How To Get To Volcanoes National Park?
Volcanoes national park is a crown jewel in Rwanda’s tourism portfolio that is located in the northwest of the country with lush sanctuary. The park is a home to the endangered mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, towering volcanic peaks and the legendary legacy of Dian Fossey. However, first time tourists wonder how they will actually get there.
Whether one is flying into Rwanda from abroad, crossing from Uganda or the Democratic republic of Congo or already within the country. Here’s the guide on how to get to the volcanoes national park.
ARRIVING BY AIR TO RWANDA
Many of the international travellers arrive in Rwanda via Kigali international airport which is just 10 kilometres from the capital city which is Kigali. The Kigali international airport connects with regular flights from Europe, middle east and Africa. Once in Kigali volcanoes national park is 105 kilometres away. The journey from the airport to the park takes 2hrs 930 minutes or 3hours by car.
FROM KIGALI TO THE VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK
Volcanoes national park is located within Musanze District in the northern province of Rwanda. Kinigi village serves as the park’s headquarters. The most common route is by road which is generally smooth, scenic and safe.
By private Vehicle or tour operator
Many of the tourist opt to travel with registered tour companies or hirea private 4*4 safari vehicle. This is more comfortable and direct way to get to the park with flexibility to stop at the scenic points along the way.
The distance is approximately 105 and travel time is 2hr 30 minutes to 3hrs from Kigali to volcanoes national park. The most recommended route is from Kigali, nyabugogo, shyorongi, rulindo, Musanze to kinigi. Tour operators can as well take care of the gorilla permits, accommodation, meals and additional excursions.
By bus and local transport
For the budget travellers or those looking for more immersive experience, one can use a public express bus or coaster minibus from Nyabugogo bus park in Kigali to Musanze town
The various bus companies include Virunga express, Rwanda interlink, volcano express and these take 2hours.
From Musanze can get a moto-taxi or a regular taxi to reach kinigi and this is about 13 km away which takes 20 minutes.
HELCOPTER TRANSFERS FOR LUXURY TRAVELLERS
Helicopter transfers are available from Kigali to Musanze Airstrip which is just next to the volcanoes national park.
There is akagera Aviation and this flight takes 25-30 minutes. This gives an aerial view of Kigali Rwanda’s land of a thousand hills and the volcanic ridges.
Many luxury lodges offer ground transportation from the airstrip to the park. This is the most efficient way to reach volcanoes national park but as well most expensive.
COMING FROM UGANDA OR DRC
From Uganda
Travellers in Uganda move into the southwest and cross into Rwanda via the cyanika border near Kisoro.
The most convenient route is from Kisoro to cyanika border then Musanze and to kinigi. The distance from Kisoro to Musanze is approximately 35km and transport options can be private vehicle, tour operator or local taxis.
The Ugandan side of the Virunga mountains hosts Mgahinga gorilla national park, so most travellers combine gorilla trekking experiences across both countries.
From the Democratic Republic of Congo
Entry from the democratic republic of Congo is possible via the Goma-Gisenyi border crossing. But due to regional instability, the route is less commonly used for casual tourism. The route from Goma in the Democratic republic of congo to Gisenyi then Musanze and finally to kinigi. The distance from Gisenyi to Musanze is about 60kilometers. However, tourists are encouraged to always check the travel advisories encase they are planning to enter Rwanda from the democratic republic of Congo.
Scenery and stopovers
- Along the way one can enjoy the iconic green hills of Rwanda.
- Tea plantations and banana farms.
- Local roadside markets which are great to grab a snack or souvenirs.
- Panoramic views of the Virunga volcanoes appearing on the horizon as you reach Musanze.
Travel tips
- In case one is driving from Kigali on the same day as your gorilla trek, leave before 4:30am so as to reach kinigi before 7am
- Carry Rwandan francs for small expenses. Credit cards are accepted in major hotels and lodges
- English, French and Kinyarwanda are spoken in most of the tourist places.
- Rwanda is considered as one of the safest countries in Africa for travellers.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
To Rwanda
- Passport: the passport must be valid at least 6months from the date of entry into Rwanda and should have at least one blank page
- Visa; Rwanda as a country offers visas on arrival for all nationalities and its valid for 30 days at a cost of $50. Alternatively, one can apply for an e-visa in advance.
- Yellow fever vaccination. A certificate is required in case one is arriving from a country where yellow fever is endemic.
Volcanoes national park
- Gorilla trekking permit; A permit is mandatory for gorilla trekking and must be obtained in advance through the Rwanda development board or authorised tour operators. The standard cost for a gorilla trekking permit is $1,500. Discounted rates apply in case one visit other national parks like nyungwe and akagera
- Age restriction; tourists must be at least 15 years old and above to engage in this activity.
Park rules and regulations
- Tourists are told to keep or maintain a distance of at least 7 meters that is about 23 feet away from the gorillas to prevent transmission of diseases.
- No flash photography as it can disturb the animals.
- Smoking and eating within the park is not allowed. This is to help the park maintain its cleanliness and avoid attracting wildlife.
- Tourists must stick to designated trails to protect the environment and personal safety.
ACCOMMODATION IN THE VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK
To avoid any inconveniences many tourists, arrive a day and stay in many lodges, hotels near kinigi or Musanze and these include:
- Luxury: Bisate lodge, singita kwitonda, one and only gorilla’s nest
- Midrange: five volcanoes boutique, mountain gorilla view lodge
- Budget: la locanda, Fatima hotel, Amahoro guest house.
Therefore, being close to the park makes it easier to arrive by 7am for the gorilla briefing.
In conclusion, reaching volcanoes national park is straightforward for such a remote-feeling destination. Whether you travel by road from Kigali, take a scenic helicopter flight or cross borders neighboring the country, the journey itself is part of the adventure. Rolling hills, volcanic backdrops and welcoming Rwandan communities make the trip unforgettable even before you step into the forest to see the amazing mountain gorillas.