Volcanoes National Park is a world-renowned conservation area located in northwestern Rwanda, part of the larger Virunga Mountains range that spans Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Covering about 160 square kilometers, the park is most famous for being one of the last remaining habitats of the critically endangered mountain gorilla. It was the base for legendary primatologist Dian Fossey, whose research and conservation efforts brought international attention to the plight of these great apes.

The park’s landscape is dominated by five of the eight volcanic mountains in the Virunga range namely Mount Karisimbi, Bisoke, Muhabura, Gahinga, and Sabyinyo, covered in lush montane and bamboo forests. Besides gorilla trekking, the park offers opportunities to see golden monkeys, hike volcanoes, visit the Dian Fossey research site, and explore local cultural villages. As part of Rwanda’s high-end, low-impact ecotourism model, Volcanoes National Park plays a key role in community-based conservation, with tourism revenue supporting both wildlife protection and local development. It is a crown jewel of Rwanda’s tourism sector and a globally significant destination for primate conservation.