Parc National des Volcans

This iconic park is world-renowned as the primary destination for mountain gorilla trekking in Rwanda. Beyond the critically endangered gorillas, it also...

Parc National des Volcans at a Glance

Location
Northern Rwanda Volcanoes, Rwanda, East Africa
Coordinates
-1.463703, 29.550980
IUCN Category
II
Crowds
Moderate
Malaria Risk
Moderate
Best Time to Visit
June to September and December to February for drier trekking conditions, though gorilla trekking is possible year-round.

Safari Activities in Parc National des Volcans

  • Gorilla trekking
  • Golden monkey trekking
  • Volcano hikes (e.g.
  • Bisoke
  • Karisimbi)
  • Dian Fossey Grave Hike
  • Bird watching
  • Cultural visits

Weather & Climate in Parc National des Volcans

The warmest temperatures in Parc National des Volcans occur in February, averaging 15.4°C (up to 19.9°C). The coolest conditions are in June at 13.9°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in July with average rainfall of 12.8mm. Average humidity: 64.6%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: 14.9°C (rainfall: 100.1mm)
  • February: 15.4°C (rainfall: 147.1mm)
  • March: 15.2°C (rainfall: 149.5mm)
  • April: 14.6°C (rainfall: 138.8mm)
  • May: 14.5°C (rainfall: 94.7mm)
  • June: 13.9°C (rainfall: 22.5mm)
  • July: 14.5°C (rainfall: 12.8mm)
  • August: 15.2°C (rainfall: 37.9mm)
  • September: 15.1°C (rainfall: 84.9mm)
  • October: 15.2°C (rainfall: 116.3mm)
  • November: 14.5°C (rainfall: 146.9mm)
  • December: 14.6°C (rainfall: 122.1mm)

Best Time to Visit Parc National des Volcans

The best months to visit Parc National des Volcans are July, August, January, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Good, temperature 14.94°C, rainfall 100.1mm, sunshine 10.1 hrs, humidity 76.3%
  • February: Good, temperature 15.37°C, rainfall 147.1mm, sunshine 10.1 hrs, humidity 75.4%
  • March: Good, temperature 15.2°C, rainfall 149.5mm, sunshine 10.3 hrs, humidity 77.3%
  • April: Good, temperature 14.64°C, rainfall 138.8mm, sunshine 10.2 hrs, humidity 83.5%
  • May: Good, temperature 14.5°C, rainfall 94.7mm, sunshine 10.9 hrs, humidity 82.8%
  • June: Good, temperature 13.95°C, rainfall 22.5mm, sunshine 11.4 hrs, humidity 74.2%
  • July: Great, temperature 14.5°C, rainfall 12.8mm, sunshine 11 hrs, humidity 64.6%
  • August: Great, temperature 15.22°C, rainfall 37.9mm, sunshine 10.9 hrs, humidity 65.2%
  • September: Good, temperature 15.07°C, rainfall 84.9mm, sunshine 10.7 hrs, humidity 72.5%
  • October: Good, temperature 15.15°C, rainfall 116.3mm, sunshine 10.5 hrs, humidity 74.4%
  • November: Poor, temperature 14.54°C, rainfall 146.9mm, sunshine 9.8 hrs, humidity 79.6%
  • December: Good, temperature 14.6°C, rainfall 122.1mm, sunshine 10.7 hrs, humidity 79.7%

Wildlife in Parc National des Volcans

Home to 78 recorded species including 43 iconic birds, 17 birds of prey, 15 waterbirds, 2 tropical birds, 1 primates.

Recommended Packing List for Parc National des Volcans

Based on average temperature of 14.8°C, typical conditions, humidity 75%.

  • Layered clothing - recommended for 15°C temperatures
  • Fleece or warm jacket - essential for cool mornings and evenings
  • Binoculars - essential for every game drive
  • Sun hat & sunscreen - protection from the African sun
  • Sturdy walking shoes - for bush walks and uneven terrain
  • Neutral-coloured clothing - khaki, olive, and tan blend with the bush
  • Insect repellent - essential in most safari regions
  • First aid kit - basic medical supplies for remote areas
  • Torch / headlamp - useful for evenings at camp
  • Camera with telephoto lens - capture your safari memories

Notable Species

Safari Lodges in Parc National des Volcans

39 safari lodges available.

Other

mid-range

luxury

$80 - $110

budget

Similar Parks in Northern Rwanda Volcanoes

Visitor Tips - Parc National des Volcans

Parc National des Volcans offers an unparalleled encounter with mountain gorillas, a truly transformative experience that we believe everyone should witness. The sheer majesty of these creatures in their natural habitat, combined with the misty, emerald landscapes, creates memories that feel both ancient and intensely personal. It's an investment in a moment that will stay with you forever.

