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Ariadne is a renowned Africa expert. She and her husband form a team who write and update many Bradt guides, including the guide to Rwanda.
Ariadne is a renowned Africa expert. She and her husband form a team who write and update many Bradt guides, including the guide to Rwanda.
Ariadne is a renowned Africa expert. She and her husband form a team who author the Bradt guide to Rwanda.
Ariadne and her husband form a team who author the Bradt guide to Rwanda.
Volcanoes National Park is arguably the best place in the world to observe the endangered mountain gorillas. This is where Dian Fossey started the habituation of these gentle giants decades ago. Other activities in the park include golden monkey trekking, a hike to Dian Fossey’s former camp, and several strenuous climbs to the volcanic peaks.
Volcanoes NP protects the Rwandan sector of the Virunga Mountains, a range of dormant and active volcanoes that straddle the Ugandan and Congolese borders. The dramatic scenery consists of a chain of freestanding mountains, connected by forested saddles. The gorillas are often found along these saddles, in enormous groves of bamboo.
Weather & Climate
Due to the mountain peaks and general high altitude, Volcanoes NP has a damp, cold climate. It rains throughout the year, but there is a drier period from June to August. Due to its location near the equator, temperatures don’t vary much through the year. Daytime temperatures average 15°C/59°F, but this drops to about 7°C/45°F at night. Waterproof, warm clothing is necessary throughout the year.
Gorilla trekking is offered throughout the year. Sightings are almost guaranteed and are not weather dependent. However, the drier months, from June to August and to a lesser degree September, offer the best hiking conditions and these are the prime months for gorilla trekking and other hiking trips in the volcanoes. January and February are reasonably dry too. The trails can be slippery throughout the year and good hiking shoes are recommended.
Sue is an award-winning writer who specializes in African travel and conservation. She writes for national newspapers, magazines, Rough Guides and Lonely Planet.
Magical mountain gorillas
4/5
I’m fortunate through my work to have tracked mountain gorillas six times and it never disappoints – it is the ultimate wildlife encounter. In Volcanoes National Park it’s a very smooth and well-managed operation, with strict rules to...
Our Gorillas Tracking was a life changing trip because Our driver was very humble and the Weather was clear and Good , Gorillas was in an open place seeing the Kids playing with their mother , rolling up and down some times i don't have the...