Mountain gorilla trekking, one of Africa’s most extraordinary wildlife experiences, reaches its pinnacle in Volcanoes National Park. Home to 12 habituated gorilla troops (out of 20 total), each with its unique dynamics, the park guarantees exceptional encounters. For an even deeper connection with these majestic creatures, consider embarking on two treks—if your budget allows—to fully immerse yourself in this unforgettable adventure.
Beyond the legendary gorillas, Volcanoes National Park offers the enchanting experience of tracking habituated golden monkeys. These striking primates, found exclusively in the Albertine Rift, are celebrated for their vibrant beauty and gentle nature. Thanks to years of habituation, they are remarkably at ease around humans, offering you the rare opportunity to observe their natural behaviors up close—whether they’re feeding, playing, or simply going about their daily lives. It’s a magical addition to your adventure in this extraordinary park.
Gorilla trekking is a year-round adventure with almost guaranteed sightings, no matter the weather. For the most comfortable hiking conditions, plan your visit during the drier months of June to August, or the slightly less dry September. January and February also provide relatively dry trails. No matter when you go, be sure to pack sturdy hiking shoes—trails can be slippery, and proper footwear will ensure a smoother and more enjoyable trek.
While Volcanoes National Park offers exceptional birding opportunities throughout the year, its typically wet and misty climate makes the Dry season (June to August) the most favorable time to visit. The slightly drier months of September, January, and February also provide excellent birdwatching conditions. These periods enhance your chances of spotting the park’s unique avian species and coincide with the optimal time for gorilla trekking, making it the perfect window for a combined wildlife and birding adventure.
450+
Nov to Apr
Volcanoes National Park sees frequent rainfall throughout the year, but the driest period occurs from June to August. Pack warm, waterproof clothing and sturdy hiking shoes for any visit. June and July offer the driest conditions, making them ideal for hiking and gorilla trekking, with daytime temperatures averaging 15°C (59°F) and nights cooling to around 7°C (45°F). August brings a slight increase in rain but remains an excellent time for gorilla trekking, with similar temperatures. Plan your visit during these months for the most comfortable and rewarding experience.
Prepare for afternoon rains by packing sturdy hiking shoes and warm, waterproof clothing. September brings regular rainfall, with daytime temperatures around 14°C (57°F) and chilly nights at 8°C (46°F). October and November see heavy rainfall, peaking in November, though temperatures remain steady. From December to February, rainfall lessens slightly, but wet-weather gear is still essential. March and April are the wettest months, making trails slippery, but temperatures stay consistent. By May, the rain begins to ease, offering more sunshine and improving trail conditions. Plan accordingly to make the most of your adventure!
Kigali International Airport (KGL) serves as the main gateway for visitors to Rwanda. Volcanoes National Park, located in the north, is about 2.5 hours by road from Kigali (105km/65mi), 1.5 hours from Gisenyi (60km/37mi), and just 10km/6mi from Ruhengeri (Musanze). Due to Rwanda’s 60km/h speed limit, reaching the park early (by 7 AM at Kinigi headquarters) requires staying nearby, ideally in Ruhengeri or closer accommodations. While there are no scheduled domestic flights, Akagera Aviation provides convenient charter helicopter transfers for a quicker and more scenic journey. Plan your travel wisely to ensure a smooth start to your adventure!
Starting from London
The easiest way to reach Rwanda from the UK is by flying with RwandAir, which offers a direct flight from London Gatwick to Kigali. While the flight stops in Brussels, passengers remain onboard. This service currently operates three days a week, with plans to expand.
Alternatively, you can fly from London Heathrow to Nairobi, Kenya, and then connect to Kigali. Kenya Airways offers an overnight flight departing Heathrow daily, arriving in Nairobi around 06:30, with a connecting flight to Kigali landing at approximately 10:30. British Airways also flies to Nairobi, arriving around 21:00, allowing for an overnight stay at an economical airport hotel before continuing to Kigali the next morning.
For those traveling from a safari in Namibia or Botswana, you can fly from Johannesburg to Nairobi with South African Airways, then connect to Kigali with Kenya Airways after an overnight stop. RwandAir also provides direct flights from Lusaka (Zambia) and Harare (Zimbabwe) to Kigali.