Gate Times

We recommend arriving at the Kinigi park headquarters by 6:30 AM for the mandatory gorilla trekking briefing, which typically starts at 7:00 AM. While the park itself doesn't have strict 'gate times' in the traditional sense, all activities are permit-based and begin early in the morning. Ensure your permits are booked well in advance, especially for gorilla trekking, as daily allocations are strictly limited and sell out quickly.

Tipping

Tipping is customary and greatly appreciated. For gorilla trekking, we recommend budgeting around $20-30 per tracker/guide for the group, and a similar amount for your porter. Porters are invaluable for carrying bags and assisting on slippery trails, and we strongly encourage hiring one. For lodge staff, a general tip of $5-10 per day per guest for the communal staff box is appropriate, or individual tips for exceptional service.

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Rwanda

Travel advisory for Rwanda

Parc National des Volcans FAQs

What is the cost and booking process for a mountain gorilla trekking permit in Parc National des Volcans, and what should I expect during the trek?

A mountain gorilla trekking permit in Parc National des Volcans costs $1500 per person and must be booked several months in advance due to limited daily availability. The trek involves hiking through dense bamboo forests and challenging volcanic terrain, guided by experienced trackers, culminating in a precious one-hour viewing window with a gorilla family.

Are there other significant wildlife encounters or unique hikes available in Parc National des Volcans besides mountain gorilla trekking?

Absolutely, beyond gorillas, you can embark on a Golden monkey trekking experience for $100, observing these playful primates in their natural habitat. The park also offers unique volcano hikes like the Bisoke Crater Lake hike ($75) and the challenging Karisimbi ascent, plus the poignant Dian Fossey Grave Hike ($100), all set within its distinctive Afro-alpine ecosystem.

What is the optimal time to visit Parc National des Volcans for trekking, and how do the weather conditions impact the difficulty of the trails?

The optimal times to visit Parc National des Volcans for trekking are during the drier seasons, from June to September and December to February. While gorilla trekking is possible year-round, these months offer less muddy and slippery conditions, making the challenging hikes through dense vegetation and volcanic slopes more manageable and enjoyable.

What essential gear and health precautions, particularly regarding malaria, should I consider for trekking in Parc National des Volcans?

For trekking, essential gear includes sturdy waterproof hiking boots, rain gear, layers of clothing, and gloves for navigating dense vegetation. Regarding health, Parc National des Volcans has a moderate malaria risk, so it is highly recommended to consult your doctor about malaria prophylaxis and pack insect repellent for your trip.

How does the high cost of gorilla trekking permits in Parc National des Volcans contribute to conservation efforts and local communities?

The $1500 permit fee for gorilla trekking significantly contributes to the rigorous conservation efforts for the critically endangered mountain gorillas, funding anti-poaching patrols, park management, and veterinary care. A portion of these funds also directly supports community development projects surrounding the park, fostering a symbiotic relationship between conservation and local livelihoods.

