Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park Rwanda- Gorilla Trekking : Rwanda Safaris
Volcanoes national park Rwanda is located in the northwestern region in Musanze district. The destination is among the best places to encounter during your visit on the black land stretching over an an area of approximately 160 square kilometers of rain forest and five of the eight volcanoes in Virunga Mountains including Karisimbi, Bisoke, Gahinga, Muhabura, and Sabyinyo. It borders several national parks in other countries including Virunga National park of Democratic Republic of Congo and Mgahinga Gorilla national park Uganda.
Facts about Volcanoes National park
With an area of approximately 160 square kilometers, Volcanoes national park protects almost half of the world’s population of the endangered mountain gorillas and other primate species like the shy and cute Golden monkeys. Established in 1925, the park was mainly gazetted to protect the mountain gorillas from the poachers and it stands as the first national park to be created on the African continent. The park is also known for its luxuriant vegetation cover which comprises of the thickets, marshes, swamps, meadows and small lakes. Aside primate species, volcanoes national park is a home to other mammal species including the black fronted duiker, buffalo, spotted hyena, bushbuck and others. It is also a home to about 178 species of birds with 13 species and 16 subspecies which are endemic to Virunga and Rwenzori mountains.
Things to do in Volcanoes National Park
As you prepare for your safari to Volcanoes national park, get ready to take part in different park activities for a memorable and lifetime experience. Among these activities include;
Gorilla trekking
Volcanoes national park is among the only four national parks in Africa where gorilla trekking can be done. The park has 12 habituated gorilla families that are open for tourism purposes. The gorilla trekking experience involves hiking through the thick rainforests of the park by the guidance of the park ranger so as to search for the endangered apes. Once found, you will be allowed to spend a full hour in their presence as you learn more about their lifestyles and taking flash less videos and pictures of them.
Note: For one to involve in the activity, he or she must possess a gorilla permit which costs $1500 which is obtained from Rwanda Development Board or through entrusted tour operators.
Golden monkey tracking
This is the second main activity in Volcanoes national park after Gorilla trekking experience. Just like gorilla trekking experience, golden monkey trekking also involves hiking and walking through the rainforests of the park in search of these shy and cute species from their natural habitats. As you get closer to them, you will enjoy their daily lifestyles like feeding and playing as they swing on the bamboo trees in the forests.
Note: Golden monkey tracking requires a permit which costs $100 per person.
Cultural experiences
Get a chance to interact with the locals during a cultural tour at Gorilla Guardian Village. The village is located just 5 km from Kinigi the park’s headquarters and gives you a chance to enjoy the traditional practices of the locals like dances, poems and songs. Also, during your time at the village, you will get a chance of becoming a king or queen for a day.
Nature walks and hikes
Volcanoes national park was named after the five major volcanoes which are located in the area. These volcanoes - Bisoke, Karisimbi, Gahinga, Muhabura and Sabyinyo provide an adventurous and memorable hiking experience providing a clear view of the park and its features like wildlife, plants, birds and others.
Visit the twin lakes of Ruhondo and Burera
Have a relaxed moment during luxurious boat cruise on the twin lakes of Ruhondo and Burera. The cruise frees your mind from all sorts of problems as spot different features of the park like birds especially the water birds, animals, vegetation, waterfalls and others.
Bird watching
Volcanoes national park is a home to more than 178 species of birds with at least 13 species and 16 subspecies from Virunga and Rwenzori mountains national park. Among these birds in the park include Ruwenzori turaco, Ruwenzori double collared sunbird, lagden’s bush shrike, African green broadbill, red chested sunbird, bronzy sunbird, lesser honey, African goshawk, strange weaver, Ruwenzori batis and many others. Check out on Birding in Rwanda
How to access the park
Volcanoes national park is located in the northwestern region of Rwanda in Musanze district and reached after a 2 hours’ drive from Kigali, the capital city of Rwanda. Check out on Transportation
Best time to visit Volcanoes national park.
It can be visited anytime throughout the year but the best time is during the dry season which is between the months of June and September. In these months, you need to purchase your permit earlier since this season is always congested.
As you are planning to visit Volcanoes national park for different experiences, Rwanda safaris is ready to help you out with all sorts of necessities like accommodation bookings, transfers, itinerary drafting and many others for the perfect travel.
| Visa requirements | Visa granted on Arrival at the border or Airport >>>> NO Advance application is required. |
|---|---|
| Languages spoken | French |
| Currency used | Rwanda Francs |
| Area (km2) | 160 square kilometers |
| Country name | Republic of Rwanda |
