"Tracking mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park is one of the most engaging wildlife experiences Africa has to offer. Yet this breathtakingly scenic park, which protects the Rwandan portion of the Virungas, a string of massive forest-swathed volcanoes that rises to 4,507m on the border with Uganda and the Congo, offers a host of other worthwhile activities, ranging from tracking golden monkeys and birdwatching to hiking to the volcanos’ Afro-alpine summits. ”
- Philip Briggs
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PLAN MY JOURNEYVolcanoes National Park
Staring into the liquid brown eyes of a mountain gorilla is at once truly humbling and thoroughly exhilarating. A barrel-chested silverback, though no taller than an average human, might be thrice as bulky, yet these gentle giants rank among the most peaceable of primates, spending the bulk of their time sitting Buddha-like on the forest floor, scratching their potbellies, and chewing contentedly on succulent bamboo sticks.
Home to almost half the world’s mountain gorillas, Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda is where Dian Fossey undertook her legendary study of these charismatic apes in the 1970s, and it later served as the location for the Oscar-nominated biographical movie Gorillas in the Mist. Today, the park is home to 10 habituated mountain groups, and a total of 80 tracking permits is issued daily. It can be a challenging day out, ascending muddy steep slopes through overhanging boughs and vicious nettle patches, but the as-good-as-certain reward – a thrilling face-to-face encounter with a gorilla group – is one you will never forget.
Although gorilla tracking is the park’s most popular activity, it is also possible to visit a habituated troop of bamboo-dwelling golden monkeys, or to hike to Karisoke Research Centre the former home, and now burial place, of Dian Fossey). More ambitious is the slippery but stunning day hike up Bisoke, a forest-swathed volcano with a beautiful crater lake nestled in its 3,711m-high peak, or the demanding overnight hike up 4,507m Mount Karisimbi.
When to go
Find out when is best to visit
- Excellent
- Good
- Poor
DRIER PERIOD
A slightly drier interlude before the more intense long rains arrive in March.
Rwanda is just two degrees south of the equator; this equatorial location means that temperatures throughout the year are very consistent, the variable in play is often altitude, which varies greatly across Rwanda, this, therefore, has a corresponding effect on temperature, which is surprisingly pleasant throughout the year.
Its equatorial location does, however, mean that rainfall is likely throughout the year. There are main two wet seasons in Rwanda; the first takes place between March and May, the second between September and November.
The best time to visit Rwanda is very much defined by the type of experience you are seeking. Many parks are good all year round, although you will find that one’s chances of a good sighting improve during the drier months of the year. Trekking Gorillas or Chimpanzee is not as influenced by the weather, although there is no doubt that the trekking is easier and more enjoyable during the drier times of the year.
DRIER PERIOD
A slightly drier interlude before the more intense long rains arrive in March.
Rwanda is just two degrees south of the equator; this equatorial location means that temperatures throughout the year are very consistent, the variable in play is often altitude, which varies greatly across Rwanda, this, therefore, has a corresponding effect on temperature, which is surprisingly pleasant throughout the year.
Its equatorial location does, however, mean that rainfall is likely throughout the year. There are main two wet seasons in Rwanda; the first takes place between March and May, the second between September and November.
The best time to visit Rwanda is very much defined by the type of experience you are seeking. Many parks are good all year round, although you will find that one’s chances of a good sighting improve during the drier months of the year. Trekking Gorillas or Chimpanzee is not as influenced by the weather, although there is no doubt that the trekking is easier and more enjoyable during the drier times of the year.
WET SEASON
Whilst rain is possible throughout the year, during this period rainfall tends to be more intense and prolonged.
Rwanda is just two degrees south of the equator; this equatorial location means that temperatures throughout the year are very consistent, the variable in play is often altitude, which varies greatly across Rwanda, this, therefore, has a corresponding effect on temperature, which is surprisingly pleasant throughout the year.
Its equatorial location does, however, mean that rainfall is likely throughout the year. There are main two wet seasons in Rwanda; the first takes place between March and May, the second between September and November.
