Are you a budget traveler heading to Volcanoes National Park? Enjoy the best food, rest in cozy beds, breathe in fresh air, relax, and more.
For the best safari experience, check out these top budget lodges and hotels near Volcanoes National Park, one of the top safari destinations in Africa.
The park is part of the vast Virunga Mountain range, which spans parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, and the southwestern region of Uganda.
Volcanoes National Park is home to a quarter of the world’s mountain gorillas. It is one of Rwanda’s four national parks.
The park covers about 160 km² of land, including five of the eight large mountains that make up the Virunga Mountain range: Mount Muhabura, Karisimbi, Gahinga, Sabyinyo, and Bisoke.
Volcanoes National Park is one of Africa’s oldest national parks. It was established in 1925, and a section was given to the Democratic Republic of Congo in 1926.
The area was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. The park is also home to one of the most important gorilla research centers, founded by Dian Fossey, a primatologist dedicated to protecting mountain gorillas.
Fossey founded the Karisimbi Research Center, and the park remains a critical site for gorilla conservation. Mountain gorillas are only found in high-altitude regions of Africa.
Where to Stay Near Volcanoes National Park
After a long day on the road and hours of tracking gorillas, you’ll need a comfortable place to rest. There are several budget-friendly hotels and lodges near the park where you can stay.
- Muhabura Hotel: Located in Musanze District, about a 20-minute drive from the park, Muhabura Hotel offers 30 rooms, including singles, twins, flats, and triples. The lodge has meeting facilities, a balcony, a bar, a swimming pool, a restaurant, and lush gardens.
- Kinigi Guest House: This beautiful accommodation is about 11 kilometers from the park headquarters. It has 4 VIP suites, warm water, free parking, a bar, a restaurant, a lounge, internet, spacious rooms, and greenery. It can accommodate up to 40 guests at once.
- Villa Gorilla: Villa Gorilla Lodge is located at the foothills of the Virunga ranges in Kinigi, close to the Volcanoes National Park headquarters. It offers 4 large, self-contained rooms with comfortable beds suitable for two people. The location is quiet and peaceful, with views of distant mountains. Families or solo travelers will enjoy the warm and friendly staff.
- Urugano Virunga Palace: For a comfortable stay, consider Urugano Virunga Palace, located about 9 miles from Volcanoes National Park. Staying here makes it easier to access the park. The facility offers free parking, a bar, a lounge, a guest patio, a restaurant with various dishes, and 24-hour room service.
- La Palme Hotel-Musanze: Located in Musanze, about 10 kilometers from Volcanoes National Park, this hotel has 12 private rooms, 2 spacious suites, and stylish décor. Guests enjoy 24-hour room service, comfortable beds, TVs in the rooms, minibars with drinks and snacks, and lovely gardens.
Booking Tips
Volcanoes National Park offers a range of accommodation options, from budget to luxury. To save time and effort, it’s best to book lodges close to the park.
Due to high demand, make reservations at least three months in advance to secure discounted rates and make informed choices.
Activities in Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park is open year-round from dawn to dusk. Visitors can enjoy a variety of safari experiences, including:
- Mountain Gorilla Trekking
- Golden Monkey Tracking
- Bird Watching
- Guided Nature Walks
- Cultural and Community Tours
- Musanze Cave Exploration
With so much to see and do, Volcanoes National Park is a must-visit destination for nature and wildlife lovers.
