Tag: Volcanoes NP /Rwanda/
area: 160 km2/62 mi2
Located in northern Rwanda just a couple of hours away from Kigali, Volcanoes National Park is the most approachable mountain gorilla park in the Gorilla Highlands region. It shares three volcanoes with Uganda’s Mgahinga — Muhabura (4,127 m/13,540 ft), Gahinga (3,474 m/11,398 ft) and Sabyinyo (3,669 m/11,959 ft) — and two with Congo’s Virunga National Park — Karisimbi (4,507 m/14,787 ft) and Bisoke (3,711 m/12,175 ft).
In addition to 12 habituated mountain gorilla groups, the park offers golden monkey tracking and many hiking opportunities. The two-day climb of Mt Karisimbi, the tallest peak of the Virunga volcanoes, is the most challenging while the day-trip to the lake atop Bisoke the most popular option.
For our main Gorilla National Parks page with travel advice please click here.
Our Stories:
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Who Holds the Speed Record on Mount Karisimbi?
The gorilla national parks of Rwanda, Uganda and DR Congo are superb hiking destinations, with the Virunga volcanoes as the centrepiece. The highest peak is Mt Karisimbi (4,507m/14,787ft), usually conquered over two days. But some exceptionally fit people manage the climb in a single day. Rangers at Volcanoes National Park whisper about seven hours being…
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Where Can I Learn the Most About Gorilla Conservation?
If gorilla tracking is more than a selfie opportunity to you, add the Ellen DeGeneres Campus to your itinerary. Even from Uganda, it’s worth a day trip — located about an hour from the Cyanika border post in Kinigi, Rwanda. This 12-acre (5-hectare) facility is home to the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund. Yes, that Fossey…
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Primates in the Mist: Climbing Mount Bisoke in the Rainy Season
The Virungas are currently in the rainy season, and hiking the volcanoes feels completely different compared to the drier months. Two brave team members decided to take on the challenge of climbing Mt Bisoke (3,711 m/ 12,175 ft): our Greek volunteer, Sifis, and Rwandan office manager, Sasha. At the park headquarters we were paired with…
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Virungas vs Bwindi: Where to Track Gorillas in 2025?
If you’re not a huge fan of crowds, wrestling through dense bushes or sweaty hikes, you may find that the Virunga volcanoes offer a more enjoyable gorilla tracking experience than the better-known Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Bwindi is Uganda’s go-to spot for seeing gorillas, but the Virungas — linking DR Congo, Rwanda and Uganda —…
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Explore Rwanda With Expert Guides This February
Wish to have our expert birder Hawa and Congo Nile Trail specialist Cesar show you their home country? Join our guest from Italy, Catherina Unger, on a very special February trip through Rwanda! As a seasoned traveler and tour agent, Catherina has plentiful fascinating stories to share. Her passion for travel photography also promises some…
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Tailored African Experiences: Six Greek Adventurers
Ready for a glimpse into the African journey of six Greek explorers? They came to our region to volunteer but thanks to early planning totally maxed their trip with a customised experience! Angelos, a nuclear physicist, reached out to us last year, already preparing for June 2024. He dreamt of an affordable tour for four,…
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Go-To Guide: Track Gorillas in Uganda, Rwanda & DR Congo
Better late than never! Because we tend to emphasise the intriguing human side of our region, we have never had one dedicated source that brings together all the facts that matter to a gorilla enthusiast. Here it is, and we shall update it and improve it over time! If you fancy more in-depth coverage by…
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SABA Episode #20 — The Magical Forest of Nyungwe & Mt Sabyinyo
Immersing yourself in pristine wilderness doesn’t need to be a romantic fantasy. You can take the plunge too, inspired by this episode’s guest, Patrick Westöö. A Swedish business development expert and a seasoned traveller, Patrick has an intriguing way of getting to know our planet. He makes abrupt destination choices but then spends a long…
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Resident of Africa? Do Not Miss This Gorilla Tracking Opportunity!
Update, March 2024: The USD 500 special price for African residents is now a permanent feature in both Rwanda and Uganda. Do you know that if you reside anywhere in Africa, USD 500 is all you will pay for a gorilla tracking permit in Rwanda? This discount is valid till the end of 2023 and…
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