Volcanoes, Rwanda’s only gorilla trekking destination has been part of the country’s National psyche for as long as any nature enthusiast can remember. This safari destination’s name alone conjures images of tracking the endangered mountain gorillas, visiting the Dian Fossey Gravesite, tracking the golden monkeys, and climbing the highest Virunga Volcano. For many travelers, the 160-square-kilometer Volcanoes National Park is one of the greatest places on Earth.
Volcanoes National Park hugs the southwestern boundary of Uganda and the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, sprawling an area of 160 square kilometers. Within its borders are mountain gorillas, bush pigs, golden monkeys, bushbucks, leopards, buffaloes, spotted hyenas, Rock hyraxes, forest elephants, and giant forest hogs, to mention but a few. On the interesting activities to enjoy in or around this Park, you can’t afford to miss gorilla trekking, golden monkey tracking, the Dian Fossey Gravesite Hike, guided forest walks, bird watching, volcano climbing, cultural/community tours, Musanze Cave tours, and many others.
Having explored the thrilling activities to do in and around Volcanoes National Park, one would wonder; “how do I get there?”
There are a number of ways of getting to this spectacular safari destination found in Northwestern Rwanda. Trips to this Park normally start (and even end) in Kigali City (the country’s Capital).
By air
The fastest and most convenient option typically involves taking a helicopter flight to Musanze airstrip.
Akagera Aviation, the sole provider of Helicopter flights in Rwanda operates helicopter flights between Kigali International Airport and Musanze airstrip. This is undeniably the easiest and most convenient way to make a journey to Volcanoes National Park and the flight takes about 30 minutes. Our field Safari driver (Company representative) will meet you at the Airstrip and transfer you by our customized safari vehicle to your place of stay (Safari Lodge). 
Interestingly, helicopter flights are also available from many other places in Rwanda (other than Kigali International Airport) to Volcanoes National Park such as Akagera National Park, Nyungwe Forest National Park, and these last anywhere between 30 and 45 minutes.
By road
The least expensive but most time consuming way to get to Volcanoes National Park is by self-driving hence making it the most feasible option for travelers on a budget. Volcanoes National Park is about 116 kilometers (two and a half to three-hour drive from Kigali City). The road to this Safari destination is well-maintained (tarred) with several service and fuel stations along the way.
However, self-driving isn’t as cheap is using public means from Nyabugogo Bus Park (in Kigali) to Musanze, then continue to the National Park/Safari Lodge by a cab or motorcycle. This ride/drive to Kinigi is about 15 minutes only and interestingly, most Safari Lodges are simply a stone’s throw from the Park Headquarters with some being only 10 to 30 minutes away.
Best time to visit Volcanoes National Park
The best time to visit Volcanoes National Park is during the dry months (June to September and December to February), when rainfall levels are reduced and forest hiking trails are wonderful for walks (during gorilla trekking, golden monkey tracking, guided forest walks, bird watching, or even the Dian Fossey Gravesite Hike). The wet months (March to May, and October to November) are marked by mild weather (resulting from increased rainfall levels) which make forest trails muddy and slippery but provide better chances of sighting wildlife. 
However, regardless of when you choose to visit Volcanoes National Park, remember to always pack sturdy hiking boots, long safari pants and long-sleeved shirts, a rain jacket, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, a good backpack, gardening gloves, cotton socks, gaiters, an insect repellant, a back pack, a nice camera and a pair of binoculars.
