Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park : is found in the heart of central Africa and was the very first National Park to be created in Africa. Additionally, it borders Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda. It is also a home to the mountain gorillas as well the golden monkeys. The park is best known for the mountain gorillas however, hosts other mammals like: golden monkey, black-fronted duiker, African buffalo, spotted hyena, etc. Within the boundaries of park, are Buhanga Eco-Park, an ancient forest holding Rwanda’s most intriguing folklore and Musanze cave.
Major things to do in Volcanoes National Park
Mountain gorilla trekking
Generally, mountain gorilla trekking is the most wilderness adventurous activity in Volcanoes National Park. The park has basically got 10 habituated gorilla families which makes it a better place to spot these gorillas. The rangers/guides will help you trek through the foothills of the thick forest in search for the great apes. In addition, a maximum number of 8 per gorilla family is allowed and depending on the speed of the trekkers, the trekking can last for 4-7 hours. As a matter of fact, upon locating a gorilla family, tourists are given 1hr to learn more about these animals as well as enjoy their daily activities.
Hiking mountain Bisoke
Bisoke is basically a dominant volcano rising at 3711 meters above sea level. The mountain is one of the series of volcanoes that make up the Virunga Mountain Ranges which sprawls along the borders of Rwanda, Uganda & the Democratic Republic of Congo. In fact, this hiking is popular among visitors to the park because of the possibility of viewing the fog filled summit, crater lakes.
Monkey trekking
Monkey trekking is the most adventurous and interesting activity next to gorilla trekking in this park. In fact, the park is made up of two habituated monkey groups each comprising of 100 members with a dominant male which turns to be the leader of the group. Interestingly, golden monkeys are active, and very entertaining as they swing from one branch of tree to another.
Village experience/cultural encounter
During the village encounter, visitors are entertained with the traditional dances from Ibyiwacu cultural village organized by Rwanda Development Board Office. You can as well be part of other activities like being crowned a king (male) or a queen (female) of the day following African tradition and lifestyle. Travelers can as well buy crafts from African craft makers.
Caving
Hiking to Musanze cave is also an interesting and adventurous activity. The cave is situated in Musanze district inside the park in the northern part of Rwanda. Besides, the cave has got stairs that help you trek inside and it’s big enough to accommodate a number of people.
Climbing of Karisimbi volcano
The name Karisimbi basically comes from the word ‘amasimbi’ in the local language, Kinyanrwanda, which means snow. Here, snow can mostly be found on the top of the volcano during the dry season in June, July and August. In addition, Karisimbi is the highest of the eight major mountains of the mountain range, which is also part of Albertine rift valley. Besides, the volcano is flanked by Mikeno to the north, Bisoke to the east as well as Nyinagongo to the west.
Mount Gahinga
This is a dormant/extinct volcano in the Virunga Mountains on the border between Rwanda and Uganda. Gahinga lies between Muhabura and Sabyinyo, however, it is the smallest of the three. Interestingly, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park also got its name from this volcano. Like Muhabura and Sabyinyo the bamboo forests on Mount Gahinga are a habitat of the endangered mountain gorillas. However, there are other species of animals and birds that form part of the Mount Gahinga ecosystem and golden monkeys are notable to these.
Visiting the tomb of Dian Fossey
Dian Fossey was a zoologist best known for researching the endangered gorillas of the Rwanda from the 1960s to the 1980s. Fossey fought hard to protect these “gentle giants” from environmental and human hazards. In general, she saw these animals as dignified, highly social creatures with individual personalities and strong family relationships. As a result, this caused her to fight for the gorillas not only via the media, but also by destroying poachers’ dogs and traps.
Tragically, on December 26, 1985, Fossey was found hacked to death, presumably by poachers, at her Rwandan forest camp. However, no assailant has ever been found or prosecuted in her murder. Fossey is buried at Karisoke, in a site that she herself had constructed for her deceased gorilla friends. In fact, she was buried in the gorilla graveyard next to Digit, and near many gorillas killed by poachers.
Kwita Izina
This is a ceremony of naming baby gorillas and takes place every year on the 1st of September. Therefore, do not forget to book with us and have a chance to attend special events like these plus much more.
How to get there
Volcanoes National Park is about 105 kilometers (65 miles) away from the Country’s city and Airport (Kigali) and can be accessed by both road and by air transport. By air you can land in Kigali International Airport after which you drive for 2 hours to reach the park.
Some of the requirements needed
- Passport
- Gorilla permit
- Hiking shoes
- Rain jackets
- Gloves
- Long sleeved clothes
- Insect repellant
- Hat
- Sunglasses
Where to stay while at Volcanoes National Park
Luxury
- Gorilla Village
- Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
Moderate
- Gorillas Volcanoes Hotel
- Musanze Caves Hotel
Budget
- Red Rocks Rwanda
- Rohondo Beach Resort
Our Special Safaris
