How to Get to Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park is the top tourist destination in Rwanda, attracting visitors from around the world with its unique and rare tourist attraction: the endangered mountain gorillas that inhabit its dense forests and volcanic landscapes. These gorillas are one of Rwanda’s greatest tourism draws. For those interested in gorilla trekking in Rwanda and wondering how to get to Volcanoes National Park, there are various transport options available.
Located in the northern province of Rwanda in the Musanze District, Volcanoes National Park is Rwanda’s premier primate park. It is renowned not only for its mountain gorillas but also for its population of golden monkeys, which are rare and endemic to the region. The park is part of the Virunga mountain range, home to five dormant volcanoes, and is rich in birdlife, diverse mammals, and beautiful flora.
There are several ways to reach Volcanoes National Park, with the most popular being by road. While air travel is also an option, road transport remains the most commonly used and convenient means of getting to the park.
By Road
Road travel is the most affordable and convenient way to reach Volcanoes National Park. If you’ve booked your gorilla safari with a tour operator, you’ll typically be assigned a private vehicle to drive you from Kigali to the park. The journey from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park in Musanze is a scenic experience, taking you through undulating hills and breathtaking landscapes that offer visitors stunning views of Rwanda’s countryside.
The travel time from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park is about 105 kilometers (65 miles) away from the city proper, with approximately 2 to 2.5 hours travel time, depending on the number of stopovers along the way.
If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, you can also use public bus services to reach Volcanoes National Park. Rwanda boasts a well-maintained and efficient road network, making public transportation a reliable option. There are daily bus and coaster services that run from Kigali to Musanze at various intervals. These buses can be found at the Nyabugogo bus station in Kigali.
By Air
The quickest way to reach Volcanoes National Park from Kigali is by air. Scheduled helicopter flights operate daily from Kigali International Airport to Musanze, landing at Musanze Airstrip. These flights are run by Akagera Aviation and take only 30 minutes, offering a unique and scenic transfer experience that allows tourists to enjoy breathtaking aerial views of Rwanda’s stunning landscapes.
Travel with us
At Rwanda Eco Company and Safaris, we offer a range of highly customized private vehicles, including 4×4 safari vehicles, Jeeps, Land Cruisers, and RAV4s to ensure a comfortable and smooth journey. For those who prefer a more flexible option, car hire services are available. Whether you’re looking for a self-drive car rental or a vehicle with a professional driver or safari guide, we can assist with your car hire needs to ensure a smooth journey to Volcanoes National Park.
We also offer private transfer services to Volcanoes National Park with our experienced guides. You can also request a self-drive car hire or let us arrange your helicopter flight to Musanze for an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re planning gorilla trekking, golden monkey treks, the Dian Fossey tomb hike, hikes to Mount Bisoke or Mount Muhabura, visits to Musanze Caves, or exploring the local villages, we ensure that your Volcanoes safari will be both remarkable and rewarding.
