Volcanoes National Park, National park in Northern Province, Rwanda
Volcanoes National Park contains five major volcanic peaks of the Virunga Mountains, with dense forests, bamboo zones, and alpine meadows spread across different elevations. The landscape shifts as you climb higher, with each zone supporting distinct plants and animals.
The park was established in 1969 to protect the volcanic mountain landscape and its wildlife. It gained worldwide attention through researcher Dian Fossey, who began studying mountain gorillas there in 1967.
Local communities have lived alongside these mountains for generations, and their knowledge of the forest remains central to how the park is managed today. Visitors encounter these traditions through guides who share stories passed down within their families.
Gorilla trekking permits must be arranged well ahead of time through the Rwanda Development Board, and hikes last between one and six hours depending on where the groups are located. Bring sturdy hiking boots and waterproof clothing, as trails are steep and the forest stays damp year-round.
The park protects roughly half of the world's remaining mountain gorilla population, making it one of the most critical strongholds for this species. The groups here move freely across borders with neighboring protected areas in Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
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