Located in northwestern Rwanda, Volcanoes National Park spans 160 km² (62 sq mi) of lush rainforest. It is home to five of the eight striking volcanoes of the Virunga Mountains: Karisimbi, Bisoke, Muhabura, Gahinga, and Sabyinyo. The park shares its borders with Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda, creating a significant conservation area.

This park is a sanctuary for the majestic mountain gorilla and the rare golden monkey, species that contribute significantly to the region’s biodiversity. These animals are a major draw for visitors from around the world who come to witness their behaviour in their natural habitat.

Watch more here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5yQmupGTlxE&t=13s

Establishment and Expansion

Volcanoes National Park was gazetted in 1925 to protect the endangered gorillas from poaching, making it Africa’s first national park. Initially, it covered the volcanoes of Karisimbi, Bisoke, and Mikeno. In 1929, the park expanded further into Rwanda and the Belgian Congo, forming the vast Albert National Park, managed by the Belgian colonial administration, covering an area of 8090 km².

Land Use Changes and Conservation Challenges

In 1958, 700 hectares of parkland were cleared for human settlement. Between 1969 and 1973, a further 1,050 hectares were allocated for pyrethrum cultivation. These reductions in protected land highlighted the need for intensified conservation efforts.

Dian Fossey’s Impact

The American primatologist Dian Fossey arrived in 1967, founding the Karisoke Research Centre between Karisimbi and Visoke volcanoes. Her dedication to gorilla conservation brought global attention to their plight. Tragically, she was murdered in 1985, likely by poachers she had campaigned against. Her legacy lives on through her autobiography, Gorillas in the Mist, and its film adaptation, as well as her resting place within the park, near the animals she fought to protect.

Civil War and Recovery

The park endured severe disruption during the Rwandan Civil War. In 1992, the park headquarters were attacked, leading to the closure of the Karisoke Research Centre and the suspension of tourism. The park reopened in 1999, following efforts to restore stability and safety in the region. Although rebel activity persisted for a few years, the Rwandan army’s swift response has ensured the safety of visitors and the park’s wildlife.

Watch more here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A8Jr6tgh-Ng&t=12s

Additional Attractions

Beyond its rainforest and wildlife, the park is also home to Buhanga Eco-Park, an ancient woodland rich in Rwandan folklore, and the Musanze Caves, formed from volcanic activity around 62 million years ago, offering insights into the geological history of the area.

Volcanoes National Park stands as a symbol of resilience, illustrating nature’s ability to endure and the human commitment to conservation.

Rwanda is one of only three countries worldwide where critically endangered mountain gorillas still thrive. Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is a truly transformative experience, offering the rare opportunity to observe these magnificent creatures in their natural environment. With only around 880 mountain gorillas remaining globally, witnessing them up close is a unique and cherished moment.

Mountain gorillas reside on the bamboo-covered slopes of the Virunga Mountains within Volcanoes National Park in northern Rwanda. Guided by expert trackers, visitors are introduced to one of the habituated gorilla families, spending an awe-inspiring hour observing these gentle animals as they go about their daily routines.

Gorilla Trekking

Gorilla trekking involves visitors hiking in search of a designated habituated gorilla family. Depending on the location of the allocated group, treks can vary in duration, ranging from one to over four hours. The return journey may also take as long, but the euphoria of encountering the gorillas often carries visitors through the challenging terrain.

Before the trek, expert guides provide a comprehensive briefing on the protocols and rules to follow when encountering the gorillas, who live at altitudes between 2,500 and 4,000 metres. Porters are available to assist with carrying backpacks and equipment and to support visitors through the rugged terrain, ensuring the trek is both safe and rewarding.

Gorilla Families in Volcanoes National Park

Volcanoes National Park is home to approximately twelve habituated gorilla families open to public visits, while others are habituated for research purposes only. Each family is typically led by one or more dominant silverbacks, accompanied by females and juveniles. Below is an overview of some of these remarkable families:

