Volcanoes National Park at a glance
Volcanoes National Park is the base for mountain gorilla trekking in Rwanda. It also offers golden monkey tracking, a hike up Bisoke and a walk to the grave of Dian Fossey. All four are guided, and all four start early in the morning.
The usual base is Musanze, a town at 1,850 m. The Rwanda Development Board (RDB) puts the park headquarters in Kinigi, 13 km from Musanze. This site is an independent travel guide. It does not issue permits and is not connected to the RDB or the park.
What you can do in the park
Four guided activities, each with its own permit. Fees below are the 2026 rates listed by the RDB for adult international visitors.
Gorilla trekking
The best-known activity. A permit costs 1,500 USD per person for international visitors, and the minimum age is 15. Groups of up to 8 visitors spend 1 hour with the gorillas. The walk to the group can take from 30 minutes to 4 hours or more, at roughly 2,500 to 4,000 m. Everything about permits, rules and the day itself is on our gorilla trekking page.
Golden monkey tracking
A shorter and cheaper way into the forest. The minimum age is 12, and you report at 07:00. International visitors pay 100 USD per person.
Bisoke hike
A guided hike on the Bisoke volcano. International adults pay 75 USD. The minimum age is 15, the meeting time is 07:00 and a hiking group has up to 16 people.
Dian Fossey tomb
A walk to the grave of the primatologist Dian Fossey. International adults pay 75 USD. The RDB describes about 30 minutes by vehicle from the headquarters, then 2–3 hours of forest walking to above 3,000 m. The minimum age is 15.
Tours in and around Volcanoes National Park
Guided day trips and multi-day itineraries from Kigali and Musanze, with live prices and availability.
Fees and age limits compared
Rates for 2026 as listed by the RDB. Rwandan citizens, East African Community (EAC) citizens and foreign residents pay other rates, shown in the last column.
| Activity | Minimum age | International adult | Rwanda residents (adult / student or child) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gorilla trekking | 15 | 1,500 USD | Promotional rates apply on some dates, see the gorilla page |
| Golden monkey tracking | 12 | 100 USD | 65 USD / 45 USD |
| Bisoke hike | 15 | 75 USD | 60 USD / 45 USD |
| Dian Fossey tomb | 15 | 75 USD | 60 USD / 45 USD |
Rwandan citizens pay 4,000 RWF (adult) and 2,000 RWF (student or child) for golden monkeys, Bisoke and the tomb. EAC citizens pay 65 USD and 45 USD for golden monkeys, and 55 USD and 45 USD for Bisoke and the tomb. Foreign residents of an EAC country pay 80 USD and 45 USD for golden monkeys, and 65 USD and 45 USD for Bisoke and the tomb. Resident rates require proof of at least 4 consecutive months of residence status or a work permit.
Golden monkeys and Bisoke
Tracking golden monkeys is a good option if you have no gorilla permit, are between 12 and 14, or want a cheaper morning in the forest. As with gorillas, there is no guarantee of a sighting.
Bisoke is the volcano hike for people who like a climb. Walk with the guide you are assigned and keep to the trail. The RDB recommends sturdy hiking boots, long clothing, gloves and a rain jacket for the forest activities.
Only hike in the park with registered guides. The German Federal Foreign Office says hikes in Volcanoes and Nyungwe national parks are allowed only with state-registered guides, so independent summit attempts are not an option.
Musanze as a base
The RDB lists places to stay both in Musanze town and on the edges of the park. A stay in town is simpler for restaurants and shops. A lodge near the park shortens the drive before the 07:00 briefing. Pick the location with the early start in mind, and see our where to stay page for the areas.
From Kigali-Nyabugogo, a new intercity fare list from April 2026 gives 3,821 RWF for a bus to Musanze, as reported in the press. Travel times depend on traffic, so allow a buffer if you have a permit for the next morning.
The RDB also names the twin lakes Burera and Ruhondo as outings from Musanze. If you plan a longer trip west, the next stop is Lake Kivu.
Weather and safety
The RDB names June to mid-September as the drier window, when trails are easier to walk. Rain is possible in any month, and the rainy seasons run from mid-February to May and from mid-September to mid-December. Our best time to visit page covers the details.
Volcanoes National Park lies near the border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The German Federal Foreign Office (status 18 October 2026) advises against non-essential travel to the border regions and names the area around Volcanoes among the places with risks. The US State Department (4 June 2026) rates Rwanda Level 3, Reconsider travel, and Level 4 within 10 km of the border, and expressly excludes Volcanoes National Park from that border zone. These are national assessments, not closures by Rwanda. Check your own government's advice before you book, and read our travel tips for entry rules.
Volcanoes National Park: frequently asked questions
What is there to do besides gorilla trekking?
You can track golden monkeys (100 USD for international visitors in 2026), hike Bisoke (75 USD) or walk to the Dian Fossey tomb (75 USD). Each activity needs its own permit.
How old do you have to be?
The minimum age is 15 for gorillas, Bisoke and the Fossey tomb, and 12 for golden monkeys.
When do the activities start?
You report at 07:00. The gorilla briefing takes place at the Kinigi park headquarters. Plan your accommodation around that early start.
Can I hike without a guide?
No. Hikes in Volcanoes National Park are allowed only with registered guides, according to the German Federal Foreign Office.
How far is the park from Musanze?
The RDB gives 13 km from Musanze to the Kinigi headquarters. Musanze lies at 1,850 m.
Where do I get a permit?
Permits come from the Rwanda Development Board. This site is an independent guide and does not sell them. See the gorilla trekking page for the booking route.