Volcanoes National Park

Volcanoes National Park (Parc National des Volcans) lies in the northwestern corner of Rwanda, encompassing the Rwandan portion of the Virunga Massif — a chain of six dormant and one active volcano straddling the borders of Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Covering approximately 160 square kilometres, the park rises from 2,400 to 4,507 metres above sea level at the summit of Mount Karisimbi. It is internationally acclaimed as one of the last remaining habitats of the critically endangered mountain gorilla (Gorilla beringei beringei), with roughly half the world's population living in these forests. The park was established in 1925 as Africa's first national park and rose to global fame through the pioneering research of Dr. Dian Fossey, whose work with gorillas transformed conservation thinking worldwide. Beyond gorillas, the park shelters golden monkeys, forest elephants, and a rich tapestry of Afromontane flora including giant lobelias and Hagenia trees draped in old-man's beard lichen. Trekking permits, guided hikes to the Dian Fossey Research Station, and golden monkey tracking make this park a multi-layered destination. The nearby town of Musanze (Ruhengeri) serves as the main gateway, offering comfortable lodges ranging from community guesthouses to ultra-luxury camps perched on volcano slopes.