Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

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Ready to pack for Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda? If you're planning to go to Volcanoes National Park, the following is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

  1. When to go to Volcanoes National Park
  2. Important essentials for Volcanoes National Park
  3. Activities for Volcanoes National Park
  4. Volcanoes National Park in January: weather and what to pack
  5. Volcanoes National Park in February: weather and what to pack
  6. Volcanoes National Park in March: weather and what to pack
  7. Volcanoes National Park in April: weather and what to pack
  8. Volcanoes National Park in May: weather and what to pack
  9. Volcanoes National Park in June: weather and what to pack
  10. Volcanoes National Park in July: weather and what to pack
  11. Volcanoes National Park in August: weather and what to pack
  12. Volcanoes National Park in September: weather and what to pack
  13. Volcanoes National Park in October: weather and what to pack
  14. Volcanoes National Park in November: weather and what to pack
  15. Volcanoes National Park in December: weather and what to pack

When to go to Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

Based on the climate and weather in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda, the best time to go is July. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Volcanoes National Park, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda by month

January

In January, Volcanoes National Park is warm and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the 70s F (mid 20s C) range. At night, lows are in the low 50s F (low 10s C). This is also a rainy time for Volcanoes National Park, with several of the days of the month having rain.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Rwanda has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing luggage recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Volcanoes National Park may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and J. Take care to pick the right kind. The majority of adapters currently being sold are just plug changers and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most countries.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

February

February in Volcanoes National Park is warm and somewhat rainy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Rwanda has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing things these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Volcanoes National Park may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and J. Ensure that you find the correct kind. The majority of adapters currently available are just plugs and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most locations.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

March

In March, Volcanoes National Park is a perfect temperature and very rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the 70s F (mid 20s C) range. At night, lows are in the low 50s F (low 10s C). This is also a rainy time for Volcanoes National Park, with more than half of the days of the month having rain.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Rwanda has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Volcanoes National Park may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing luggage recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and J. Be sure to choose the right kind. A lot of adapters currently available are simply plug changers and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most areas.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

April

If you visit Volcanoes National Park during April, you will probably see that it is a perfect temperature and extremely rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 50s F (low 10s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain most days.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Rwanda has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Volcanoes National Park may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and J. Be careful to pick the correct kind. Most adapters available are simply plugs and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

May

If you vacation in Volcanoes National Park during May, you may notice that it is warm and very rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the 70s F (low 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 50s F (low 10s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about two thirds of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Rwanda has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing bags recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Volcanoes National Park may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and J. Check that you find the necessary type. Many adapters currently available are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most places.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our fave is this one

June

June in Volcanoes National Park is warm. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 60s F (high 10s C) to 70s F (low 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Rwanda has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Volcanoes National Park may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing things recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and J. Be careful to get the correct type. A lot of adapters currently available are simply plug changers and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most locations.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

July

July is warm and dry with little rain. Temperatures average in the 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Rwanda has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing bags these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Volcanoes National Park may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and J. Be sure to choose the necessary kind. A lot of adapters that you can buy are just plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most areas.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

August

August in Volcanoes National Park is a perfect temperature. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 70s F (mid 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Rwanda has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Volcanoes National Park may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and J. Be sure to pick the necessary kind. A lot of adapters currently available are simply plugs and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most areas.

September

If you go to Volcanoes National Park in September, you will notice that it is warm and very rainy. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the 70s F (mid 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Rwanda has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Volcanoes National Park may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and J. Make sure to pick the correct type. A lot of adapters currently being sold are simply plug changers and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most areas.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

October

October here is warm and very rainy. Temperatures average in the 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day. It rains most days.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Rwanda has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Volcanoes National Park may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing bags recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and J. Be careful to choose the necessary type. Many adapters available are just plug changers and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most areas.

November

November in Volcanoes National Park is a perfect temperature and very rainy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 60s F (high 10s C) to 70s F (mid 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Rwanda has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Volcanoes National Park may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing bags these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and J. It's important that you choose the necessary type. Many adapters available are just plugs and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most areas.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

December

In December, Volcanoes National Park is a perfect temperature and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the 70s F (mid 20s C) range. At night, lows are in the low 50s F (low 10s C). This is also a rainy time for Volcanoes National Park, with more than half of the days of the month having rain.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Rwanda has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Volcanoes National Park may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing bags recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and J. Take care to find the right type. Many adapters available online are just plug changers and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most areas.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

What to do in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

Volcanoes National Park, located in northwestern Rwanda, is a must-visit destination for nature and wildlife enthusiasts. The park is best known as one of the few remaining habitats for endangered mountain gorillas. There is no doubt that Volcanoes National Park is a top tourist attraction in Rwanda. Here are the top things to do and see in Volcanoes National Park.

1. Gorilla Trekking

Gorilla trekking is the main attraction of Volcanoes National Park. Visitors can begin their gorilla trekking adventure early in the morning, starting with a briefing in the park headquarters. A maximum of eight visitors per group is allowed to spend one hour with the gorillas. It’s an opportunity not to be missed, as mountain gorillas are one of the rarest species in the world.

2. Golden Monkey Trekking

Volcanoes National Park is home to the golden monkey, an endangered species that can only be found in the Virunga mountains. Visitors can trek to see the golden monkeys and spend time observing their unique behavior in their natural habitat.

3. Hiking

Volcanoes National Park offers a variety of hiking trails for visitors to choose from. The trails range from easy to difficult level hikes that take hikers through stunning landscapes and to the summits of different volcanoes. Some of the popular trails include Mount Bisoke, Mount Karisimbi, and Mount Muhabura.

4. Cultural visits

In addition to the natural wonders of the park, visitors can also experience the local culture. The nearby villages offer cultural experiences such as dances, storytelling, and traditional food, which provides visitors with an insight into the Rwandan culture.

5. Dian Fossey Hiking Trail

The Dian Fossey Hiking Trail is named after the American primatologist who dedicated her life to the conservation of mountain gorillas. Visitors can embark on a hike to visit her tomb, visit the Karisoke Research Center, and learn about her work and the conservation efforts in the area.

6. Bird Watching

Volcanoes National Park provides a unique opportunity for bird lovers to observe a variety of avian species in their natural habitat. There are over 170 species of birds, including the Albertine Rift Endemics, which can only be found in this region.

Conclusion

Volcanoes National Park is undoubtedly one of the top tourist attractions in Rwanda. Visitors can experience a unique combination of natural beauty, wildlife, and cultural experiences in a single location. Whether it's gorilla trekking, hiking, or cultural visits, Volcanoes National Park has something to offer for everyone. So, if you are planning a trip to Rwanda, this park is a must-visit destination.

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

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