Volcanoes National Park
At a glance
| Province | Northern, near Musanze |
|---|---|
| Area | About 160 km² (16,000 ha) |
| Established | 1925; IUCN Category II park and UNESCO biosphere reserve |
| Volcanoes | Karisimbi, Bisoke, Sabinyo, Gahinga and Muhabura |
| Managed by | Rwanda Development Board |
Source: Ministry of Environment: Resettlement Action Plan for the Volcanoes National Park expansion; Visit Rwanda (Rwanda Development Board): Volcanoes National Park1,2
The park
The park covers the steep slopes of the Virunga massif, with bamboo and evergreen forest, open grassland, swamp and heath. Karisimbi, at 4,507 m, is the highest of the five volcanoes, and Bisoke has a crater lake. About 200 bird species have been recorded. Buhanga Eco-Park and the Musanze caves lie within the park boundaries.2
Gorilla permits
A gorilla tracking permit costs USD 1,500 for a foreign visitor. Foreign residents and African citizens pay USD 500 and Rwandan and EAC citizens USD 200 at promotional rates, which do not apply from June to October 2026. Permits are booked on the RDB portal. Visitors can also hike the volcanoes, go mountain biking and canoeing, and visit nearby villages.3,2
The park expansion
Rwanda plans to enlarge the park by about 3,740 ha and add about 6,620 ha of buffer zones, a programme of about USD 300 million over 10 years for more than 17,000 people. The first phase covers about 450 ha and 547 households, who are moving to a new smart green village of over USD 49 million at Rurembo, Kinigi sector, where construction began on 27 August 2026.4,1
Revenue sharing
Rwanda puts 10 per cent of national park tourism revenue into projects for neighbouring communities. In 2026 about RWF 1.98 billion went to the districts around Volcanoes: RWF 659.8 million each to Musanze and Nyabihu, RWF 495 million to Burera and RWF 164.95 million to Rubavu.4
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a gorilla permit in Rwanda?
USD 1,500 for a foreign visitor. Foreign residents and African citizens pay USD 500 and Rwandan and EAC citizens USD 200 at promotional rates, which do not apply from June to October 2026.
How large is Volcanoes National Park?
About 160 km². It was established in 1925.
How much will the park grow?
By about 3,740 ha, with about 6,620 ha of buffer zones, in a programme of about USD 300 million over 10 years.
Which volcanoes are in the park?
Karisimbi, the highest at 4,507 m, Bisoke, Sabinyo, Gahinga and Muhabura.
Sources
- Ministry of Environment: Resettlement Action Plan for the Volcanoes National Park expansion
- Visit Rwanda (Rwanda Development Board): Volcanoes National Park
- Rwanda Development Board: Mountain gorilla tracking permits
- Rwanda Development Board: Rwanda breaks ground on smart green village and shares tourism revenues with communities
Figures checked 9 November 2026. Prepared by InvestRwanda.com for general information. Figures come from the sources listed.