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you’ll be greeted by your guide, who will accompany you throughout your trip. All lodges, including those in Volcanoes National Park, on the shores of Lake Kivu, and in Nyungwe Forest, are accessible by road from Kigali.
Starting from the USA
You’ll arrange your return flights USA → London → Rwanda and Rwanda → London → USA, but ensure you have ample connection time in London for your flight to Africa.
If you opt to book your intercontinental flights via South Africa, it’s best to also arrange any connecting flights (e.g., Johannesburg to Nairobi or Nairobi to Kigali) through the same provider handling your intercontinental flights. This minimizes the risk of cancellations or delays leaving you with non-connecting flights.
For the most seamless journey, consider the direct New York to Kigali flights offered by Qatar Airways and RwandAir. Based on our experience, this is the best option for clients visiting Rwanda, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free travel experience.
Akagera Aviation offers charter helicopter transfers to anywhere in the country, including Volcanoes National Park.
Please check our Getting There – Rwanda page to learn more about passport, visa and other entry requirements.
Volcanoes National Park is widely regarded as very safe. Our highly skilled rangers prioritize your safety during all activities, whether it’s gorilla trekking or volcano hikes. To ensure a comfortable experience during these potentially demanding, multi-hour adventures, we recommend wearing sturdy hiking shoes and packing a rainproof jacket, hat, sunscreen, and plenty of water. For the most up-to-date safety information in Rwanda, please refer to government travel advisories (see the ‘Safety & Security – Rwanda’ link below). Your safety and enjoyment are our top priorities!
Malaria risk in Volcanoes National Park is minimal thanks to its high altitude. However, for travel to other parts of Rwanda, it’s wise to take malaria precautions and consult your doctor for recommended vaccinations. Effective malaria prevention includes taking antimalarial medication, using DEET-based mosquito repellent, and covering exposed skin, especially in the evenings. Stay prepared and enjoy a safe, worry-free journey!
Gorilla trekking is exceptionally safe. You’ll be visiting a habituated gorilla family, and incidents are extremely rare. Prior to your trek, you’ll receive a comprehensive safety briefing, and your ranger-guide will provide ongoing instructions while you’re with the gorillas. For detailed safety information, please refer to the ‘Gorilla Trekking Safety Precautions’ link below.
Mountain gorilla trekking, one of Africa’s most extraordinary wildlife experiences, reaches its pinnacle in Volcanoes National Park. Home to 12 habituated gorilla troops (out of 20 total), each with its unique dynamics, the park guarantees exceptional encounters. For an even deeper connection with these majestic creatures, consider embarking on two treks—if your budget allows—to fully immerse yourself in this unforgettable adventure.
Beyond the legendary gorillas, Volcanoes National Park offers the enchanting experience of tracking habituated golden monkeys. These striking primates, found exclusively in the Albertine Rift, are celebrated for their vibrant beauty and gentle nature. Thanks to years of habituation, they are remarkably at ease around humans, offering you the rare opportunity to observe their natural behaviors up close—whether they’re feeding, playing, or simply going about their daily lives. It’s a magical addition to your adventure in this extraordinary park.
Gorilla trekking is a year-round adventure with almost guaranteed sightings, no matter the weather. For the most comfortable hiking conditions, plan your visit during the drier months of June to August, or the slightly less dry September. January and February also provide relatively dry trails. No matter when you go, be sure to pack sturdy hiking shoes—trails can be slippery, and proper footwear will ensure a smoother and more enjoyable trek.
While Volcanoes National Park offers exceptional birding opportunities throughout the year, its typically wet and misty climate makes the Dry season (June to August) the most favorable time to visit. The slightly drier months of September, January, and February also provide excellent birdwatching conditions. These periods enhance your chances of spotting the park’s unique avian species and coincide with the optimal time for gorilla trekking, making it the perfect window for a combined wildlife and birding adventure.
450+
Nov to Apr
Volcanoes National Park sees frequent rainfall throughout the year, but the driest period occurs from June to August. Pack warm, waterproof clothing and sturdy hiking shoes for any visit. June and July offer the driest conditions, making them ideal for hiking and gorilla trekking, with daytime temperatures averaging 15°C (59°F) and nights cooling to around 7°C (45°F). August brings a slight increase in rain but remains an excellent time for gorilla trekking, with similar temperatures. Plan your visit during these months for the most comfortable and rewarding experience.
