Majestic Mountain Refuge – Volcanoes National Park, renowned for its mountain gorillas, offers a profound natural experience amidst Rwanda’s mist-covered, volcanic landscapes. This park is not only a sanctuary for rare wildlife but also a place of adventure and discovery, where every trail promises encounters with nature at its most raw and spectacular.
Start Planning604 (2019 census)
2,400 meters (7,874 feet) to 4,507 meters (14,787 feet) above sea level.
The park covers an area of about 160 square kilometers (62 square miles)
A permit is required for gorilla trekking, which should be arranged well in advance due to limited availability.
Located about a 2-hour drive from Kigali, the park is accessible by road.
Peak Season: June to September and December to February are popular due to drier weather, making treks less strenuous and more accessible.
Off-Peak Season: The rainy seasons (March to May, October to November) can be wet, but the park is less crowded, and the scenery is particularly lush.
Mountain Gorilla Trekking: The park is one of the few places in the world where you can observe mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.
Golden Monkey Trekking: Aside from gorillas, the park is also home to the rare and beautiful golden monkeys.
Dian Fossey Tomb and Research Center: Visit the site dedicated to the famous primatologist who dedicated her life to gorilla conservation.
Hiking the Virunga Volcanoes: Adventurous visitors can hike one of the park's five volcanoes, including Mount Karisimbi, the highest at 4,507 meters.
Most resorts offer wireless internet connections, as do airports. For maximum connectivity throughout your trip, consider purchasing a local SIM card at the international airport upon arrival.
MTN and Airtel offer great coverage in Rwanda.
Many nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival or apply online for an East Africa Tourist Visa if planning to visit multiple countries in the region.
Sun protection and hydration are key. Being located on the equator means the sun is significantly harsher than in places like Europe.
Take extra care on safari and beach excursions.
It's important to carry enough cash, as many lodges and camps do not have facilities for tipping with credit cards and might not have enough cash for change.
A common practice is to tip $10-$15 per guest, per day. This usually goes into a communal tip box and is shared among all the lodge or camp staff, including those working behind the scenes.
For individuals who guide you through your safari (guides and trackers), a typical tip is about $10-$20 per person, per day.
At restaurants, tipping about 10% of the bill is customary.
Always ensure that your tips are given as a token of appreciation for good service, rather than out of obligation.
Drones are prohibited unless you have obtained a specific permit. Customs conducts scans of all bags upon arrival and will confiscate any drones, holding them until your departure day.
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