Volcanoes National Park is on the Rwandan side of the Virunga Volcanoes, which also border Uganda and the Congo.
There are five volcanoes that can be accessed from here, some of which have specific attractions and trails to the summits.
There are 56 trekking permits available per day, with a maximum of 8 persons per group. PNV’s seven habituated gorilla families are Group 13, Sabinyo, Amahoro, Umubano, Susa; Kwitonda and Hirwa. Most groups are half-day walks but Susa can take 5-7 hours. After an hour with these amazing creatures, you return to your lodge.
You can also climb a the Bisoke volcano, visit the Karisoke Research Center and the remains of Dian Fossey’s grave and the graves of the gorillas which she studied. There are also habituated troops of the rare Golden Monkey that you can visit.
Country: Rwanda
Park Size: 50 sq. miles – 130 sq. Kilometers.
Location: 3 hour drive from Kigali.
Ecosystems: Montane Forest, Rain Forest -African Redwood, Bamboo Forest, high altitude grassland
Wildlife: 350 Mountain Gorillas – 7 habituated groups, golden monkey, black-fronted duiker, buffalo, spotted hyena, bushbuck, 178 bird species
When to go: Anytime except mid-March through mid-May during the long rainy season. Best from June through September.