Volcanoes National Park
VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK
Volcanoes National Park is truly like no other place in this World, the Epitome of Beauty known for nature and wildlife enthusiasts. This incredible realm is haven to riveting tourist adventures and a reason why thousands of visitors make trips to the north-western side of Rwanda.
The location and size of Volcanoes National Park
This outstanding safari destination is about 61 square miles and protects a significant part of the Virunga Mountains range steep slopes, in the north-western side of the country. This is one of the surviving havens to the World’s only surviving population of mountain gorillas in the wild. A total of five Virunga Volcanoes are protected by this spectacular Protected Area and these include Mount Karisimbi at 4507 meters above sea level, Bisoke, Muhabura, Gahinga and Sabyinyo, most of which can be hiked as part of your wider Rwandan safari. The Park’s landscape is made up of Tropical rainforest, Bamboo, swamp, open grassland and heath.
The History of Volcanoes National Park
The existence of Volcanoes National Park dates back to 1925, thus making it one of the oldest National Parks in the African Continent. This popular safari destination is synonymous with Dian Fossey, the American zoologist who dedicated and sacrificed youthful 18 years to study and undertake research on the endangered mountain gorillas. Her rustic Karisoke Research Center can be visited as part of the Dian Fossey gravesite hike, conducted in this Park.
Volcanoes National Park attractions
Animals
Volcanoes National Park is widely known for sheltering part of the World’s mountain gorilla population with over 300 of them calling the Protected Area home. While these Giant Apes are the main animals here, travellers can also come across other animals that include forest elephants, giant forest hogs, leopards, bush pigs, bushbucks, duikers, vervet monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, golden monkeys, blue monkeys, spotted hyenas, jackals, black and white colobus monkeys, serval cats, black-fronted duikers, forest buffaloes, to mention but a few. .
Birds
A total is over 180 bird species call the Tropical rainforest, Bamboo, swamp, open grassland and heath of Volcanoes National Park home. If you have always desired to see the Albertine Rift Endemics during a Rwanda safari, this is the perfect chance for you. Sights and sounds of Rwenzori batis, red-faced woodland warbler, Rwenzori Turaco, Archer’s ground robin, Red-faced woodland warblers, Rwenzori double collared sunbirds, Handsome francolin, Dusky Crimsonwing, Grauer’s rush warblers, strange weavers, to mention but a few.
Besides the animals and birds, Volcanoes National Park has other attractions that include the Dian Fossey Tomb, the Virunga Volcanoes (Karisimbi, Bisoke, Muhabura, Sabyinyo and Gahinga Volcanoes), Musanze Caves (outside the Park), Buhanga Eco-Park and the Twin Lakes of Bulera and Ruhondo among others.
Top activities to do within Volcanoes National Park
Discover what to do in Volcanoes National Park, by experiencing life around the jungle, watch exotic animals, marvel at the wide array of bird species and meet the local communities.
Mountain Gorilla Trekking
The most dramatic animals in Volcanoes National Park are the endangered mountain gorillas, which can be trekked by persons of 15 years and above, possessing valid gorilla permits. There are about 12 habituated gorilla families open for trekking thus 96 gorilla permits are issued each day. The adventure normally begins with a mandatory briefing at the Park Headquarters, whereby travellers are placed in groups of 8 persons to visit a particular gorilla family. Permits are available at $1500 per person and guarantee at least one hour with the Giant Apes.
Golden monkey tracking
Golden monkey tracking tours allow travellers to quietly walk through the bamboo forest to search for the frisky and endangered golden monkeys going about their daily activities. For a permit costing $100, persons of 12 years and above ate allowed to trek one of the two large habituated golden monkey troops.
Volcano hiking
Take on the higher slopes of Virunga Volcanoes through the climbing tours that last between 8 hours and days. The adventurous visitors usually take the 2-day hike to the white-capped summits of Karisimbi Volcano with chances of exploring different vegetation types as well as encounter a wide range of animals and birds. Day hikes are done for Bisoke and Sabyinyo, although the latter is more challenging owing to the rugged terrains.
Dian Fossey Tomb hike
For the keen primate enthusiasts who wish to learn about the conservation journey of Rwanda gorillas, simply book for the Dian Fossey Tomb hike. The Ranger guide will take you through the 2-3 hours’ hike while providing information on the sacrifices and risks the American primatologist took to ensure the protection of Giant Apes in their natural habitat. Don’t be surprised to see mountain gorillas, giant forest hogs, forest elephants and bird species during this hike, of which you will be allowed to take photos for 5-10 minutes.
Bird watching
While on the gorilla trek, nature walk, golden monkey tracking tour or lounging at the comfort of your accommodation facilities at the outskirts of Volcanoes National Park, you will be sure of relishing a wide range of bird species. These include the strange weavers, Kivu ground thrush, Rwenzori batis, handsome francolin, Archer’s ground robin, Rwenzori Turaco, to mention but a few.
Cultural experiences
To learn about the cultural history of Rwanda and Volcanoes National Park in particular, make a stop at Gorilla Guardian Village where a wide range of cultural activities are offered. From traditional beer brewing demonstrations, basket weaving demonstrations, preparation and tasting of local cuisines, displays of farming activities, traditional dance performances, drumming lessons to visits to the traditional herbalist, cultural experiences here are magical.
Tours of Musanze Caves
Another riveting tourist activities undertaken by Volcanoes National Park visitors is the guided tour of Musanze Caves, through which the mysteries surrounding the existence of these Caves as well as historical events that shaped Rwanda are uncovered during Rwanda safaris.
Boat rides on Twin Lakes of Bulera and Ruhondo
After a hectic day trekking mountain gorillas or golden monkeys, touring the Musanze caves or hiking to the Dian Fossey Tomb, you can unwind with a boat ride on the Twin Lakes of Bulera and Ruhondo. Here, birds and animals (otters) are sighted but most importantly relish the jaw-dropping views of surrounding areas.
When to undertake Volcanoes National Park tours
Volcanoes National Park tours can be undertaken all year round. The dry season is however preferred because the forest is sparser and forest trails are drier this wonderful for gorilla trekking, golden monkey tracking, mountain climbing and Dian Fossey Tomb hike.
The wet season offers better chances of spotting numerous bird species, but visitors have to ensure abrupt downpours, muddy and slippery trails. This however doesn’t mean no rains are experienced in the traditional dry months.
Volcanoes National Park Accommodation options
Places like Bisate Lodge, One & Only Gorilla’s Nest, Kinigi Guesthouse, Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge, Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge, Hotel Muhabura, Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Villa Gorilla, Best View Hotel, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Bishop’s House, La Palme Hotel and Virunga Lodge are some of the accommodation options for travellers to Volcanoes National Park.
Getting there
Set in the north-west, Volcanoes National Park is reachable by two main ways.
For road, the Park is about 65 miles or 2-3 hours’ drive from Kigali City/Airport with breathtaking views along the way. For air, you can book a helicopter flight to Volcanoes National Park and this lasts only half an hour.