Parc National de Volcans or Volcanoes National park was first gazetted in 1925. Decades later, this park assumed international recognition when, in 1967, Diana Fossey an American naturalist arrive and set-up the Karisoke Research Centre. Diana’s research and exposure of the plight of the endangered gorillas decorates her legacy over three decades since her demise. Diana’s life is portrayed in the Movie, “Gorillas in the Mist”!
With 8 ancient volcanoes shared by Uganda, DR Congo, and Rwanda, the park is endowed with a vast altitudinal range thus vegetation varies considerably! There is a lower montane forest and between 2500 to 3200m, bamboo forest occupies the section of the park. Lobelia, meadows, marshes, swamps, and small lakes cover the land at height of between 3600 – 4500m.
The fauna is rich and incredibly popular with the Great Gentle Apes; the Mountain Gorillas. In addition, golden monkeys, black-fronted duikers, buffaloes, spotted hyenas, and bushbuck are residents of the park. Avid bird watchers have a total of 178 recorded bird species to look out for; 13 bird species and 16 subspecies are endemic to the Great Albertine Rift Biodiversity area that also covers the Virunga Conservation area.
The capital of Rwanda’s Conservation, Parc National des Volcans is situated about 2hrs from Kigali (the Capital of Rwanda). Gorilla tracking, Golden Monkey Tracking, Volcano Hikes, and the Hike to Diana Fossey’s Grave (the Iconic scientist buried in the park) are the major tourist activities.
Meet and assist upon arrival at Kanombe – Kayibanda International airport in Kigali and transfer to Kinigi – Ruhengeri near Parc National de Volcans. The transit time is approximately 3hrs. Spend the rest of the evening relaxing at Mountain Gorilla View Lodge.
Today is the long-awaited day!! Early morning preparations for the activity, pack lunch, attend a briefing by the Ranger guide, get hold of a walking stick and follow the Ranger to the Sanctuary. It is imperative to respect and abide by the conservation rules therefore leave nothing but a footprint and take nothing but memories and photographs. The maximum time allowed with the fascination Gorillas is 1 hour. After gorilla tracking, return to Kinigi and attend a cultural dance performance. You may participate in the famous “Intore Dance”. Return to Mountain Gorilla View Lodge for the rest of the evening.
After an early breakfast, exit Kinigi or Parc National des Volcans area and transfer back to Kigali. Lunch break and embark on a Kigali City Tour! You will be privileged to witness the apex of human misery at the Gisozi Genocide Museum where the earth speaks of hatred and horrible brutality! The museum also serves as a platform to learn more about other Genocides in the history of mankind. Proceed and visit local markets as well as worship places after which overnight at the Kigali Serena Hotel.
Dawn breaks on Kigali town; enjoy your last moments in the Land of 1000 hills, check out and transfer to the airport to arrive on time for your onward flight to Kilimanjaro.
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“Uganda is officially Ebola free” the Minister for Health, Dr. Chris Baryomunsi has announced.
Unlike previous Ebola outbreaks that informed the current 42-day declaration policy, Uganda’s 2026 Ebola outbreak arose from a fully documented importation event.