How to get to volcanoes national park.
Volcanoes National Park is located in the northwestern corner of Rwanda, sitting along the borders of Uganda and Democratic Republic of Congo. One of the reasons it is such a popular safari destination for gorilla trekking safari is its accessibility. Unlike many other African safari parks that require long, gruelling journeys, Volcanoes National Park is relatively easy to reach. Whether you are flying in from a broad or traveling across the border from the neighbouring country, this guide explains the best ways to get to the park.
1.Flying into Rwanda: The Gateway.
The first step for most international travelers is flying into Kigali international Airport (KGL). This is the main gateway to Rwanda and is located in the capital city, Kigali.
International connections: Kigali is a well-connected hub. Rwanda’s national carrier RwandAir, offers direct flights from various cities in Europe, the Middle East, and across Africa. Other major airlines like Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, KLM and Brussels Airlines also operate regular flights into Kigali. The airport is small, modern and very efficient, making the arrival process smooth for tourists. Once you have cleared immigration and then collected your luggage, you are ready for the final leg of the journey to the volcanoes.
2.The drive from Kigali to Musanze.
Once you are in Kigali, the journey to the park is done by road. Volcanoes National Park is located near a vibrant town called Musanze (formerly known as Ruhengeri), which serves as the base for trekking safari activities.
The scenic Route: The drive from Kigali to Musanze takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours. One of the highlights of this journey is the scenery. This is known as the ‘’Land of a Thousand Hills,’’Rwanda’s landscape is a series of the rolling green mountains and then terraced farmlands. The road is fully paved (tarmac) and is in excellent condition, making for a very comfortable ride. You will wind through beautiful valleys and then climb high ridges, offering plenty of photo opportunities before you even reach the park.
3.Choosing your transport: Private vs self-drive.
There are several ways to manage the road trip from the capital to the park, depending on your budget and then preference for independence.
Hiring a Tour Operator (recommended): Most travelers book their gorilla trekking through a tour operator like WildApes Safaris. In case your operator will provide a professional driver guide and a 4×4 safari vehicle. They will pick you up from the airport of your hotel in Kigali and then drive you directly to your lodge near the park. This is the most stress-free option, as your river handles the navigation and known as the best places to stop for views or snacks. Self-drive: If you prefer independence, you can rent a car in Kigali. While the roads are good, the route is very mountainous with many sharp turns. If you choose to drive yourself ensure you have a 4×4 vehicle, as the roads leading from the main town of Musanze to the specific lodge or the park headquarters can be rocky and muddy, especially during the rainy season.
4.Reaching the park from Uganda.
If you are already on a safari in Uganda, you can enter volcanoes national park by crossing the land border. This is a common route for the travellers doing a ‘’multi country’’ primate safari.
The Cyanika border crossing: The Cyanika border connects Kisoro in Uganda to Musanze in Rwanda. If you are coming from Bwindi impenetrable Forest or Mgahinga National Park in Uganda the drive to the border is shorter. Once you cross into Rwanda, it is only about a 45-minute drive to reach the Volcanoes National Park area. This is a very convenient option for those who want to compare the trekking safari experiences of both countries. Always ensure you have the correct visas (such as the East Africa Tourist Visit) to make this crossing seamless.
5.Domestic Flights: the luxury option.
While the drive from Kigali is short, some travelers prefer to save time or enjoy an aerial view of the volcanoes.
Helicopter transfers: Akagera Aviation offers chartered helicopter flights from Kigali International Airport directly to the Musanze area. The flight takes only about 25 to 30 minutes. Many of the high-end luxury lodges in the area have their own private helipads. While this is the most expensive way to get to the park, it provides an incredible perspective of the five volcanoes and then significantly cuts down on travel time, allowing you to increase your time in the forest.
6.Public transport: The budget alternative.
For backpackers of budget conscious travelers, Rwanda has a reliable public bus system hat can get you to the doorstep of the park.
Taking a bus: From the Nyabugogo Bus Park in Kigali, you can catch a public minibus (often called a ‘’matatu’’ or ‘’coaster’’) heading to Musanze. These buses depart every 30 minutes and are very affordable. Once you arrive at thee bus station in Musanze town, you will need to hire a private taxi or a ‘’moto taxi’’ (motorcycle) to take you to your lodge or the park headquarters. Note that public buses do not go all the way into the park, so you must arrange private transport for the final few kilometres.
7.Moving to the park headquarters (Kinigi).
It is important to understand that ‘’reaching the town’’and ‘’reaching the park’’ are the two different things. All gorilla treks begin at the Kinigi Park Headquarters, located about 12 kilometers (20 minutes) outside of Musanze town.
The morning commute: Regardless of how you arrived in Musanze, you must be at the Kinigi headquarters by 7:00am on the morning of your trek for the briefing. Most lodges will arrange a vehicle to drop you off and pick you up. If you are staying in Musanze town, you must ensure you have a pre-arranged taxi, as public transport is not available at that early to the park gates.
In conclusion getting to Volcanoes National Park is a straightforward and scenic safari experience. Whether you choose the luxury of a helicopter, the ease of a private driver, or the adventure of a public bus, the journey through the ‘’Thousand Hills’’ is the perfect introduction to the magic of Rwanda.