Volcanoes National Park

Volcanoes National Park, named after a string of magnificent peaks that range from 2,500 to 4,500 meters (8,000 to 14,850 feet) in altitude, is well known as the home of the largest wild population of mountain gorillas. Thousands of tourists visit the gorillas each year, making the wildlife an important part of Rwanda's tourism industry. WCS and several other NGO partners recently conducted a census of the mountain gorillas in the national park. The results are encouraging, showing continued growth in the gorilla population, since conservation efforts began in 1979. Furthermore, WCS has been studying crop-raiding patterns by the gorillas and other animals in fields around the Volcanoes N.P. in order to resolve immediate conflicts between wildlife and the people who live alongside them.

Fees paid by tourists for permits to see the gorillas are used to help maintain Volcanoes National Park. Information about visiting can be found at the ORTPN website.