Volcanoes National Park

Volcanoes National Park (also known as Parc National des Volcans) is arguably the best place in the world to observe the critically endangered mountain gorilla. This is where Dian Fossey started the habituation of these gentle giants decades ago. Other activities in the park include golden monkey trekking, a hike to Diane Fossey’s former camp, and the more strenuous volcano summit. Volcanoes National Park protects the Rwandan sector of the Virunga Mountains, a range of extinct and active volcanoes that straddle the Ugandan and Congolese borders. The dramatic scenery consists of a chain of free-standing mountains, each connected by forested saddles.

The gorillas are often found along these forested saddles, in enormous groves of bamboo. Aside from mountain gorillas, a habituated troop of golden monkeys can be tracked. This rare species is an Albertine Rift endemic. Buffalo and elephant are quite common in the forest, but they are skittish and rarely seen. Smaller animals present include bushbuck, bushpig, giant forest hog, black-fronted duiker and spotted hyena.

Tracking mountain gorillas is one of Africa’s top wildlife experiences and Volcanoes National Park is perhaps the best place for it. There are more habituated troops here than in the other parks that offer this activity. Each troop has its own territory and family structure. Budget permitting, you can consider booking two gorilla treks on two different days. Gorilla trekking is available throughout the year. Sightings are almost guaranteed at any time. In heavy rain, the trails become slippery, therefore tracking gorillas is easier during the Dry season, from June to August, and to a lesser extent in December and January when it also rains a bit less. Gorilla trekking in the Dry season may require booking far in advance to ensure you get a permit. In addition to mountain gorillas, a troop of habituated golden monkeys, endemic to the Albertine Rift, can also be tracked. Other mammals resident in the park (but rarely seen) include: buffalo, elephant, bushpig, giant forest hog and several antelope species.

With about 180 species recorded, Volcanoes National Park offers good birding. However, most of the park’s special birds can also be seen in Nyungwe Forest, which is better set-up for birding. A local specialty is the vulnerable swamp-dwelling Grauer’s swamp warbler and at least 16 Albertine Rift endemics (birds restricted to the Albertine Rift) are present, including handsome francolin, Ruwenzori turaco and Ruwenzori batis, Ruwenzori double-collared sunbird, and Archer’s robin-chat.