Travel advisory · RwandaVolcanoes National Park is in or near an area where governments advise against all but essential travel: Border regions with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).Advice depends on your passport. Read your own government's advice before you book.Official advice
- Border regions with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) · avoid non-essential travel · Germany, Spain, New Zealand
- Rusizi district border areas · avoid non-essential travel · Italy, UK
Also named by one government: Rubavu district (New Zealand), Bugesera district border areas (Italy), Gisagara district border areas (Italy), Karongi district border areas (Italy), Kirehe district border areas (Italy), Musanze district border areas (Italy), Ngoma district border areas (Italy), Nyabihu district border areas (Italy), Nyamasheke district border areas (Italy), Nyanza district border areas (Italy), Rubavu district border areas (Italy), Rutsiro district border areas (Italy)
| Government | Advice | Updated | Read the advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom (FCDO) | No advice against the whole country (regional advisories) | – | Read the advice |
| United States (State Dept) | Reconsider travel | Jun 4, 2026 | Read the advice |
| Canada (Global Affairs) | Take normal security precautions | – | Read the advice |
| Germany (Auswärtiges Amt) | No advice against the whole country (regional advisories) | Oct 13, 2026 | Read the advice |
| New Zealand (SafeTravel) | Exercise normal safety and security precautions (regional advisories) | – | Read the advice |
| France (Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs) | Vigilance renforcée (en jaune) pour l'ensemble du pays | – | Read the advice |
Checked daily from the governments' published advice; last checked Nov 2, 2026. RoamLedger summarises official advice; it is not advice from any government.
Volcanoes National Park
Travelers come for mountain gorilla treks led by rangers through forested volcano slopes in northwestern Rwanda.
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Volcanoes National Park lies in the Virunga Mountains of northwestern Rwanda, on the borders with Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It protects part of the Virunga volcanic chain, and its forested slopes are home to mountain gorillas. Most visitors come for gorilla trekking. Gorilla families are used to human visitors, each trek is guided by park rangers, and only a limited number of permits are sold for each group each day.
The trip suits travelers who want one main activity and can handle steep, muddy walks at altitude. Finding a gorilla group can take several hours, so wear boots and bring a rain jacket. Golden monkeys, a smaller primate, live in the bamboo forest and are tracked on separate treks. Musanze, the town at the park edge, is where most visitors stay. The drier months, roughly June to September and December to February, are the easiest for hiking. A trek takes a day, so plan a second day if you want golden monkey tracking too.
Volcanoes National Park in five
- Book gorilla permits before you flyPermits from the Rwanda Development Board are limited for each day, so a date can sell out. Book through RDB or a licensed operator, and do not plan around walk-in availability.
- Get your Rwanda visa sorted before you flyMost passports need a visa or eVisa for Rwanda, and the rules differ by nationality. Apply through the official immigration site, not a reseller.
- Set up MTN or Airtel data in KigaliMTN Rwanda and Airtel Rwanda both sell prepaid SIMs and data bundles in town. Download your maps and permit details before you leave Kigali.
- Carry Rwandan francs for tipsTips for trekking guides and drivers are usually paid in cash, in francs.
- Book the road transfer from KigaliKigali International Airport (KGL) is the main arrival airport for the park. Most visitors go by road from Kigali to Musanze, the town at the park gate, so arrange the transfer before you land.
Things to do in Volcanoes National Park
See all attractions in Volcanoes National Park
Need to know
- Currency
- Rwandan franc (RWF)
- Entry
- Visa or eVisa needed by most visitors; visa-free for some passports Read more
- Emergency
- 112 police and general emergency
- Tipping
- Expected for guides and drivers; check the bill for a service charge
- Time
- UTC+2, no daylight saving
Weather by month
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Poor
- JanuaryDry, busy
- FebruaryDry season
- MarchLong rains
- AprilLong rains
- MayRains ease
- JuneDry, peak
- JulyDry, peak
- AugustDry, peak
- SeptemberDry, clear
- OctoberShort rains
- NovemberShort rains
- DecemberDry, holidays
Right now in Volcanoes National Park
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
12
- Feels like
- 12°
- Humidity
- 93%
- Wind
- 3 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 100%
Volcanoes National Park
10:38 PM
Monday, November 2
- Today18°11°100%Monday: Rain. High 18°, Low 11°. Chance of rain 100%.
- Tue19°11°100%Tuesday: Rain. High 19°, Low 11°. Chance of rain 100%.
- Wed20°11°100%Wednesday: Drizzle. High 20°, Low 11°. Chance of rain 100%.
- Thu20°12°100%Thursday: Rain. High 20°, Low 12°. Chance of rain 100%.
- Fri20°11°100%Friday: Drizzle. High 20°, Low 11°. Chance of rain 100%.
- Sat18°12°100%Saturday: Rain. High 18°, Low 12°. Chance of rain 100%.
- Sun18°12°100%Sunday: Drizzle. High 18°, Low 12°. Chance of rain 100%.
Updated 09:57 PM local time · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Money
Mid-market rate1 USD = 1,476 RWF
Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API
Before you go to Volcanoes National Park
Rules for Volcanoes National Park, checked
- Gorilla trekking is for people aged 15 and over, and you need a permit issued for your date. Check the RDB site for current conditions before you book.Source
- Keep at least 7 metres from mountain gorillas and follow your ranger's instructions. Visits with the gorillas are limited to one hour.Source
- Do not go on the trek if you are unwell. Gorillas can catch human diseases, and the rule is set to protect them.Source
Plan around Volcanoes National Park
Entry, money and gorilla permit basics
Read the guideTours and ticketsPermits, trekking days and guided options
Read the guideGetting around RwandaKigali airport transfers and the road to Musanze
Read the guideWhere to stayLodges and hotels near the park gate
Read the guideVisas and entryVisa, eVisa and arrival rules
Read the guideTravel insuranceCover for remote trekking and evacuation
Read the guideVolcanoes National Park FAQ
Do I need a permit to see mountain gorillas?
Yes. Each trek needs a gorilla permit issued for a set date, and you trek with park guides. Book before you travel, because permits sell out.
How many days do I need in Volcanoes National Park?
One day covers a gorilla trek. Add a second day for golden monkey tracking or a visit to Dian Fossey's grave if you want the park's other sights.
When is the best time to visit Volcanoes National Park?
June to September and December to February are the drier months, when trails are easier. March to May and October to November are the rainy seasons.
Can children go gorilla trekking?
No. Visitors must be 15 or older to trek gorillas. Check the RDB site for the current rule before you book.
Which airport is closest to Volcanoes National Park?
Kigali International Airport (KGL) is the main arrival airport. You then transfer by road to Musanze, the town at the park gate.
Is gorilla trekking hard?
The forest is steep and muddy, and finding the gorillas can take several hours. Wear boots and bring a rain jacket.