While gorilla trekking is easily the main draw for visitors to Volcanoes National Park, travelers who simply trek & leave risk missing out on the region’s ample other offerings. These range from nature walks to cultural visits, all set among the mist-laden foothills of the Virunga Massif. Save this list for things to do in and around Volcanoes National Park.
Track the Mountain Gorillas of Rwanda
There’s no question that gorilla trekking is the top activity for visitors to Volcanoes National Park. Rwanda is home to a little under half of the world’s mountain gorillas, find their home here in the forested slopes of the Virunga Massif.
As of 2023, gorilla trekking permits in Rwanda cost USD$1,500 per per person, and the trek is an extraordinary experience. Visitors set out in the early morning on a guided hike through the forest in search of their assigned, habituated gorilla family, led by park rangers and a team of expert trackers. Once the gorilla family is located, visitors have the chance to spend a full hour with them in their natural habitat.
There’s nothing quite like watching a silverback amble across the forest floor in a display of its might, seeing a young gorilla swing playfully on a Vince, or watching its mother peel back nearby leaves and stems to feed on. Hornbill travelers consistently tell us it was a life-changing experience, and one of their top travel memories.
To learn more about what to expect during your gorilla trek, visit out blog post Gorilla Trekking: The Experience.
Hike through the Forest to Find Golden Monkeys
Curious and playful, these endangered primates make their home in the bamboo forests of Volcanoes National Park. (They can also be found in certain regions of Uganda and Democratic Republic of Congo.)
Golden monkeys live in family groups of up to 60 individuals, and are delightful to watch as they skitter over branches, feast on bamboo, and frolic along the forest floor. Their striking coats boast patch of golden fur for which they’re named. The hike to locate the habituated Golden monkey family is usually shorter and easier than the average gorilla trek, but you’ll still have that precious hour to spend with them in their habitat before making the return journey to the trailhead.
Visit the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund
Opened in February 2022, the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund is a center for conservation, research, and education. Visitors can enjoy interactive public exhibits that tell the story of mountain gorilla research and conservation from the era of Dian Fossey up to today, including never-before-seen artifacts. While touring, guests can browse local crafts at the gift shop or grab a cup of coffee at the Gorilla Cafe. For anyone interested in learning more about mountain gorillas, their conservation, and ecotourism in Rwanda, the Ellen Campus is well worth a visit.
Visit the Iby'iwacu Cultural Village
While the Iby’iwacu Cultural Village showcases a spectrum of traditional Rwanda culture, music and dancing often reign supreme during visits here. During traditional dances, the complex choreography and lively music bring to life a vital part of the country’s heritage.
The Iby’iwacu village is largely run a group of reformed poachers–now known as the Gorilla Guardians. When not watching the dance and music performances, you can watch a traditional medicine man grind herbs and prepare concoctions, learn about local cooking techniques and traditional clothing, or step into the traditional dwelling of the local king.
Hike to the Dian Fossey Karisoke Research Centre
Visit Dian Fossey’s original research camp and her grave site on this hike in Volcanoes National Park. This outing is ideal for those looking to stretch their legs while also seeing firsthand the history of Fossey’s work in Rwanda. Lasting a few hours total, the hike takes you through the wooded slopes until you reach the site of her tomb where Fossey was buried, along with several of her favorite gorilla friends, including the famous Digit. You’ll also have a chance to see the camp site, which now lies in ruins years after her death. But Fossey’s legacy in gorilla conservation lives on, and this hike is a chance to pay homage and learn more about her work as one of East Africa’s most celebrated primatologists.
Visit a Community Project or Set out on a Community Walk
For a better understanding of daily life and culture in Rwanda, ask us about adding a community walk to your itinerary. Or, consider stopping by a local project designed to support and empower communities in the Volcanoes National Park region–like Handspun Hope, where women work fair-trade jobs in a yarn-making collective, learning fiber arts and business skills.
Explore the Musanze Caves
Historically, the Musanze Caves played the crowning of kings for the local Kinyarwanda tribes. However, in 1994, the Musanze Caves became a shelter for thousands of refugees escaping the Rwandan genocide. Today, visitors can explore the cave’s tunnels to during the walk. The caves are approximately 2km long, with stone walkways and staircases leading in and out. Inside the caves is cool and quiet, with lush vegetation spilling along the cave entrance. A visit to the Musanze caves works well after a morning of Gorilla or Golden monkey trekking.
Set out on a Nature Walk or Hike
Explore the region on a guided nature walk or hike to take in the lush forest setting or the spectacular views over the Virunga Volcanoes. Hike to the twin lakes Ruhondo and Bulera, climb Mt. Bisoke or Mt. Karasimbi, or visit the Buhanga Forest–the historic coronation site of Rwanda’s past kings–to learn about the country’s culture and environment. Whether you’re in it for the bird watching (with over 200 species recorded), the incredible views, or simply another chance to stretch your legs and see the sights, the park offers plenty of hiking opportunities to keep active travelers exploring.
Explore our safaris in Rwanda to find more inspiration for your next journey. Have more questions? Contact us to learn more and start planning your gorilla trek.
