“In the heart of Central Africa, so high up that you shiver more than you sweat,” renowned primatologist Dian Fossey once wrote, “are great, old volcanoes towering almost 15,000 feet, and nearly covered with rich, green rainforest – the Virungas.”

Located in the far northwest of Rwanda, Volcanoes National Park encompasses the steep slopes of this majestic mountain range, which shelters the endangered mountain gorilla and hosts a diverse array of montane ecosystems, including evergreen and bamboo forests, open grasslands, swamps, and heathlands.

The park derives its name from the chain of dormant volcanoes that constitute the Virunga Massif: Karisimbi – the tallest at 4,507 meters, Bisoke with its lush crater lake, Sabinyo, Gahinga, and Muhabura.

Tracking the endangered mountain gorillas through the mystical rainforest, alive with the calls of 200 bird species and the chatter of the rare golden monkey, is just one of the exceptional experiences offered in this region.

Within Volcanoes National Park, you’ll also find Buhanga Eco-Park, an ancient forest rich with Rwanda’s most captivating folklore, and Musanze Caves, formed 62 million years ago after the last volcanic eruption.

For those seeking adventure, the park offers hiking, canoeing, mountain biking, and village experiences, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy in this stunning natural sanctuary.