Rwanda
Volcanoes National Park
Located in the north western corner of Rwanda, the Volcanoes National Park is home to the world-famous mountain gorillas, one of the most sought-after wildlife encounters anywhere on the planet. In addition to gorilla trekking, Volcanoes National Park also offers golden monkey trekking, hiking, and cultural experiences including village walks. Rwanda has put in place one of the most robust and successful gorilla conservation programmes in the world, making Volcanoes National Park a beacon of hope for the mountain gorilla's survival. Limited trekking permits and strict protocols protect both gorillas and their habitat.
Explore Volcanoes National Park
Things to See & Do
Highlights and experiences in Volcanoes National Park
While there may be some wildlife experiences to match it, there is surely no animal encounter in the world to beat gorilla trekking. It is a truly emotional and enthralling experience, with the very idea of hacking through the jungles of central Africa being enough to tingle the toughest of nerves. Spending time with our majestic cousins, while being dwarfed by the mighty silverbacks, is one of those hours which you wish could last a lifetime.
A fantastic bonus of Volcanoes National Park is that it lies only an easy 2 hour drive from Kigali, which allows for a very quick and easy gorilla trekking add-on to any African safari. With regular flights to Kigali from Nairobi, it is excellent to combine a wildlife safari itinerary with an amazing gorilla trekking experience, while only needing to add on 3 to 4 nights to the trip.
Best Time to Visit Volcanoes National Park
Month-by-month travel guide with weather, highlights, and expert recommendations.
Compare with other destinationsVolcanoes National Park in May
Weather
May sees a slight decrease in rainfall from April, but it's still part of the long rainy season. Temperatures are mild, typically 17-23°C.
Highlights
The vegetation remains incredibly dense and green. Wildlife is active, and the park feels very alive after the heavy rains.
Best Areas
Trails will still be muddy, but potentially less so than April. Consider golden monkey trekking, which often involves less strenuous hikes.
Pros
Low season prices, fewer crowds, and the opportunity to experience the park in its most lush state.
Cons
Muddier trails and the chance of rain can still impact trekking comfort and visibility.