Parc National des Volcans

The Parc National des Volcans is a beautiful area of National Park in the north of Rwanda. It is a mountainous landscape comprised of a section of the spectacular Virunga Volcanoes which lie between Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. There are nine volcanoes (six extinct and three live) with the highest peak of Karisimbi towering at an altitude of over 4500 metres.

The area is famous as one of the last natural refuges for Mountain Gorillas and many of the World’s remaining individuals are found here within seven habituated family groups.

The Park is also renowned as the setting for the work of the late primatologist Dian Fossey. In the late 1960s Dr Fossey set up Karisoke – a research centre to observe and study Mountain Gorillas. Intense study over thousands of hours enabled her to be trusted and accepted by the gorillas, which at that time numbered just 250. Her book “Gorillas in the Mist”, which was the basis for the 1988 movie of the same title, documented her work and tireless campaigning against poaching and habitat destruction. She continued this crusade in conservation until her mysterious death in 1985.

The dense vegetation and slopes of this mountainous rainforest provide a challenging trek, but it is deemed less strenuous here than in the steeper landscape of other parks.

Lodges near Park National des Volcans:

Mountain Gorilla View Lodge: Charming stone cottages set on Mt. Sabinyo’s slopes just 15 minutes from the Park National des Volcans gate make this mid-range lodge a great choice for a gorilla trek......read more

Virunga Lodge: Set on a hill top with spectacular 360 degree views of the surrounding mountains and lowlands, this luxury eco-friendly lodge is a great choice for a gorilla tracking safari......read more

Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge: A high-end luxurious lodge set in the foothills of the Virunga Volcanoes just 3km from the main gate of the Park National des Volcans......read more