Located in Ruhengeri, Northwestern Rwanda, Volcanoes National Park is home to more than endangered mountain gorillas. It has plenty to offer nature lovers worldwide. It is also one of the oldest parks in Africa, established in 1925 and the primary reason was to host the mountain gorillas. Volcanoes Park sits in the land area of 160sq.km, and while on Rwanda safari, here are some of the amazing things to see.
Gorilla tracking is the main adventure activity done in the Virunga volcanoes in the north western part of Rwanda. This park is a habitat to a third of the world’s remaining population of the endangered mountain gorillas and it is at the northern border of Rwanda of Uganda and Democratic Republic of Congo.
The Volcanoes National Park was part of the first national park to be gazetted on the entire continent of Africa. It was first gazetted as a protected area in the 1920s as part of the Albert National Park. It is bordered by the three magnificent volcanoes namely; Mikeno, Karsimbi and Bisoke. The reason for conserving the forest back then was to protect our precious animals from the heartless poachers.
Importance of Volcanoes National Park
The Volcanoes National Park Rwanda is made up of over 125 square kilometers of bamboo rainforest where we have 10 habituated mountain gorilla families which are open for tracking by both foreigners and nationals and two more groups for research. Apart from the unique mountain gorillas, the Park is blessed with other primates such as the golden monkeys, colobus monkeys and a wide array of rain forest ecosystems which are habitat to swamps, bamboo forests and lots of other flora and fauna. This makes Volcanoes national park to have numerous tourism activities for any adventurous party to engage in such as forest walks where you may be lucky to spot just a few bird species, volcanoe hiking, canoes rides on the twin lakes of Bulera and Ruhondo, the remarkable cave excursions in Musanze, sport fishing, Dian Fossey Hiking, Golden monkey tracking the list is endless not forgetting gorilla tracking.
In addition to the above, a percentage of the funds from the activities is given back to the local communities to engage them as partners and discourage them from poaching and deforestation. This has really worked and helped to conserve the forest and with the gorillas untouched. Furthermore, some of the people come to the park to specifically to participate in the conservation projects though some just visit as an extra activity after gorilla tracking. These projects were established with an idea of involving the local population around the Volcanoes National Park in the tourism industry. They have handmade art and craft works which they sell at very good prices to visitors in the local markets such as drums, spears, baskets, clothes, they also have very interesting cultural dances and songs, plays among others in their communities such as Iby’iwacu cultural village, local schools like Mwiko Primary School are also visited by the tourism.
What to do in and around Volcanoes Park, Rwanda
- Mountain gorilla trekking
- Golden monkey tracking
- Volcano climbing/hiking
- Bird watching
- Visit Iby’Iwacu cultural village
- Musanze cave tour
- Dian Fossey tomb site trek
Planning Your Safari
If you are not using any tour operator going to volcanoes national park though it is highly recommended for your safety, you may take a bus or use your private vehicle from Kigali and head north to Musanze town which is found at the base of the remarkable virunga volcanoes. In case you need a car to hire, 4×4 safari vehicle, 6 seater, 7 seater, name it or a professional tour guide to help you along, we are available 24/7.
Gorilla tracking in Rwanda, Uganda or Democratic Republic of Congo, please do not hesitate to get to us to help you out for a tour you will leave to tell. We also have other tour activities like wildlife viewing, city tours, mountaineering among others. Recently, the Caves in Musanze were officially opened for tourism by the Rwanda Development Board, the official country’s tourism board. The Virunga Volcanoes are made up of numerous volcanoes though most of them are dormant ones apart from the Nyiragongo and Nyamuragira volcanoes which are located on other Virunga side of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Sabyinyo volcano is the oldest among the chain Virunga mountains, it is 3634m high, while the Karisimbi volcano is the highest of all and is 4507m, high while Mgahinga, Mikeno, Muhabura and Bisoke volcanoes are what is known as the Virunga Mountains in Rwanda, Uganda and DRC.
Getting there for safari
Volcanoes National Park lies at a close proximity to Kigali city centre. Starting your journey from Kigali can take you between 2- and 3-hours’ drive. It is also possible to connect from Mgahinga N. Park via Kisoro-Chanika border or Bwindi through Kabale-Katuna border to Volcanoes Park, Northwestern Rwanda.
What to pack for Volcanoes National Park?
Considering unpredictable weather conditions in Volcanoes Park, you must consider packing appropriately. The list of items to consider besides carrying gorilla permits include waterproof daypack, strong and waterproof hiking boots, cameras free of flashlight, gardening gloves, high energy giving snacks, long trousers, long sleeved shirts, sun glasses, safari hat, insect repellent, walking stick, etc.
Where to stay
Volcanoes Park still stands out as one of the Africa’s most favorite travel destinations for gorilla safaris due to its numerous accommodation options. These range from budget to luxury, with the most popular ones include Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Virunga Hotel, Bisate Lodge, Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, La Palme Hotel, Le Bambou Boutique, Kinigi Guesthouse, etc.
If you are looking for where to stay during your gorilla tour, you may contact us to book them for you. We have Kinigi guesthouse and Muhabura hotel for low budget clients. These are very clean and decent accommodations while for deluxe class; we have La Palme Hotel, Hotel Gorillas and Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge. Mountain Gorilla View lodge, Jack Hanna Cottages are luxury level though we have Virunga Lodge and Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge for very Luxury travelers.
