Kigali to Volcanoes National Park by Car

The drive from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park is one of the most scenic in Rwanda. It takes about 2.5 hours on a paved road that climbs through terraced hills to Musanze, at the foot of the Virunga volcanoes.

The route from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park

Leave Kigali heading north-west on the main road towards Musanze.
The road climbs through hills and tea and banana farms, with many bends. Take it slowly.
After about 2 to 2.5 hours you reach Musanze, the gateway town.
Park headquarters at Kinigi are about 30 minutes beyond Musanze.

Timing your trip

All treks start with a briefing at Kinigi at 7:00 am. Driving from Kigali on the morning of your trek means leaving around 4:00 am, in the dark. We strongly recommend driving up the day before and staying in or near Musanze. Read where to stay in Musanze.

Stops along the way

Roadside viewpoints over the terraced hills
The town of Musanze for fuel, cash and supplies
Lakes Burera and Ruhondo, just east of Musanze, for a sunset view

Which car to take

The road to Kinigi is paved, but some trailheads are reached on rough tracks, especially in the rainy season. A 4×4 such as the Land Cruiser Prado is the best choice. You can also collect your car in Musanze; see car hire in Musanze.

Leaving Kigali

Head out of the city in the morning, after rush hour if you can. Traffic in Kigali is heaviest around 7:00 to 9:00 am and in the late afternoon. Once you leave the city, the road quickly climbs into the hills, with views over valleys of terraced farmland.

On the road

The road is paved and in good condition, but it winds constantly through the hills. Expect slow-moving trucks on the climbs, cyclists carrying heavy loads, and people walking along the roadside in villages. Overtake only when you can see far ahead. Speed cameras are common.

Arriving in Musanze

Musanze is a busy, friendly town with everything you need: fuel stations, banks, supermarkets, restaurants and a range of accommodation. Fill up with fuel and get cash here before heading towards the park.

Kigali to Volcanoes National Park: the final stretch to Kinigi

From Musanze, follow signs to Kinigi and the park headquarters. The road is paved to Kinigi. If you are staying at a lodge near the park, some access roads are gravel or rough stone. On trek day, rangers tell you where your trailhead is; some are reached on rough tracks where a 4×4 makes a real difference.

A two-day plan

Day 1

Late morning: leave Kigali.
Lunch: arrive in Musanze.
Afternoon: visit Lake Burera or Ruhondo, or relax at your lodge.
Evening: prepare your gear and get an early night.

Day 2

6:15 am: drive to Kinigi.
7:00 am: briefing and gorilla trek.
Afternoon: rest, or drive to Lake Kivu if your trek finishes early.

Going one way

You can collect your car in Kigali and return it in Musanze, or start in Musanze. See our pick-up points. Many travellers continue from the volcanoes to Lake Kivu, only 1.5 hours away; see Gorillas & Lake Kivu.

Where to eat on the way

There are simple restaurants and cafés in the towns along the road, and Musanze has a good choice of restaurants and hotel dining rooms. Bring water and snacks for the drive, especially if you leave early.

Weather on the road to the volcanoes

The road climbs to cooler altitudes, so bring a warm layer. Fog and rain are common on the higher sections, especially in the rainy seasons. Slow down and use dipped headlights in poor visibility.

Kigali to Volcanoes National Park with a driver

If you’d rather not drive the winding road yourself, book a car with a driver for this leg. Your driver can take you to Musanze, wait for you on trek day and drive you on to Lake Kivu or back to Kigali. Read car hire with a driver.

Returning to Kigali

After your trek, you can return to Kigali the same afternoon if your trek finishes early, but it’s more relaxing to stay a second night and drive back the next morning. Alternatively, continue to Rubavu on Lake Kivu, only 1.5 hours away, and return to Kigali later.

Kigali to Volcanoes National Park: what to bring in the car

Pack water, snacks, a warm layer, your trekking gear, your passport and permit, and cash for fuel and tips. Keep your permit and passport in a bag you’ll take on the trek, so you don’t leave them in the car by mistake.