Distance and driving time
Musanze, the town next to the park, is about 95–110 km from Kigali. The road is paved all the way but climbs through winding hills, so allow 2 to 2.5 hours. The park headquarters at Kinigi, where gorilla trekkers meet, is roughly another 30 minutes beyond Musanze.
The route
Leave Kigali heading north-west on the main road towards Musanze, passing through Nyabugogo and the hills of Gakenke district. The road follows valleys and ridges with great views of terraced farmland, and the Virunga volcanoes appear on the horizon as you approach Musanze.
Gorilla trekking day: when to leave
Gorilla trekkers usually need to be at the Kinigi headquarters very early in the morning for the briefing. Leaving Kigali in the middle of the night on mountain roads is tiring, so we recommend driving up the afternoon before and staying in Musanze or near Kinigi.
If you do not want to drive the early-morning roads yourself, book a car with a driver who can take you to the briefing and wait for you after the trek.
Which car to choose
A Toyota RAV4 or Kia Sorento is comfortable on the paved road to Musanze and Kinigi. Some trekking groups start from trailheads reached on rough roads, where a 4x4 is more comfortable, especially in the rainy season.
| Car | Seats | Gearbox | Price per day |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota RAV4 2002SUV | 5 | Automatic | $35 |
| Toyota RAV4 2010SUV | 5 | Automatic | $50 |
| Kia SorentoSUV | 7 | Automatic | $55 |
| Toyota RAV4 2018SUV | 5 | Automatic | $65 |
| Toyota RAV4 2024SUV | 5 | Automatic | $70 |
| Honda Full Electric 2025Electric SUV | 5 | Automatic | $75 |
| Toyota Prado 20144x4 SUV | 7 | Manual | $80 |
| Safari CarSafari 4x4 | 8 | Manual | $170 |
Other things to do in the area
- Golden monkey trekking and hikes on the volcanoes.
- The Twin Lakes, Burera and Ruhondo, a short drive from Musanze.
- Continue west to Lake Kivu at Rubavu, about 1.5 hours from Musanze.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the drive from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park?
About 2 to 2.5 hours to Musanze, plus around 30 minutes to the park headquarters at Kinigi.
Can I do gorilla trekking as a day trip from Kigali?
It is possible, but you would leave Kigali very early in the dark. Most visitors drive up the day before and stay in Musanze.
Is the road to Musanze paved?
Yes. The road from Kigali to Musanze and on to Kinigi is paved.