• Susa Group: The largest family in the park, consisting of over 38 gorillas. Known for the rare five-year-old twins, Byishimo and Impano, the Susa Group often roams high into the mountains, making the trek challenging.
• Sabyinyo Group: With 17 members, this easily accessible group is led by the powerful silverback Guhonda.
• Amahoro Group: Led by the calm Ubumwe, the Amahoro family consists of 19 gorillas. The trek to see them involves a steep climb but promises a rewarding experience.
• Agashya Group: Formerly known as Group 13, Agashya has around 25 members. This group demonstrates positive conservation progress within the park.
• Kwitonda Group: This group, led by Akarevuro, includes 23 members. Originally habituated in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Kwitonda Group tends to travel far, making the trek moderately difficult.
• Umubano Group: A family of 13, the Umubano group was formed when its leader, Charles, split from the Amahoro group.
• Kwisanga Group: One of the newest additions to the park, Kwisanga is led by Kigoma, who left the Kwitonda group with 16 members.
• Noheli Group: Comprising seven individuals and led by the silverback Noheli, this group was formed in 2021 when three females left the Isimbi and Susa groups to join Noheli. It is the smallest habituated group in the park.
• Hirwa Group: This group of 18 members formed from individuals previously in Group 13 and the Sabyinyo group. It is led by the silverback Munyinya.
• Bwenge Group: With 11 members, the Bwenge group resides on the slopes of Karisoke. Trekking to see them requires the assistance of a guide.
• Karisimbi Group (Susa B): This group, led by Nyagakangaga, was established in 2009 and inhabits the slopes of Mount Karisimbi.
• Igisha Group: Formed in 2014 as an offshoot of the Susa B group, Igisha is now one of the largest families in the park, consisting of 34 members under the leadership of Igisha.
• Muhoza Group: Located centrally within the park, the Muhoza group has about 17 members and is led by the silverback Muhoza, making it one of the easier groups to trek.
• Isimbi Group: Led by Muturengera, the Isimbi group is a result of the split from the Karisimbi group. It comprises 16 members, including one silverback, four adult females, seven juveniles, and four infants.

Each group offers a unique trekking experience, providing visitors with an intimate glimpse into the

A gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda is an official pass that allows tourists to visit the endangered mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park. These permits are essential for conservation efforts, ensuring that gorilla tourism remains sustainable with minimal impact on the animals and their habitat.

Find out more here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VtBHQjqOikw

Gorilla Permit Costs (2023)

The costs of gorilla permits vary by residency status:

• Foreign Non-Residents: $1,500 per person
• Foreign Residents: $1,000 per person (requires proof of residency)
• East African Community (EAC) Residents: $500 per person (includes residents of Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Burundi, and South Sudan; documentation required)
• Rwandan Citizens: 30,000 Rwandan Francs per person

Note: The permit includes park entry for the trekking day, and prices may change. Always check with the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) or a trusted tour operator for the most current fees.

Booking a Gorilla Permit

Booking a gorilla permit in Rwanda is simple but requires planning due to limited availability. Here’s how to secure a permit:

1. Plan Your Trekking Date: Choose your preferred date well in advance, especially during peak seasons (June-September, December-February).
2. Contact the Rwanda Development Board (RDB): You can inquire about permit availability directly through RDB via email (info@volcanoesnationalpark.com) or their official website.
3. Use a Tour Operator: For a hassle-free experience, many registered tour operators can book permits and handle logistics like transport and accommodation.
4. Payment: Pay for the permit through the RDB or the tour operator. Methods may include bank transfers or credit cards. Additional charges may apply for international payments.
5. Submit Personal Details: Provide a copy of your passport and other necessary details for the permit.
6. Confirmation: Once the payment and details are processed, you’ll receive a confirmation. Make sure to have this before traveling.
7. Collect the Permit: On arrival in Rwanda, collect your physical permit in Musanze, near Volcanoes National Park.
8. Trekking Day: Arrive early at the park headquarters for a briefing, assignment of gorilla families, and trek guide instructions.

Important Notes

• Each gorilla group is visited by a maximum of eight people per day.
• Consider hiring a porter to assist with carrying gear and navigating the terrain. This also supports the local community.
• Ensure you are physically prepared, as treks can last several hours depending on the gorilla family’s location.

Purpose of Gorilla Permit Fees

The permit fees play a vital role in:

• Conservation: Protecting mountain gorillas through anti-poaching patrols, habitat monitoring, and health checks.
• Sustainable Tourism: Limiting visitor numbers to reduce the impact on the gorillas and their environment.
• Community Support: Funding local infrastructure, healthcare, and education to benefit communities around the park.
• Research and Monitoring: Supporting studies that help understand gorilla behavior and improve conservation strategies.
• In summary, purchasing a gorilla permit not only grants access to an extraordinary wildlife experience but also contributes directly to conservation efforts and local community development.