Recommended Books

  • Stuarts' Field Guide to National Parks & Game Reserves of East Africa by Chris & Mathilde Stuart - Park-by-park guide with maps, species lists, and practical information. Perfect for planning which parks to visit and what to expect.
  • The Handbook of Bird Photography by Markus Varesvuo, Jari Peltomäki & Bence Máté - Excellent for birding photographers on safari - covers technique, equipment, fieldcraft, and post-processing with stunning example images.
  • Birds of East Africa by Terry Stevenson & John Fanshawe - Covers Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi - 1,388 species illustrated with range maps. The essential birding companion for East African safaris.
  • Photographing Wildlife in Africa by Paolo Torchio - Practical guide specifically for African safari photography - camera settings, lens choices, composition techniques, and how to make the most of game drives.
  • Lonely Planet East Africa by Lonely Planet - Comprehensive travel guide covering Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and beyond. Practical information on visas, transport, accommodation, and detailed park guides.
  • Fodor's The Complete Guide to African Safaris by Fodor's Travel - Country-by-country planning guide with lodge reviews, practical logistics, packing lists, and insider tips. Often cited as the best all-in-one safari planning resource.
  • National Geographic Kids: Safari by National Geographic - Age-appropriate wildlife facts with stunning photographs. Great for getting children excited about the animals they'll see on safari.
  • The Last Elephants by Don Pinnock & Colin Bell - Conservation-focused book combining beautiful photography with urgent storytelling about the threats facing Africa's elephant populations.
  • Here Is the African Savanna by Madeleine Dunphy - Beautifully illustrated picture book about the savanna ecosystem. Teaches children about the interconnected web of life on an African plain.
  • Bradt Guide: Rwanda by Philip Briggs - The leading guide to Rwanda covering gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, Akagera's Big Five safari, Nyungwe Forest chimps, and Kigali. Written by Africa's most prolific guidebook author.
  • Safari: A Photographic Journey by Art Wolfe - Large-format coffee-table book from one of the world's most celebrated nature photographers. Stunning images from across the African continent.
  • The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals by Jonathan Kingdon - The definitive mammal field guide for Africa covering over 1,150 species with detailed illustrations. Considered the gold standard for safari-goers and researchers alike.
  • The Behavior Guide to African Mammals by Richard Despard Estes - Goes beyond identification to explain why animals behave as they do. Essential reading for safari-goers who want to understand the wildlife they observe.
  • A Field Guide to the Reptiles of East Africa by Stephen Spawls, Kim Howell, Harald Hinkel & Michele Menegon - Comprehensive coverage of snakes, lizards, turtles, and crocodilians found across East Africa. A niche but appreciated guide for the thorough naturalist.
  • Remembering Lions by Various Photographers - Part of the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife conservation book series. Features contributions from world-class wildlife photographers, with proceeds supporting lion conservation.
  • African Animals ABC by Stella Blackstone & Petr Horacek - Simple alphabet book with bold, colourful animal illustrations. Perfect for toddlers and young children preparing for their first safari. Ages 2–5.
  • Beat About the Bush: Mammals by Trevor Carnaby - The single best book for understanding animal behaviour on safari. Explains why animals do what they do - feeding, mating, territory, predator-prey dynamics. Makes every game drive infinitely more rewarding.
  • Wildlife of East Africa (Princeton Pocket Guide) by Martin B. Withers & David Hosking - Compact pocket guide covering mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and insects of Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda. 500+ colour photographs. The best quick-reference guide to carry on game drives.
  • Africa's Top Wildlife Countries by Mark W. Nolting - The most respected safari planning book in print. Detailed country-by-country guide covering parks, lodges, best times to visit, and what wildlife to expect. Updated regularly. The first book every safari planner should read.
  • The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals by Richard D. Estes - Part field guide, part planning tool. Explains mammal behaviour in a way that transforms game drives. Covers tracks, signs, social structures, and habitat preferences. A must-pack for serious safari-goers.
  • The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski - Widely considered the greatest book ever written about Africa. Kapuscinski spent 40 years reporting from across the continent. Vivid, poetic, and deeply insightful. Essential pre-safari reading for understanding the continent.
  • Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke - The extraordinary true story of James Howard Williams and the elephants who helped him build bridges, extract teak, and ultimately rescue refugees across the Burmese jungle during WWII. Gripping and moving.
  • When the Last Lion Roars by Sara Evans - An urgent, accessible account of the African lion's decline from 200,000 to under 20,000 in a century. Covers the science, politics, and human stories behind lion conservation. Eye-opening pre-safari reading.
  • Ivory, Horn and Blood by Ronald Orenstein - The definitive book on the poaching crisis devastating African elephants and rhinos. Covers the criminal networks, the rangers fighting back, and what travellers can do. Important context for any safari visitor.
  • Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine - Witty and heartbreaking tour of endangered species by the Hitchhiker's Guide author. Combines humour with urgent conservation messaging.
  • Owen and Mzee by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff & Paula Kahumbu - True story of an orphaned hippo befriending a 130-year-old tortoise in Kenya. A heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship that teaches empathy.
  • Remembering Elephants by Various Photographers - Stunning coffee-table book from the Remembering Wildlife series. All proceeds go to elephant conservation - beautiful photography with a purpose.
  • Whatever You Do, Don't Run by Peter Allison - Hilarious memoir from a Botswana safari guide - true stories from the bush that will have you laughing out loud. A favourite among safari enthusiasts.
  • Poached by Rachel Love Nuwer - Gripping investigation into the illegal wildlife trade - from African poaching networks to Asian markets. Essential reading for understanding the threats to safari wildlife.
  • Safari Nation by Jacob S. T. Dlamini - Fascinating history of South Africa's national parks and their complex colonial legacy. Academic but accessible - changes how you think about safari tourism.
  • Safari: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen & Carol Kaufmann - Mesmerising book with moving photographic images of African animals. Kids and adults love the magical moving pictures - perfect pre-trip gift.