Volcanoes National Park Holidays

While Rwanda remains scarred by the genocide of 1994, in recent years the situation has improved dramatically with much of the infrastructure rebuilt, the economy resurrected and tourism beginning to thrive once more. Of particular importance to the tourism industry is the presence of approximately half of the world's wild population of mountain gorillas, which are resident on the Rwandan slopes of the vast volcanic Virunga conservation area stretching into Uganda and The Congo. Aside from gorilla trekking, on Volcanoes National Park holidays we can arrange exploration of the surrounding lakes; visits to the market town of Ruhengeri and the Karisoke Research Centre established by Dian Fossey.

Volcanoes National Park holiday ideas

A few suggestions to get the holiday planning process started

Volcanoes National Park Guide

Practical advice and inspiration to help you prepare for your holiday

Rwanda Testimonials

3 reviews
4.8 / 5
"The One and Only Nyungwe House was probably the best hotel I have stayed in. The staff at all the hotels was excellent, and Eric, the driver, really made the trip outstanding for us. He was very knowledgeable and friendly and always went the extra mile to make sure that we had a great trip."
Paul - London
Published on 21st August 2024
"Overall a really wonderful trip. Rwanda is amazing and worked very well in combination with Kenya and Tanzania, offering something totally different. "
Michelle - London
Published on 5th November 2019
"Original Travel organised a wonderful holiday to Rwanda. The planning process and on-site services were top notch. You must go and visit this magnificent country and, of course, see the gorillas, a genuinely amazing experience. Thanks again to our consultant who perfectly translated our ideas into the trip of our dreams in Rwanda."
Jennifer - Nottingham
Published on 30th August 2019

What can you find in Volcanoes National Park that you won't find anywhere else?

As one of only three places in the world to see endangered mountain gorillas, Volcanoes National Park holidays are a truly special once-in-a-lifetime experience. According to the most recent census, only around 1,063 mountain gorillas remain in the wild, with more than half found in the Virunga Mountains. The volcanic range runs along the border with Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park – thought to be the oldest national park on the continent – encompasses five of the eight volcanoes within the range. The park contains a vast variety of other landscapes, such as bamboo and evergreen forests, grassland and swamps, along with the dramatic volcanic terrain and striking mountain backdrops.


As well as mountain gorillas, the park is also home to rare and endangered Golden Monkeys, which can be seen swinging from tree to tree in the dense forest canopy overhead. Located where the great East African rift meets the Virunga volcano region and with Lake Kivu nearby, a variety of birds flock to the area, and more than 200 species call the park home. While gorilla trekking will likely form the centrepiece of your stay, Volcanoes National Park holidays can also include birding safaris, visits to Kigali – Rwanda’s historic capital – and a tour of the Karisoke Research Centre, established by researcher and conservationist Dian Fossey.

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