Prepare for afternoon rains by packing sturdy hiking shoes and warm, waterproof clothing. September brings regular rainfall, with daytime temperatures around 14°C (57°F) and chilly nights at 8°C (46°F). October and November see heavy rainfall, peaking in November, though temperatures remain steady. From December to February, rainfall lessens slightly, but wet-weather gear is still essential. March and April are the wettest months, making trails slippery, but temperatures stay consistent. By May, the rain begins to ease, offering more sunshine and improving trail conditions. Plan accordingly to make the most of your adventure!
Kigali International Airport (KGL) serves as the main gateway for visitors to Rwanda. Volcanoes National Park, located in the north, is about 2.5 hours by road from Kigali (105km/65mi), 1.5 hours from Gisenyi (60km/37mi), and just 10km/6mi from Ruhengeri (Musanze). Due to Rwanda’s 60km/h speed limit, reaching the park early (by 7 AM at Kinigi headquarters) requires staying nearby, ideally in Ruhengeri or closer accommodations. While there are no scheduled domestic flights, Akagera Aviation provides convenient charter helicopter transfers for a quicker and more scenic journey. Plan your travel wisely to ensure a smooth start to your adventure!
Starting from London
The easiest way to reach Rwanda from the UK is by flying with RwandAir, which offers a direct flight from London Gatwick to Kigali. While the flight stops in Brussels, passengers remain onboard. This service currently operates three days a week, with plans to expand.
Alternatively, you can fly from London Heathrow to Nairobi, Kenya, and then connect to Kigali. Kenya Airways offers an overnight flight departing Heathrow daily, arriving in Nairobi around 06:30, with a connecting flight to Kigali landing at approximately 10:30. British Airways also flies to Nairobi, arriving around 21:00, allowing for an overnight stay at an economical airport hotel before continuing to Kigali the next morning.
For those traveling from a safari in Namibia or Botswana, you can fly from Johannesburg to Nairobi with South African Airways, then connect to Kigali with Kenya Airways after an overnight stop. RwandAir also provides direct flights from Lusaka (Zambia) and Harare (Zimbabwe) to Kigali.
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you’ll be greeted by your guide, who will accompany you throughout your trip. All lodges, including those in Volcanoes National Park, on the shores of Lake Kivu, and in Nyungwe Forest, are accessible by road from Kigali.
Starting from the USA
You’ll arrange your return flights USA → London → Rwanda and Rwanda → London → USA, but ensure you have ample connection time in London for your flight to Africa.
If you opt to book your intercontinental flights via South Africa, it’s best to also arrange any connecting flights (e.g., Johannesburg to Nairobi or Nairobi to Kigali) through the same provider handling your intercontinental flights. This minimizes the risk of cancellations or delays leaving you with non-connecting flights.
For the most seamless journey, consider the direct New York to Kigali flights offered by Qatar Airways and RwandAir. Based on our experience, this is the best option for clients visiting Rwanda, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free travel experience.
Akagera Aviation offers charter helicopter transfers to anywhere in the country, including Volcanoes National Park.
Please check our Getting There – Rwanda page to learn more about passport, visa and other entry requirements.
Volcanoes National Park is widely regarded as very safe. Our highly skilled rangers prioritize your safety during all activities, whether it’s gorilla trekking or volcano hikes. To ensure a comfortable experience during these potentially demanding, multi-hour adventures, we recommend wearing sturdy hiking shoes and packing a rainproof jacket, hat, sunscreen, and plenty of water. For the most up-to-date safety information in Rwanda, please refer to government travel advisories (see the ‘Safety & Security – Rwanda’ link below). Your safety and enjoyment are our top priorities!
Malaria risk in Volcanoes National Park is minimal thanks to its high altitude. However, for travel to other parts of Rwanda, it’s wise to take malaria precautions and consult your doctor for recommended vaccinations. Effective malaria prevention includes taking antimalarial medication, using DEET-based mosquito repellent, and covering exposed skin, especially in the evenings. Stay prepared and enjoy a safe, worry-free journey!
Gorilla trekking is exceptionally safe. You’ll be visiting a habituated gorilla family, and incidents are extremely rare. Prior to your trek, you’ll receive a comprehensive safety briefing, and your ranger-guide will provide ongoing instructions while you’re with the gorillas. For detailed safety information, please refer to the ‘Gorilla Trekking Safety Precautions’ link below.
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