Volcanoes National Park

Rwanda’s crown jewel, Volcanoes National Park, offers a profound encounter with nature that feels both ancient and sacred. Located in the misty heights of the Virunga Mountains, it serves as a global sanctuary for the rare mountain gorilla, allowing visitors to walk in the footsteps of legendary researchers. The air here is thin and crisp, filled with the scent of eucalyptus and the calls of exotic birds echoing through the bamboo forests. Beyond the primates, the park’s five soaring volcanic peaks provide a dramatic backdrop that shifts from emerald green to deep violet as the clouds roll in. It is a place of raw beauty and conservation triumph, where every trek feels like a pilgrimage into the heart of the wild.

• Where it is: In northwestern Rwanda, bordering the DRC and Uganda.
• What you can expect to see: Mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, and the five volcanic peaks of the Virunga Mountains.
• How much it is to get in: ~$1,500 USD for Gorilla Trekking permits.
• What people say: Visitors describe it as a life-changing spiritual experience, noting the mist-covered peaks are breathtaking.
• Interesting fact: This was the base for primatologist Dian Fossey’s ground-breaking research on gorillas.