Spanning five of the eight Virunga mountains, Volcanoes National Park is one of the only places on earth where one can visit families of mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.

Locally known as Mufumbiro, the Virunga Mountain Range is covered in high-altitude, afro-montane forests. The Volcanoes National Park gorillas are its true highlight and can be visited on gorilla treks. However, the park is also a haven for golden monkeys, forest-adapted elephants and buffalo, along with around 200 birds and many unique species of flora.

A true conservation success story, this lush and mountainous park is a foil to Rwanda’s action at integrating surrounding communities in wildlife protection. The accommodation in the area reflects this interconnection with the people and land. Luxurious stays range from woven domes fitted with all the comforts and extras to stone lodges that perfectly pair classical style with a traditional Rwandan flair.

Volcanoes National Park lodgings include a selection of high-end luxury lodges and camps that often pay tribute to their surroundings. The distance to Volcanoes National Park from Kigali is about 105 km or 65 miles and you can get there by either helicopter or road transfer.

Our Top Experiences In Volcanoes National Park

Best Time To Visit Volcanoes National Park

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The Dry Season

June to September
Volcanoes National Park weather features generally stable temperatures, but plenty of rain. The best time to go gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park is during the dry seasons, the longest of which occurs between these months. Due to Rwanda’s high altitude and proximity to the equator, the temperature is relatively stable year-round and rainfall – which can occur in some form at any time of the year – is what must be looked at when planning a visit. Another important element to consider is the altitude of these destinations, thus, the drier and cooler months can make gorilla trekking slightly easier.

January and February
This is the shorter dry season, which is great for gorilla trekking and bird watching.

The Green Season

March to May
Named “Umhindo”, this is the shorter rainy season. This season is marked by sporadic downpours and increased humidity, however, it’s still great for bird watchers.

October to December
This is the long rainy season, also known as “Itumba”, this is when most rainfall occurs and some areas can be difficult to access, primate tracking can also be difficult during these months – so always check with us before you book.

Courtney

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