Rwanda
Volcanoes
Immerse yourself in the beauty of Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, with mountain gorillas and golden monkeys the stars of the show.
Encounter gorilla families in Volcanoes National Park
Spend one precious hour with the famous mountain gorillas of Volcanoes National Park. Grooming each other, climbing effortlessly into the bamboo. The young ones, playing, making faces, somersaulting over their mothers. Along the way, the sounds of myriad bird calls, and other wildlife, provide the soundtrack to this once-in-a-lifetime encounter.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Ready to go gorilla trekking?
A visit to Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is unforgettable. The adventure begins the moment you arrive at your luxurious Bisate Forest Villa - and gaze through a curtain of mist at the area’s two extinct volcanoes, Bisoke and Karisimbi. This is the ‘Land of a Thousand Hills’; of warm, colourful people, rich and fascinating cultures, and iconic African wildlife.
Volcanoes key facts
Bisate, perched dramatically on the edge of Volcanoes National Park in north-west Rwanda, is one of the most thrilling safari destinations in Africa, and has already racked up 34 awards. It is nestled in the perfect location to go trekking for mountain gorillas, golden monkeys and many other fascinating forest species and birdlife.
GEOGRAPHIC SIZE
160km²
BIRD SPECIES
+/- 180
MAMMAL SPECIES
+/- 189
BEST TIME TO VISIT
All year round
WILDERNESS CAMPS
2
Rainforest
Explore the incredible biodiversity of life in a Rwandan rainforest.
Open grassland
Thickets, montane grassland and shrubland.
Mountain gorilla
Just over 1000 remain, protected in the remaining natural islands of the Virunga Massif.
Black-fronted duiker
These small antelopes can be seen foraging in open marshy meadows around dawn and dusk.
Bronze sunbird
Bronze sunbirds call through a jumble of twittering notes, followed by cleaner whistle sounds.
Golden monkey
Trekking to see golden monkeys is another highlight of Volcanoes National Park.
Weather
Rwanda has a lovely temperate, tropical highland climate. Thanks to its high elevation, it experiences lower temperatures than one would expect of an equatorial country. It is warm every month, and has two rainy and two dry seasons. The mountainous north-west is generally cooler than the lower-lying east, and experiences about 886 inches of rain a year, with an average humidity of 84%.
RAINY SEASON
March to May & Oct to Nov
DRY SEASON
June to Sep & Dec to Feb
Key Facts
Volcanoes key facts
Bisate, perched dramatically on the edge of Volcanoes National Park in north-west Rwanda, is one of the most thrilling safari destinations in Africa, and has already racked up 34 awards. It is nestled in the perfect location to go trekking for mountain gorillas, golden monkeys and many other fascinating forest species and birdlife.
GEOGRAPHIC SIZE
160km²
BIRD SPECIES
+/- 180
MAMMAL SPECIES
+/- 189
BEST TIME TO VISIT
All year round
WILDERNESS CAMPS
2
Habitats
Rainforest
Explore the incredible biodiversity of life in a Rwandan rainforest.
Open grassland
Thickets, montane grassland and shrubland.
Wildlife
Mountain gorilla
Just over 1000 remain, protected in the remaining natural islands of the Virunga Massif.
Black-fronted duiker
These small antelopes can be seen foraging in open marshy meadows around dawn and dusk.
Bronze sunbird
Bronze sunbirds call through a jumble of twittering notes, followed by cleaner whistle sounds.
Golden monkey
Trekking to see golden monkeys is another highlight of Volcanoes National Park.
Weather
Weather
Rwanda has a lovely temperate, tropical highland climate. Thanks to its high elevation, it experiences lower temperatures than one would expect of an equatorial country. It is warm every month, and has two rainy and two dry seasons. The mountainous north-west is generally cooler than the lower-lying east, and experiences about 886 inches of rain a year, with an average humidity of 84%.
RAINY SEASON
March to May & Oct to Nov
DRY SEASON
June to Sep & Dec to Feb
Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park
MAP
Groundbreaking Bisate
Bisate, situated on 42 hectares (103 acres) of land, lies on the lower slopes of long-dormant Bisoke volcano, adjacent to Volcanoes National Park. Immediately outside the rock wall that marks the park boundary lies densely cultivated farmland taking advantage of the rich volcanic soil. It is here that our award-winning lodge and its groundbreaking reforestation project are located.
Go to destination mapFAQ
General
JOURNAL
Volcanoes National Park featured stories
Wilderness Rwanda reveals Bisate Reserve: a breathtaking haven
The pinnacle of luxury lodges for connoisseurs of conservation, Wilderness Bisate Reserve offers the...
Read moreWilderness Blogger
11.10.2024
Wilderness Blogger
11.10.2024
Wilderness Bisate Reserve: A sanctuary of refined luxury and cultural splendour
A celebration of Rwandan artistry and craftsmanship, with its design deeply inspired by the region’s...
Read moreWilderness Blogger
11.10.2024
Let’s plan your next journey
Ready?
When we say we’re there every step of the way, we mean it, literally. From planning the perfect circuit, to private inter-camp transfers on Wilderness Air, and easing you through Customs. We’re with you on the ground, at your side, 24-7, from start to finish. Ready to take the road less travelled? Contact our Travel Designers to plan an unforgettable journey.