Volcanoes National Park

Highlights

• Mountain gorilla trekking in small permitted groups on the volcano slopes
• Golden monkey tracking, an easier and cheaper alternative on the same mountains
• The hike to Dian Fossey's grave and the old Karisoke research site
• Bisoke crater lake, a steep half-day climb to a lake in a volcanic cone
• Musanze caves and the surrounding farmland, among the most densely worked landscapes in Africa

Getting around

• About two to three hours by road from Kigali on good tarmac.
• Musanze is the base town for most lodges and for the park headquarters.
• Treks start early from park headquarters - a 4x4 transfer to the trailhead is usually included.

Good to know

• Two to three nights. The trek itself is one morning, but weather and altitude argue for a buffer.
• Permits are capped and expensive; book far ahead through official channels.
• Treks are shorter than in Bwindi but the altitude is higher - it is still hard work.
• Waterproofs, gaiters and gloves. The nettles on these slopes are notorious.
• Hire a porter. It costs little and directly supports the surrounding communities.

Health rules protect the gorillas - do not trek if you are unwell, keep the required distance and follow the guide exactly. Altitude plus steep, wet ground makes this harder than the short distances suggest.