Lying in the heart of East-Central Africa is a splendid bamboo forest-dominated Volcanoes National Park. This park is located within the Virunga Mountain ranges, the chain Volcano Mountains that spread across 3 African states: Rwanda, Uganda and Congo. Volcanoes National Park is found in Northwest of Rwanda, a remarkable location where Dian Fossey conducted her research on the endangered mountain gorillas till 1985 when she was murdered by unknown people.
Location, size, & facts about Volcanoes NP
Volcanoes National Park is found in Ruhengeri region, Northwestern Rwanda and from Kigali, it is accessible 2 to 3 hours’ drive. Bordering this spectacular Rwanda safari park is Congo’s designated world heritage site –Virunga National Park and Uganda’s Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Volcanoes National Park has its borders spread up to 160 sq.km, forming part of the vast Virunga Conservation Area that spans 433 sq.km. The park lies at an altitude of 2400 to 4507 meters. Volcanoes National Park is a preferred Rwanda tour protected area for its exhilarating mountain gorilla trekking experiences.
Attractions in Volcanoes National Park
Mountain gorillas are the prime tourist attractions in Volcanoes National Park (Parc National Des Volcans) Rwanda. Studies about these large apes were pioneered by Dian Fossey, and their plight caught the world attention following the launch of Gorillas in the Mist film. Today, gorilla trekking stands out as the leading safari experience in the Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda.
Currently, a sum of 1063 endangered mountain gorillas survive in the wild and about 30% of them exist in the bamboo forest in Volcanoes National Park Rwanda. The park shelters about 12 habituated gorilla families, translating to about 96 gorilla permits that are available each day for booking by tourists on Rwanda gorilla safari.
Other than the endangered mountain gorillas, Volcanoes National Park also supports many other wildlife species including spotted hyenas, golden monkeys, forest elephants, giant forest hogs, buffaloes, bush bucks, bush pigs, black and white colobus monkeys, black fronted duikers, and more.
Bird species
Volcanoes National Park is a rich-birding park, priding itself of 200 species of birds which include several of Albertine rift endemic species. The park’s bird species to identify on Rwanda safari include the handsome francolin, collared apalis, Rwenzori double-collared sunbird, Archer’s ground robin, red-faced woodland warblers, Grauer’s rush warblers, Rwenzori turacos, Rwenzori batis, dusky crimson wing, paradise flycatchers, long-crested eagle, African marsh harrier, and others.
Virunga Volcanoes
Volcanoes NP isn’t only a primate safari destination but also climbers’ spot. The park features 5 spectacular Virunga Volcanoes including Mount Bisoke (3700m), Karisimbi (4507m), Sabyinyo, Gahinga and Muhabura Volcanoes.
Tourism Activities to do in Volcanoes National Park
Gorilla trekking
Gorilla trekking is the leading experience that most tourists come to enjoy in Volcanoes National Park. The park contains 12 habituated gorilla families; each family is visited by maximum of 8 visitors. The day trek to see mountain gorillas begins with briefing at Kinigi Area where you get insight into guidelines for gorilla trekking. The park official assigns gorilla groups to every group comprising of 8 tourists.
The long day trek can take between 2 and 6 hours which includes one hour of observing how the endangered mountain gorillas behave. The 12 gorilla groups translate to 96 gorilla permits, each permit is sold at USD 1500 per person. The gorilla families to visit include Agashya gorilla groups, Amahoro, Karisimbi, Susa A, Umubano, Hirwa, Ugenda, Titus, Kwitonda and Pablo.
Golden monkey tracking
Golden monkey tracking offer a lifetime opportunity to Rwanda safari travelers to immerse themselves into the wild to explore more about golden monkeys. The golden monkey trek can last for 2-4 hours and includes one hour of up close and personal with golden monkeys in the wild. Tracking golden monkeys in Rwanda’s Volcanoes NP costs USD 100 for a single permit per day.
Birding
Volcanoes National Park is a vibrant birding destination, hosting over 200 bird species and these include the Albertine rift species. On birding tour in this park, the birds to be spotted include among others handsome francolins, paradise flycatchers, Rwenzori batis, red-faced woodland, long-crested eagle, African marsh harriers, Rwenzori double collared sunbird, archer’s ground robin, common moorhen.
Volcano climbing
Besides trekking to see golden monkeys and mountain gorillas, Volcanoes NP also provides the most thrilling volcano hiking experiences. The park lies within the Virunga Region, and 5 of the 8 Virunga Massifs all exist in this park. The volcano hikes are conducted on Mount Bisoke which requires about 6 hours ascend and this includes 2 hours descending to the briefing point. Mount Karisimbi –the tallest of the 8 Virunga Volcanoes is hiked in the Volcanoes NP Rwanda and takes about 2 days to get to 4507 meters elevation.
Musanze cave exploration
Musanze caves are volcanic creations, located adjacent to Volcanoes N/Park. The caves feature 2 km long walkway with stairs leading visitors deep into the interior. A walk through Musanze caves can be done before or after gorilla trekking or golden monkey tracking.
Dian Fossey tomb hike
Dian Fossey gorilla research journey began in Volcanoes National Park. The 2-3 hours trek Dian Fossey tomb site allows you to explore in depth about Dian Fossey conservation and reservation journey in the Virunga Region. Next to her grave are other gorillas including Digit, Dian Fossey’s most loved silverback.
Cultural encounters
After or before tracking mountain gorillas, there is a chance to visit and explore Rwandese unique cultures and traditions at Gorilla Guardians Village or Iby’Iwacu village. This allows you to interact with local residents while in their community and you can also be entertained by unique dances and music performances.
When is the best time to visit Volcanoes National Park?
Volcanoes National Park experiences favorable weather conditions, making it an all year-round destination. To enjoy the most of gorilla trekking or other activities in the park, we recommend that you plan your tour around the dry season; June, July, August, September, or December, January to February.
Where to stay
At Volcanoes National Park, visitors have a wide range of accommodation options to choose from- budget, midrange and luxury. The popular lodges to reserve include Five Volcanoes Boutique Lodge, Bisate Lodge, Virunga Lodge, One and Only Gorilla’s Nest, Singita Kwitonda Lodge, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Kinigi Guesthouse and others.
How to get to Park
Volcanoes National Park is accessible a short distance from Kigali capital, about 2-3 hours’ drive. Its proximity to the city center makes it possible to embark on 1 day gorilla trekking tour or 2 day gorilla safari.