Situated in the far northwest corner of Rwanda, Volcanoes National Park (Parc National des Volcans) protects the steep rain forested slopes of the magnificent Virunga’s Mountain range.
Rare mountain gorillas and golden monkeys reside on the slopes of Rwanda’s Virungas, just a three-hour drive from Kigali International Airport. The lush slopes of these volcanoes provide a dramatic natural setting for one of the most thrilling and memorable wildlife experiences – seeing the mountain gorilla in its natural habitat. Roughly half of the world’s wild population of mountain gorillas is resident on the Rwandan slopes of the Virungas.
Volcanoes National Park is the site of primatologist Dian Fossey's Karisoke Research Station, where she led a team to study gorillas in the wild. You can undertake about a 2-hour hike to her tomb, which is - like so much in Rwanda - both moving and inspiring. The hike is good time to look out for primates, hogs, forest elephants and a plethora of bird species. There are a few troops of habituated golden monkeys, whose antics are great fun to watch. Golden monkeys are endangered, and permits are required for trekking.