Destination
Musanze & the Volcanoes
Mountain gorillas and crater-lake hikes in Volcanoes National Park, plus the Twin Lakes and the hills around Musanze.
See Tours- Location
- Northern Rwanda, around Musanze
- Park size
- About 160 km²
- From Kigali
- About 2.5 hours by road
- Known for
- Mountain gorillas, golden monkeys
About Musanze & the Volcanoes
Musanze is the gateway to Rwanda's volcano country. Just outside town, Volcanoes National Park (Parc National des Volcans, or Pariki y'Igihugu y'Ibirunga in Kinyarwanda) covers the Rwandan side of the Virunga Massif, a chain of dormant volcanoes shared with Uganda and DR Congo. Its bamboo forests and misty slopes are home to around a third of the world's remaining mountain gorillas.
Gorillas are the reason most people come, but the area rewards a longer stay: golden monkeys in the bamboo, a crater lake at the top of Mount Bisoke and the research station where Dian Fossey worked inside the park, then the Twin Lakes of Burera and Ruhondo, the summit camp on Mount Kabuye and the cultural villages in the hills around Musanze.
Things to Do
The experiences that make Musanze & the Volcanoes worth the trip.
Gorilla Trekking
Hike into the forest with rangers and trackers to spend one hour with a habituated mountain gorilla family.
Golden Monkey Tracking
Follow troops of these rare, lively monkeys through the bamboo. A gentler trek that pairs well with a gorilla day.
Mount Bisoke Hike
Climb through montane forest to the crater lake at the summit, with views across the Virunga chain.
Twin Lakes
Hike, boat and kayak on Lakes Burera and Ruhondo, with the volcanoes rising behind.
Cultural Village
Intore dance, drumming, traditional archery and storytelling with the communities around the park.
Conservation
Permit revenue funds ranger patrols, veterinary care and projects in the villages around the park.
The five Rwandan volcanoes
- Karisimbi
- Bisoke
- Sabyinyo
- Gahinga
- Muhabura
Plan Your Visit
The practical details, so you know what to expect before you enquire.
Best time to visit
Fitness level
Getting there
What to bring
- Waterproof hiking boots
- Rain jacket and long trousers
- Garden gloves for nettles
- Warm layer for early starts
- Camera with the flash off
Tours in Musanze & Volcanoes
Ready-made trips you can book as they are or have Justin adapt.
1 dayMusanze & the Volcanoes
1 Day Gorilla Trekking Adventure
A pre-dawn start from Kigali to trek the slopes of Volcanoes National Park and spend an hour with a mountain gorilla family, with a cultural visit in the afternoon.
- Gorilla Trekking
- Primates
- Hiking
1 dayMusanze & the Volcanoes
1 Day Mount Bisoke Hike
Climb through montane forest to the crater lake at the top of Mount Bisoke, on the border between Rwanda and DR Congo.
- Hiking
1 dayMusanze & the Volcanoes
1 Day Twin Lakes Adventure
Hike, boat and kayak on Lakes Burera and Ruhondo below the Virunga volcanoes, with a traditional cow-milking visit and a lakeside lunch.
- Boating
- Kayaking
- Hiking
2 days / 1 nightMusanze & the Volcanoes
2 Day Mount Kabuye Hike & Lake Ruhondo
Climb Mount Kabuye through villages and forest to a summit view of the Twin Lakes and the Virunga volcanoes, camp on top, then walk down to Lake Ruhondo for a boat trip to the islands.
- Hiking
- Camping
- Boating
10 days / 9 nightsAcross Rwanda
The 10 Day Ultimate Rwanda Experience
Kigali, the royal south, Nyungwe's chimpanzees, Lake Kivu, gorillas and golden monkeys in the volcanoes, and a camping safari in Akagera: the whole country in ten days.
- Gorilla Trekking
- Primates
- Game Drive
Plan Your Visit to Musanze & Volcanoes
Tell Justin your dates and interests and he will put together an itinerary and quote for your group.