Our People
  • Amy Waters snow biking Our Team

    Steppes Travel is made by the people who work here. Incredible holidays are made possible because of their vast travel experience and the great enthusiasm they bring to their work.

  • William Dalrymple Our Tour Experts

    We carefully select our experts based on their knowledge, companionship and influence, ensuring that you can travel with the most knowledgeable leaders in the field.

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    The people who lead the way when it comes to those things which matter to us: exploration, the environment, women’s empowerment and education.

Family of mountain gorillas with a baby gorilla and a silverback, Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

Volcanoes National Park

The forested slopes of the Volcanoes National Park are spectacular and full of drama and this was the very first national park to be created in Africa.

A chain of free-standing volcanoes are home to local snake spirits, active volcanoes and the place where Dian Fossey lived – and died – for mountain gorillas. With peaks reaching nearly 4,500 metres, rare forest elephants and a network of rugged trails, this is a park that is as spectacular as it is thrilling and despite its popularity, it is still the best place to see mountain gorillas.

Straddling the borders of Rwanda, Uganda and the DRC, the massif itself includes six active and three extinct volcanoes so wherever you look there is a photograph waiting to be taken. Whilst the gorillas are the draw, an extra day or so spent at one of the lodges will allow you to explore the rural villages dotted around the region, taking in a few lively markets and traditional Intore dancing – something which the region is also famous for.

Lake View, Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
Rwanda

Why visit Volcanoes National Park

  • Release your inner Attenborough and come face to face with mountain gorillas
  • Take in the breath-taking views of mist-shrouded mountains and volcanic lakes
  • Pay your respects at Karisoke – the final resting place of Dian Fossey
  • Try and keep up with the endemic and nimble golden monkeys
Mountain gorilla, Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
Baby mountain gorilla, Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

Gorillas of Volcanoes National Park

Spend time at the Mountain Gorilla Veterinary Project, with whom Steppes has worked closely over the years to gain a privileged insight into gorilla conservation. Alternatively, join the great and the good at the annual Kwita Izina ceremony in Ruhengeri, where each June, gorillas born in the last year are officially named.

Experiences

What do you really love doing? We’ll tailor your itinerary to suit you.

Virguna Volcano, Rwanda

Volcanic Trails

Explore Volcanoes National Park on foot, hiking across other worldly landscapes, from lava lakes to crater rims.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Lake View, Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

Volcanic Landscapes

Take in the breath-taking views of mist-shrouded mountains and shimmering crater lakes at Volcanoes National Park.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Golden monkey, Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

Golden Monkey Trekking

Try and keep up with the nimble golden monkeys, endemic to the Virunga Mountains in Volcanoes National Park.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Dian Fossey's Grave, Rwanda

Karisoke Trek

Pay your respects to one of the greatest mountain gorilla researchers at Karisoke, home to the research centre and final resting place of Dian Fossey.

Gorilla eating, Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

Track Mountain Gorillas

Set out on foot into the dense cloud forest of Volcanoes National Park and come face to face with mountain gorillas, spending a magical hour in their company.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Meet our experts

A passion for travel runs right through every one of our experts - meaning they're always ready with first-hand insight about their specialist countries.

Illona Cross

Born in a small South African town, I have always followed my passion for nature and discovery. After studying Nature Conservation in Pretoria, I was one of the first women to complete a very tough cadetship in the Natal Parks Board. It was here where I cut my teeth in African wildlife management.

Talk with our experts
  • 01285 880 980

Chris Johnston

25 years ago, my first trip to Africa took on a life of its own. I planned for three months, I stayed for two years. Whilst there, I was mistaken for a priest, attacked by sharks and arrested. Yet the countless, clattering journeys opened my eyes to the beauty of the landscapes and the grace of the people. My recent trips are undoubtedly more comfortable, but the welcome is as warm as ever and the best experiences are still those I never see coming.

Talk with our experts
  • 01285 880 980

Need Holiday Inspiration?
Browse our Rwanda holiday ideas.

Our Rwanda experts have created and curated these holiday ideas to get you started. Take the time to search through them and find something to spark ideas for a unique adventure.

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Why Choose Steppes?

Our knowledge and expertise set us apart. So too our curiosity. It is this that drives us to create a journey that is really bespoke to you, all the while ensuring we travel and operate sustainably.

Are you ready to discover extraordinary once again?


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