The best time to visit Rwanda is very much defined by the type of experience you are seeking. Many parks are good all year round, although you will find that one’s chances of a good sighting improve during the drier months of the year. Trekking Gorillas or Chimpanzee is not as influenced by the weather, although there is no doubt that the trekking is easier and more enjoyable during the drier times of the year.
WET SEASON
Whilst rain is possible throughout the year, during this period rainfall tends to be more intense and prolonged.
Rwanda is just two degrees south of the equator; this equatorial location means that temperatures throughout the year are very consistent, the variable in play is often altitude, which varies greatly across Rwanda, this, therefore, has a corresponding effect on temperature, which is surprisingly pleasant throughout the year.
Its equatorial location does, however, mean that rainfall is likely throughout the year. There are main two wet seasons in Rwanda; the first takes place between March and May, the second between September and November.
The best time to visit Rwanda is very much defined by the type of experience you are seeking. Many parks are good all year round, although you will find that one’s chances of a good sighting improve during the drier months of the year. Trekking Gorillas or Chimpanzee is not as influenced by the weather, although there is no doubt that the trekking is easier and more enjoyable during the drier times of the year.
WET SEASON
Whilst rain is possible throughout the year, during this period rainfall tends to be more intense and prolonged.
Rwanda is just two degrees south of the equator; this equatorial location means that temperatures throughout the year are very consistent, the variable in play is often altitude, which varies greatly across Rwanda, this, therefore, has a corresponding effect on temperature, which is surprisingly pleasant throughout the year.
Its equatorial location does, however, mean that rainfall is likely throughout the year. There are main two wet seasons in Rwanda; the first takes place between March and May, the second between September and November.
The best time to visit Rwanda is very much defined by the type of experience you are seeking. Many parks are good all year round, although you will find that one’s chances of a good sighting improve during the drier months of the year. Trekking Gorillas or Chimpanzee is not as influenced by the weather, although there is no doubt that the trekking is easier and more enjoyable during the drier times of the year.
DRY SEASON
A brief drier interlude before the more consistent rains arrive in October.
Rwanda is just two degrees south of the equator; this equatorial location means that temperatures throughout the year are very consistent, the variable in play is often altitude, which varies greatly across Rwanda, this, therefore, has a corresponding effect on temperature, which is surprisingly pleasant throughout the year.
Its equatorial location does, however, mean that rainfall is likely throughout the year. There are main two wet seasons in Rwanda; the first takes place between March and May, the second between September and November.
The best time to visit Rwanda is very much defined by the type of experience you are seeking. Many parks are good all year round, although you will find that one’s chances of a good sighting improve during the drier months of the year. Trekking Gorillas or Chimpanzee is not as influenced by the weather, although there is no doubt that the trekking is easier and more enjoyable during the drier times of the year.
DRY SEASON
A brief drier interlude before the more consistent rains arrive in October.
Rwanda is just two degrees south of the equator; this equatorial location means that temperatures throughout the year are very consistent, the variable in play is often altitude, which varies greatly across Rwanda, this, therefore, has a corresponding effect on temperature, which is surprisingly pleasant throughout the year.
Its equatorial location does, however, mean that rainfall is likely throughout the year. There are main two wet seasons in Rwanda; the first takes place between March and May, the second between September and November.
The best time to visit Rwanda is very much defined by the type of experience you are seeking. Many parks are good all year round, although you will find that one’s chances of a good sighting improve during the drier months of the year. Trekking Gorillas or Chimpanzee is not as influenced by the weather, although there is no doubt that the trekking is easier and more enjoyable during the drier times of the year.
DRY SEASON
A brief drier interlude before the more consistent rains arrive in October.
Rwanda is just two degrees south of the equator; this equatorial location means that temperatures throughout the year are very consistent, the variable in play is often altitude, which varies greatly across Rwanda, this, therefore, has a corresponding effect on temperature, which is surprisingly pleasant throughout the year.
Its equatorial location does, however, mean that rainfall is likely throughout the year. There are main two wet seasons in Rwanda; the first takes place between March and May, the second between September and November.
