Volcanoes National Park is where Gorilla Trekking and Golden Monkey Tracking takes place in the republic of Rwanda. The rest of Tourist activities in Volcanoes National Park include hiking Volcanoes such as Mount Karisimbi and Diane Fossey Grave hiking.
Volcanoes Gorilla National Park Rwanda
Visit and Tour Rwanda’s best Gorilla National Park the Volcano Gorilla Park which is located in the North West part of Rwanda, it is the oldest African national Park that covers an Area of 160 sqkm.
Volcanoes Park was initially a small area around Karisimbi, Mikeno and Visoke volcanoes where an American Scientist and Zoologist Diane fossey established her research camp center with the aim of conserving the Gorillas and fought poachers until 1985 when she was killed and was buried at this place.
What to see in Volcanoes National Park
The Mountain Gorillas and Gorilla Tours
Mountain Gorillas are the biggest attraction in Rwanda. One to see these endangered species has got to secure or book gorilla trekking permit in advance at a non-refundable fee of 1500USD
On the Trekking date at 7:00Am, all trekkers must appear at Musanze Kinigi, the Head Quarters of Volcanoes National Park for Registration and briefing along with their Valid Gorilla Permits and their Passports.
Gorilla Trekking begins at exactly 8:30am, Porters to be hired are always present at the trekking points at a fee of 15$ – 30$ depending on the amount of work to be done.
Gorilla trekking activity may take 1 – 6 hours depending on the trekkers ability and location of the gorillas.
Golden Monkeys and other wild life
Golden Monkey Tracking has similar procedures to those of Gorilla Trekking and it is also done in morning hours.
Unlike Gorilla Trekking where a trekker has to secure the Gorilla permit in advance due to high demand, Golden Monkey permit can be secured on the tracking day since it has no limit to numbers of Trekkers.
Other wild life to see in Volcanoes National Park are 178 species of birds, Buffaloes, Bush bucks, Spotted Hyena, elephants , black-fronted duiker etc.
Other Activities in Volcanoes National Park
- Diane Fossey Grave Hike; This one is done in a day and a permit goes for 75USD
- Virunga Volcanoe Hikes; a climbing fee is at 75USD. The Volcanoes include Mount Bisoke that can be hiked in a day, Mount Karisimbi , it is 2-3 days and Mount Sabyinyo which can only be hiked from Kisoro in Uganda in a day.
What to pack for Gorilla tracking, Golden Monkey tracking and Virunga Volcano hiking
-Trekking boots, a Camera, Rain coat, Jacket, Trousers, Drinking water, Snacks and a Rack sack. You may hire the Gorilla Trekking Equipment from Katona Tours
Book Volcanoes National Park Gorilla Permit through RDB- Rwanda Development Board an organisation responsible for Rwanda Tourism or can through a Tour Company like Katona Tours and Travel
Email us at info@katonatours.com and jaquka@yahoo.com , whats up +256774161700 and +250785023078