This corner of northwestern Rwanda is a breath-taking, unforgettable place, where culture, adventure and conservation intersect. Volcanoes National Park lies along the Virunga Mountains, boasting of 8 ancient volcanoes, which are shared by Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Just a short two hour drive from Rwanda's capital of Kigali, the park is the perfect place to have some unique Rwandan experiences. Whilst visiting the mountain gorrillas is often viewed to be the highlight of the park, the dramatic landscape also offers thrilling hiking routes and there are opportunities to site fascinating golden monkeys. The Volcanoes National Park is also one of Rwanda's conservation epicentres, where many non-profit organizations base their operations. Visitors can pay homage to the legendary scientist and gorilla advocate Dian Fossey in the Gorilla Fund offices, located in the nearby town of Musanze. Here you will also be able to take a trip to the bustling and vibrant markets of Musanze to immerse yourself into everyday Rwandan culture.
Day 1 - Kigali
- Transfer from Kigali international airport to your hotel in Kigali
Day 2 - Kigali, Volcanoes National Park
- Transfer from Kigale to Musanze
- Kigali Genocide memorial site
Day 3 - Volcanoes National Park
- Golden Monkey trekking
- Explore the volcanic Twin Lakes
Day 4 - Volcanoes National Park
- Gorilla trekking
- Ibyi Iwacu cultural village
Day 5 - Gisenyi
- Transfer from Volcanoes National Park to Gisenyi
- Kayaking on Lake Kivu
Day 6
- Transfer from Gisenyi to Kigali international airport
Most come to Rwanda for the gorilla-trekking, which is technically a year-round activity. The optimum hiking conditions however are the dry months from mid December to early February, or the warm summer months from June to September. Though it's fine to visit outside of this time, rain can make steep paths slippery; the malaria risk is also markedly higher. If seeing chimpanzees are your priority, the rainy seasons are preferable; these fall mid-February to early June, and mid-September to mid-December. In the dry season, chimps travel further into the forest to find food and are therefore harder to find. Weather-wise, temperatures vary depending on altitude, but averages at around 21 degrees C in the capital, Kigali. Rain is heavy and persistent March to May, but then dry during the summer months of June to mid-September. As these are also prime gorilla-viewing months, the summer is deemed the best time to visit.
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