The best time to visit Rwanda is very much defined by the type of experience you are seeking. Many parks are good all year round, although you will find that one’s chances of a good sighting improve during the drier months of the year. Trekking Gorillas or Chimpanzee is not as influenced by the weather, although there is no doubt that the trekking is easier and more enjoyable during the drier times of the year.
DRIER PERIOD
A slightly drier interlude before the more intense long rains arrive in October.
Rwanda is just two degrees south of the equator; this equatorial location means that temperatures throughout the year are very consistent, the variable in play is often altitude, which varies greatly across Rwanda, this, therefore, has a corresponding effect on temperature, which is surprisingly pleasant throughout the year.
Its equatorial location does, however, mean that rainfall is likely throughout the year. There are main two wet seasons in Rwanda; the first takes place between March and May, the second between September and November.
The best time to visit Rwanda is very much defined by the type of experience you are seeking. Many parks are good all year round, although you will find that one’s chances of a good sighting improve during the drier months of the year. Trekking Gorillas or Chimpanzee is not as influenced by the weather, although there is no doubt that the trekking is easier and more enjoyable during the drier times of the year.
WET SEASON
Whilst rain is possible throughout the year, during this period rainfall tends to be more intense and prolonged.
Rwanda is just two degrees south of the equator; this equatorial location means that temperatures throughout the year are very consistent, the variable in play is often altitude, which varies greatly across Rwanda, this, therefore, has a corresponding effect on temperature, which is surprisingly pleasant throughout the year.
Its equatorial location does, however, mean that rainfall is likely throughout the year. There are main two wet seasons in Rwanda; the first takes place between March and May, the second between September and November.
The best time to visit Rwanda is very much defined by the type of experience you are seeking. Many parks are good all year round, although you will find that one’s chances of a good sighting improve during the drier months of the year. Trekking Gorillas or Chimpanzee is not as influenced by the weather, although there is no doubt that the trekking is easier and more enjoyable during the drier times of the year.
WET SEASON
Whilst rain is possible throughout the year, during this period rainfall tends to be more intense and prolonged.
Rwanda is just two degrees south of the equator; this equatorial location means that temperatures throughout the year are very consistent, the variable in play is often altitude, which varies greatly across Rwanda, this, therefore, has a corresponding effect on temperature, which is surprisingly pleasant throughout the year.
Its equatorial location does, however, mean that rainfall is likely throughout the year. There are main two wet seasons in Rwanda; the first takes place between March and May, the second between September and November.
The best time to visit Rwanda is very much defined by the type of experience you are seeking. Many parks are good all year round, although you will find that one’s chances of a good sighting improve during the drier months of the year. Trekking Gorillas or Chimpanzee is not as influenced by the weather, although there is no doubt that the trekking is easier and more enjoyable during the drier times of the year.
WET SEASON
Whilst rain is possible throughout the year, during this period rainfall tends to be more intense and prolonged.
Rwanda is just two degrees south of the equator; this equatorial location means that temperatures throughout the year are very consistent, the variable in play is often altitude, which varies greatly across Rwanda, this, therefore, has a corresponding effect on temperature, which is surprisingly pleasant throughout the year.
Its equatorial location does, however, mean that rainfall is likely throughout the year. There are main two wet seasons in Rwanda; the first takes place between March and May, the second between September and November.
The best time to visit Rwanda is very much defined by the type of experience you are seeking. Many parks are good all year round, although you will find that one’s chances of a good sighting improve during the drier months of the year. Trekking Gorillas or Chimpanzee is not as influenced by the weather, although there is no doubt that the trekking is easier and more enjoyable during the drier times of the year.
Experiences
Explore Volcanoes National Park Properties
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Mountains, Plains and Volcanoes
An 11 night safari and gorilla trekking 'luxurious' adventure through Northern Tanzania and Rwanda.
The Rwandan Wilderness Safari
This luxury 5 night Rwanda itinerary offers both the opportunity for a gorilla trek as well as a safari in Akagera National Park.
An Out of Africa Adventure
An 8 night itinerary trekking gorillas in Rwanda, followed by 'out of Africa' safari at Cottar's 1920'S Camp in the Masai Mara.
Explore our sample itineraries for a little inspiration
ITINERARIES