Volcanoes National Park in February

At a Glance:

Where is Volcanoes National Park?:  Volcanoes National Park is located in the north of Rwanda, 81 miles from the capital, Kigali.

Why visit Volcanoes National Park?: The best spot in the world to see the endangered mountain gorillas is in Volcanoes National Park. Dian Fossey began her decades-long habituation of these gentle giants here andit is the setting for the Oscar-nominated film ‘Gorillas in the Mist’.

When to visit Volcanoes National Park?: February offers dry weather which makes hiking through the dense undergrowth easier and more pleasant.

Bisate Lodge

Volcanoes National Park in northeastern Rwanda protects the slopes of five of the eight volcanoes in the majestic Virunga Mountains. This stunning landscape of free-standing mountains joined by forested saddles creates a diverse mosaic of montane ecosystems with evergreen and bamboo woodland, open grassland, and marsh. 

Half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas call the Virungas home.  One of the genuinely unique experiences in the area and the drawcard for most visitors is tracking gorillas for a chance to observe these charismatic primates in the wild. These hikes aren’t easy but it’s an effort richly rewarded with one of the most awe-inspiring wildlife encounters in Africa. 

A total of 96 tracking permits are available daily for visits to a dozen habituated gorilla families. This limit is designed to ensure that gorillas aren’t adversely affected. It is essential that you obtain a permit prior to traveling.

Other unique and worthwhile activities include tracking golden monkeys, visiting Dian Fossey’s research camp, and taking nature walks in search of forest wildlife and birdlife.