusiasts can also track golden monkeys in the bamboo zone. Other day hikes include the walk to Dian Fossey's grave at the abandoned Karisoke Research Center and ascent to the scenic crater lake atop Mt Bisoke. Activities are all guided and undertaken as day excursions from outside the park.

Weather & Climate

Due to the mountain peaks and general high altitude, Volcanoes NP has a damp, cold climate. It rains throughout the year, but there is a drier period from June to August. Due to its location near the equator, temperatures don’t vary much through the year. Daytime temperatures average 15°C/59°F, but this drops to about 7°C/45°F at night. Waterproof, warm clothing is necessary throughout the year.

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Best Time To Visit

Gorilla trekking is offered throughout the year. Sightings are almost guaranteed and are not weather dependent. However, the drier months, from June to August and to a lesser degree September, offer the best hiking conditions and these are the prime months for gorilla trekking and other hiking trips in the volcanoes. January and February are reasonably dry too. The trails can be slippery throughout the year and good hiking shoes are recommended.

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