Visiting Volcanoes National Park, gorillas, and Diane Fossey tomb without a vehicle

hi there

I’m reaching out because I don’t understand how Volcanoes National Park works. I looked at booking for the gorillas, but there’s just the price listed, and the same goes for the Diane Fossey tomb.

So I contacted a hotel in Kinigi, and they told me that for the gorillas, you need a car to get to the park headquarters, and then once you know your group, you need to get from the headquarters to the trekking start point?? Do you confirm this? Is that really how it works? They say the hotel has a driver and it would cost 100 DOLLARS!! I just found out that on top of the permit, there are other fees??? Uhh… Are there other options, knowing I don’t want to rent a 4x4 since I’m traveling alone?

And if I don’t get the gorilla permit but just want to visit the Diane Fossey tomb, is it the same issue? From Kinigi, do you need a 4x4? How far is the tomb from the headquarters? Is it a hike you can do alone OR DO YOU NEED A GUIDE, ON FOOT? By car?? If someone could explain everything to me… and is the DF Foundation different??

If I decide to go through an agency, is it possible in Musanze (which would save me trips) or is it mandatory to go through Kigali? Thanks so much for your help… Best regards

So I contacted a hotel in Kinigi, and they told me that for the gorillas, you need a car to get to the park headquarters, and then once you know your group, to go from the headquarters to the trekking start point?? Do you confirm? Is that correct? They said the hotel has a driver and it would be 100 DOLLARS!

That seems about right for a round-trip:

https://visitrwandabookings.rdb.rw/rdbportal/web/rdb/dian-fossey-tomb

HELLO

I know the booking site, but it doesn’t answer any of my very specific questions. Thanks

Your questions:

A hotel in Kinigi told me that for the gorillas, you need a car to get to the park headquarters, and then once you know your group, to go from the headquarters to the trekking start point?? Do you confirm? Is that correct? They say the hotel has a driver and it would cost 100 DOLLARS! !

....

And if I don’t get the gorilla permit but just want to go to Dian Fossey’s tomb, is it the same issue? From Kinigi, do you need a 4x4? How many kilometers is the tomb from the headquarters? Is it a hike you can do alone OR DO YOU NEED A GUIDE, ON FOOT? By car??

The answer (in English on VisitRwanda / guidelines): 🙂

The trek starts at 07:00am from the Park Headquarters in Kinigi, from where visitors will have to drive / be driven to the start point for the trek. The trek involves a 30 minutes drive from the park headquarters to the trail head to access the Karisoke research camp where visitors walk for 10 minutes to the park boundary. The walk from the park boundary to the research center where Dian’s grave is, takes about an hour to 1 hour and half hours and affords good views of forest hogs, forest elephants, a variety of primates and bird species. The trek to the Karisoke research camp takes around 3 - 4 hours and takes you through some of the most beautiful stretches of Hagenia - Hypericum forest in the Volcanoes National Park. This hike is an incredible experience physically, emotionally and intellectually. It is so inspiring to learn about someone who was so dedicated and left a legacy that exists even today. The hike involves moving through the forests and hiking up the slopes and therefore requires some relative degree of fitness and patience.

Finally, Google Maps shows a 3-hour walk and 12.9 km between the PNV headquarters in Kinigi and the start of the hike to the tomb.

After that, I don’t see any inherent restrictions that would prevent you from taking a moto from your base in Musanze to the PNV headquarters, then another moto from the PNV to the park entrance (or better yet—if other visitors have a vehicle and are visiting the tomb the same day—take advantage of their kindness 🙂). On the way back, do it in reverse😛. I’ve personally never set foot in this park, but I highly doubt you’d be allowed to enter and wander around without a guide (included in the price)... though tips, porters, and transport are another matter. What other extra costs are you thinking of?

For the tour operator question, contact them directly and keep us posted!

That’s why the $100 asked for (round trip, I assume) seems pretty reasonable to avoid unnecessary stress and fatigue. Of course, those who give advice aren’t the ones paying 😎...