RW
Musanze
The gateway to Volcanoes National Park, for mountain gorilla and golden monkey trekking
The gateway to Volcanoes National Park, for mountain gorilla and golden monkey trekking
⚠️ Travel advisory: check before you go
The US advises travellers to reconsider travel to Rwanda because of the large Ebola outbreak in neighbouring DR Congo, although Rwanda has reported no cases. Rwanda refuses entry to foreign nationals who have been in DR Congo in the previous 30 days, and border crossings can close at short notice. Several governments advise against travel near the DRC border, including Rubavu (Gisenyi) and Rusizi districts. Gorilla trekking continues; check the latest advice before booking.
Latest official advice: UK FCDO · US State Department · Reviewed September 2026
Small groups hike through bamboo and forest with rangers to spend one hour with a habituated gorilla family. Treks can take from one to several hours.
Book permits months ahead; the minimum age is 15.
Photo: Emmanuelkwizera, CC BY-SA 4.0
These endangered, bright-coloured monkeys live in the park’s bamboo zone. Treks are shorter and cheaper than gorilla treks.
Photo: Charles J. Sharp, CC BY-SA 4.0
Lake Burera and its neighbour, Lake Ruhondo, are known as the Twin Lakes, set among terraced hills with views of the volcanoes. Boat trips and lakeside lodges are available.
Photo: Joseph Lionceau, CC BY-SA 4.0
The smaller of the Twin Lakes has islands, fishing villages and quiet walking routes.
Photo: Joseph Lionceau, CC BY-SA 4.0
Formed by ancient lava flows, these caves stretch for about 2km just outside town and are visited on guided tours.
Photo: Zamda12, CC BY-SA 4.0
Try brochettes (grilled skewers), isombe (cassava leaves) and Rwandan coffee and tea.
Musanze has simple restaurants and cafés; lodges serve full meals.
Musanze is about 2–2.5 hours by road from Kigali. Frequent buses run from Nyabugogo bus station; trekkers usually travel with a driver to reach park headquarters at Kinigi by early morning.
Book gorilla permits through the Rwanda Development Board or a licensed operator.
Rwanda uses the franc (RWF). Park permits are priced in US dollars.
Excludes permits.
Primates, lakes and caves.
Drive from Kigali and visit Musanze Caves.
Trek to a gorilla family in Volcanoes National Park.
Trek to golden monkeys, then visit the Twin Lakes.
Gorilla permits sell out; book early.
Bring rain gear, gloves and boots for muddy trails.
You cannot trek if you are ill.
Rwanda bans plastic bags.
Quick answers for planning time in Musanze.
US$1,500 per person in 2026, with some low-season discounts.
About 2–2.5 hours by road.
15 years.
Golden monkey treks, the Twin Lakes and Musanze Caves.
The dry seasons, June to September and December to February.
Planning a wider trip? Our Rwanda travel guide covers getting there, costs, when to go and more.