8 Best Volcanoes Tours for 2026/2027

Destinations
Experiences
Comfort Level
Trip Length

3 days - 17 days
Trip Cost

USD 1080 - USD 28580
Reset
Order by

Unexpectedly, witnessing the mountain gorillas of Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park gently going about their day connects you to your own humanity.

In the green mountain forests, mist drifts through the valleys and up the steep slopes. Every step brings you closer to one of Africa’s most profound wildlife encounters: the majestic and endangered mountain gorillas.

You may know Volcanoes National Park from the film Gorillas in the Mist made here in 1988 about conservationist Dian Fossey, who spent 20 years of her life studying gorillas. It’s largely thanks to her work that these creatures were saved from rampant poaching. There are now more than 1,000 mountain gorillas in the wild.

She founded the Karisoke Research Centre, which still operates today, and you’re able to hike to her gravesite.

The misty Virunga Volcanoes stretch across Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Rwanda, thickly forested and with six...

Unexpectedly, witnessing the mountain gorillas of Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park gently going about their day connects you to your own humanity.

She founded the Karisoke Research Centre, which still operates today, and you’re able to hike to her gravesite.

The misty Virunga Volcanoes stretch across Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Rwanda, thickly forested and with six dormant and two active volcanoes (Nyiragongo and Nyamuragira, both in the DRC). Volcanoes National Park is the Rwandan portion of the Virunga Volcanoes range and contains five of the dormant volcanoes.

Volcanoes safari tours take you to one of only four parks in the world where you can see some of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. It safeguards about 300 of the giants.

Rwanda is often described as the easiest gorilla trekking because the forest is just a three-hour drive from the airport. The hike itself can, however, be physically demanding.

Your day starts early. The air is cool, the ground still damp from the night. With expert guides leading the way, you’ll hike through dense foliage, sometimes from the lower montane or neoboutonia forest at the lowest altitude up to the bamboo forest. This is where you’ll find the home of the gorillas and golden monkeys.

Subtle signs of bent branches and distant calls draw you on through a forest packed with other creatures, including several types of monkeys and nearly 200 bird species. And then, it happens. A gorilla family emerges from the greenery.

There is a one-hour limit for visitors, strictly to minimise human-wildlife disease transmission. For this hour, you’re simply there, quietly observing as they feed, groom, and move through their world. It’s a humbling and unforgettable experience. This is the heart of our Volcanoes gorilla tours: creating moments that stay with you long after you’ve left the forest.

You are here for the gorillas, but depending on your pace and interests, your itinerary might also include:

Golden monkey tracking on the park’s lower slopes
Guided nature walks or challenging hikes to experience one of Central Africa’s most bio-diverse destinations
Guided visits to local communities and conservation projects
Time in Kigali, including at the Genocide Memorial

In the evenings, you’ll return to your luxury lodge, with views of the Virunga volcanoes. Some travellers combine Rwanda Volcanoes National Park with East Africa’s savannahs. Others keep it focused on just Rwanda, the forest, and the gorillas.

Volcanoes National Park safari tours are accessible year-round, though the drier months, from June to September and December to February, tend to offer easier hiking conditions. That said, this is a rainforest; expect mud, mist, and moments of unpredictability.

A safari in Rwanda Volcanoes National Park is about more than ticking off gorillas. It’s about understanding our place in the world.

Inspired by possibility? Let one of our safari experts help you start writing your Rwanda chapter.

"Chrizaan arranged an amazing safari experience for six of us, who came from the UK and Australia. She secured our booking at a superb Lodge in the Kruger at relatively short notice, tied in the flight transfers and ensured that the whole experience ran smoo..."

Bethany Evans, United Kingdom•10 Apr 2026•

"For organising just a great trip. Every destination was different, but all the accommodation was first class. The managers were first class and always had my transfers in hand. Took the helicopter ride at Victoria Falls really add to the walk along the Fall..."

Eric Galloway, Australia•23 Mar 2026•

"All bookings were at luxurious and convenient places. The camp tents are beautifully decorated with a rustic look and feel. Food service were amazing for most part. The bush drives are as best as it could be given the rainy season etc. Punctuality has been ..."

George Jacob, Canada•10 Mar 2026•

"I contacted a few agency, Discover Africa was fast to respond. Every steps of the way in planning to the very end of departure, all things were planned with precise accuracy. Adelle was always in communication and ready to help and answer everything. Fra..."

Boaz Leung, United States•21 Feb 2026•

"This was a well organized trip that smoothly transitioned us from one adventure to the next. All our transfers from hotels to airport to safari lodges were professional, courteous, and timely. We loved the places that were recommended and felt the pace of o..."

Jeanne Bryan, United States•22 Nov 2025•

"We just returned from our first African trip and had an absolutely amazing and memory making trip. We are usually self planners for our vacations but with essentially no knowledge I attempted to do research on Africa and felt overwhelmed. As suggested from ..."

Tedd Ritchie, United States•05 Oct 2025•