Volcanoes National Park is one of Rwanda’s most iconic and most visited tourist destinations. It is globally renowned for being home to the critically endangered mountain gorillas, offering visitors a rare and life-changing opportunity to observe these majestic great apes in their natural habitat. The Park covers over 125 square kilometers and includes five extinct volcanoes: Mount Muhabura, Mount Sabinyo, Mount Gahinga, Mount Karisimbi, and Mount Bisoke.
Beyond gorillas, Volcanoes National Park features Rwanda’s stunning scenery and diverse vegetation. It is a crucial part of the wider Virunga Conservation Area, shared with Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Volcanoes National Park holds a central place in conservation history as the long-time research base of primatologist Dian Fossey. Her pioneering work with mountain gorillas, documented in Gorillas in the Mist, brought global attention to the plight of these endangered animals.
At the foothills of Mount Sabinyo, visitors can visit Fossey’s grave, where she rests near the mountain gorillas, she devoted her life to protecting. Her legacy continues to inspire ongoing conservation efforts and promotes ethical wildlife tourism in Rwanda.
With exceptional wildlife, impressive volcanoes, and a strong conservation legacy, Volcanoes National Park is a must-visit for those seeking an authentic African safari. The park’s varied habitats support a rich ecosystem and offer activities such as gorilla trekking, golden monkey tracking, hiking Mt. Bisoke and Karisoke, and cultural experiences in the park’s environs.