On this gorilla trek in Rwanda, you will be picked from your hotel in Kigali very early in the morning by 4:30 am, it’s possible to catch an early breakfast and then hit the road to Volcanoes National Park reaching at around 6:00 am in time for cultural presentation at the park offices and then briefing from a head park officer.

This will be followed by dividing into groups of 8 people depending on the level of trek you want to go for – easy, medium, and tough. After which you will embark on the gorilla trekking excursion in the forest, an activity that lasts 2-6 hours depending on the movement of the gorillas. In return, you will meet your driver-guide at the starting point and drive back to Kigali reaching in the evening.

Volcanoes National Park/Parc National des Volcans (PNV) is, without doubt, a magical Rwanda National Park most popular for its exhilarating mountain gorilla trekking safari experiences. The Volcanoes National Park sits in the far Northwest of Rwanda, Ruhengeri Region only 2-3 hours’ drive off from Kigali Capital. This spectacular Rwanda National Park takes its name from the scenic chain of dormant volcanoes that make up the Virunga Massifs including the highest of all 8 Virunga volcanoes – Karisimbi 4507m; Gahinga, Muhabura, Bisoke and Sabyinyo.

Volcanoes National Park is one of the oldest National Parks in Africa and a home to a section of the endangered mountain gorillas whose population currently stands at 1063. Though there are diverse attractions, the main reason why Volcanoes National Park is mainly to see rare mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.

Volcanoes National Park gained popularity especially during Dian Fossey era when she visited Virunga Volcanoes Area conduct research on gorillas. She came to Virunga Region in 1967 and spent about 18 years researching about gorillas, creating awareness about the plight of the endangered mountain gorillas and noted for her gorillas in the Mist book & film. In 1925, Volcanoes National Park & Virunga National Park were originally founded as Albert National Park, a name it derived from King Albert 1.

Golden monkeys are unique attractions Volcanoes National Park Rwanda is famous for besides mountain gorillas. Golden monkeys are endemic to the Virunga Region ranging within Volcanoes National Park, Virunga & Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks. Currently, 2 habituated golden monkey troops are living within Rwanda’s Parch National des Volcans and they make up a population of 80-100 members. The habituated troops here dwell mostly at the foothills of Sabyinyo Volcano.

Volcanoes National Park/Parc National des Volcans isn’t only a unique gorilla park but also a home to other diverse wildlife. These include the beautiful Forest elephants, Buffaloes, Giant Forest Hogs, Spotted hyenas, Bush Pigs, Bush bucks and unique flora characterized by grassland, rain-forest, and thickets.

Dian Fossey tomb/graveyard is one of the historic sites that hold a unique gorilla conservation history. It is what offers in-depth learning about Dian Fossey who is noted for 18 years’ tireless efforts to conserve mountain gorillas-she strongly campaigned against poaching, set up Karisoke Research Centre to aid her daily research activities at the time which today still function.

After all the encounters, the Twin Lakes walk/visit introduces you to Lake Burera and Ruhondo, the scenic twin lakes often visited by Rwanda gorilla safari holidaymakers from Volcanoes National Park. Your tour at the Twin Lakes lets you enjoy bird sightings of important birds like Yellow billed stork, Pied kingfishers, Weaver birds, Pied kingfishers, Moorhens, Great white pelicans.