OUR HOTEL

Volcanoes National Park

Overview

Located in the mist-covered Virunga Mountains of northern Rwanda, Volcanoes National Park is one the world’s most celebrated place for mountain gorilla trekking. The park protects a dramatic landscape of volcanic peaks, dense bamboo forests, and high-altitude rainforests

With thriving gorilla families, golden monkeys, forest birds, and rich cultural landscapes, Volcanoes National Park delivers one of the most powerful and emotional safari experiences anywhere in Africa.

Activities & wildlife Experience in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Gorilla Trekking Experience in Volcanoes National Park

Guided groups trek into the forest each morning, led by expert trackers who follow gorilla movements from the previous day. The hike varies in difficulty and duration but always leads to an unforgettable one-hour face-to-face encounter with a habituated gorilla family in their natural habitat.

Watching mountain gorillas interact, youngsters playing, mothers nurturing, and silverbacks guarding the group, is deeply moving and humbling

Golden Monkey Trekking & Other Primate Encounters

This is the only place in Rwanda where you can track the rare and playful golden monkey. These colourful primates live in the bamboo forests at the foot of the volcanoes and provide a fast-paced, highly entertaining trekking experience.  The park is also home to forest elephants, duikers, bushbucks, and over 200 recorded bird species, including Albertine Rift endemics that attract serious birding enthusiasts.

Scenic Volcano Landscapes & Nature Hikes

Volcanoes National Park is defined by five of the eight Virunga volcanoes, including Mount Bisoke, Mount Karisimbi, and Mount Sabyinyo. Guided hikes allow visitors to explore crater lakes, Afro-alpine vegetation, lava fields, and panoramic mountain ridges.

The Mount Bisoke Crater Lake Hike is one of the most popular activities, offering breathtaking views over Rwanda and the surrounding Virunga range. For more adventurous travellers, the Mount Karisimbi climb offers a challenging two-day expedition to Rwanda’s highest peak.

Dian Fossey Tomb & Conservation Experience

A visit to the Dian Fossey Tomb & Karisoke Research Center offers powerful insight into the history of gorilla conservation. The hike passes through forest zones once studied by Fossey and ends at her final resting place among the gorillas she fought fiercely to protect.

This experience connects visitors deeply with the conservation story of the Virunga Mountains and highlights Rwanda’s remarkable success in protecting endangered species through responsible tourism.

Culture & Community Experiences

Volcanoes National Park is surrounded by vibrant farming communities and cultural heritage sites. Enjoy guided cultural visits featuring traditional dances, local banana beer brewing, rural homestead tours, and storytelling with former poachers turned conservation ambassadors.

These community-led experiences directly support local livelihoods and strengthen conservation partnerships between people and wildlife.

Best Time to Visit Volcanoes National Park

Gorilla trekking is available year-round, but the best time to visit is during the drier months. June to September and December to February , these seasons offer easier hiking conditions and clearer mountain views. However, the rainforest remains lush and green throughout the year, making Volcanoes a viable destination at any time.

How to Get to Volcanoes National Park

Volcanoes National Park is easily accessed from Kigali International Airport, with a scenic road transfer of approximately 2.5 to 3 hours. OliveSafari provides private luxury transfers, 4×4 safari vehicles, and complete logistical support for seamless travel. The park’s proximity to Kigali makes it ideal for short luxury getaways as well as extended cross-border safaris connecting Rwanda, Uganda, and Tanzania.

Lodges & Accommodation

Accommodation around Volcanoes National Park ranges from luxury eco-lodges to comfortable mid-range and budget options. All lodges are carefully selected for comfort, service quality, and proximity to trekking points. Options include:

  • Luxury gorilla lodges with forest views
  • Boutique eco-lodges with private cottages
  • Comfortable mid-range safari lodges
  • Affordable guesthouses for budget travelers

Combine Volcanoes with Other Destinations

 

Volcanoes National Park pairs perfectly with:

  • Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest, Uganda
  • Big game safaris in Queen Elizabeth National Park
  • Serengeti & Ngorongoro safaris in Tanzania

Book Now

Name

Other Destinations

Related wildlife Tours

Scroll to Top

Director/Sales & Marketing: Tusiime Cheryl Myra

Cheryl, the eldest daughter of Olive, has embraced the responsibility of carrying forward her mother’s legacy with resilience and determination. After losing her father at the age of six, she was raised by her mother, Olive, with the support of Christer. Olive’s passing in 2017, when Cheryl was just 19, became a defining moment in her journey.

Having been involved in the foundations of Sunset Hotel Entebbe and Olive Safari Uganda from a young age, Cheryl stepped up to manage the businesses alongside Christer. Under his mentorship, she navigated the complexities of entrepreneurship and discovered her passion for tourism.

With a Master’s degree in Business Administration and hands-on leadership, Cheryl has been instrumental in maintaining loyal clientele at Sunset Hotel Entebbe, adapting it to post-COVID standards, and expanding Olive Safari Uganda. As a certified tour guide for Uganda, Tanzania and Zanzibar, she remains committed to upholding her mother’s vision of exceptional service and unforgettable travel experiences.

Founder & CEO: Christer Torstensson

Christer, a Swedish education consultant with over 40 years of experience guiding travelers across Africa, co-founded Olive Safari Uganda with a deep passion for the continent’s wonders. His extensive journeying, particularly through Zimbabwe, Uganda, Tanzania, and Kenya, enriched his understanding of Africa’s landscapes and cultures. As a consultant, he also contributed to education and development, notably establishing an automotive school in Zimbabwe. His work with the Global Journey program brought him to Uganda, where he collaborated with municipalities and fell in love with the country’s heritage.

During this time, he met Olive, whose exceptional leadership and organizational skills later turned their professional relationship into a personal one. Their shared vision led to the creation of Olive Safari Uganda in the early 2000s, followed later by Sunset Hotel Entebbe. While Christer split his time in Sweden managing the Global Journey program, Olive oversaw daily operations. Today, Olive Safari Uganda embodies Christer’s seasoned expertise as a guide and strategic insight, paired with Olive’s dedication, delivering outstanding safaris that showcase Uganda’s beauty and beyond.

Founder & CEO: Ayebale Olive

Ayebale Olive, co-founder of Olive Safari Uganda, brought over 20 years of community service experience into the world of tourism. As secretary to Entebbe’s Mayor, she honed her skills in program management and international partnerships, playing a key role in the Global Journey program that linked Uganda and Sweden.

It was through this program that she met Christer—three years after the passing of her first husband, while raising three children. United by a shared passion for travel and discovery, they founded Olive Safari Uganda in the early 2000s. Their commitment to exceptional service quickly set the company apart.

As demand grew, they expanded their vision by establishing Sunset Hotel Entebbe, creating a welcoming space for travelers exploring Uganda. Olive’s legacy lives on, shaping the company’s dedication to authentic and unforgettable safari experiences