Volcanoes National Park
ONE OF THE MOST POPULAR AFRICAN SAFARI PARKS
Volcanoes National Park Overiview
Volcanoes National Park – Parc National Des Volcans Rwanda is amazingly one of the most popular African safari parks the fact that it is home to a section of the 1063 mountain gorillas that are left on earth. This park is a preferred primate safari park due to its exhilarating gorilla trekking adventures and contains up to 30% of the remaining mountain gorilla population with 12 fully habituated gorilla groups all open to tourists to track.
LOCATION
Set in the extreme Northwest of Rwanda, Volcanoes National Park spans the Musanze/Ruhengeri region and is the most accessible gorilla safari destination in Africa. From the heart of Kigali, it takes tourists on Rwanda safari 2-3 hours to drive to Volcanoes National Park for a tour. This protected area lies in the heart of Central Africa, rising high in the Virunga volcanoes and this is where Dian Fossey began her gorilla research journey.
Volcanoes National Park is a lush protected area comprised of rich, green tropical forest, bamboo forest, swamps, heath and open grassland. This park occupies 160 sq.km of land area and takes its name from the dormant volcanoes that form part of the Virunga Massifs and five volcanoes all exist here: Sabyinyo (3634m), Muhabura (4127m), Bisoke (3711m), Gahinga and Karisimbi (4507m)–the tallest of all the 8 Virunga Volcanoes.
Primates & other faunal species
Volcanoes National Park Rwanda is an important habitat for diverse mammal species, reptiles and other species. Within Volcanoes Park, there are mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, bushbucks, black-fronted duikers, forest hogs, buffaloes, hyenas, forest elephants, and others.
Bird species
More than 200 species of birds live in Volcanoes National Park and the majority of these consist of Albertine rift endemic species and forest birds. This makes it a preferred birding tour destination to spot interesting birds such as the handsome francolins, lagden’s bush shrikes, palm nut vultures, Archer’s ground robin, bronze sunbird, African goshawk, African swamp hen, red-faced woodland, blue spotted wood dove, Kivu ground thrush, cinnamon chested bee-eaters, bateleurs, Rwenzori turacos, Rwenzori double collared sunbird, Rwenzori batis, Nirana trogon, and more.
When should you visit Volcanoes National Park?
Volcanoes National Park has been visited all year round thanks to its favourable weather conditions. However, for tourists who visit to see mountain gorillas, the dry months are the most ideal and they run from June-September; and December to February. During these months, there is little/no rain which makes it easier to walk through while in search of mountain gorillas.
Accommodation
All three major categories of accommodation are found in Volcanoes National Park Rwanda; budget, midrange and luxury. The main lodges include Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Muhabura Hotel, Mountain Gorillas Nest Lodge, Le Palme Hotel, Da Vinci Lodge, Kinigi Guesthouse, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Villa Gorilla Lodge, Bisate Lodge, Five Volcanoes Hotel and more.
Things to do on safari in Volcanoes National Park Rwanda
There are plenty of interesting experiences to enjoy on Rwanda safari in Volcanoes National Park. They range from primate adventures to birding tours including;
Mountain gorilla trekking is the major safari highlight of any tour made to Volcanoes National Park Rwanda. Trekking through the misty forest and steep slopes to see mountain gorillas is without a doubt unforgettable experience. Only one habituated gorilla group is tracked on a single day at Volcanoes National Park and a total of 12 habituated families all live in this park including Titus, Hirwa, Agashya, Pablo, Ugenda, Susa A, Amahoro, Sabyinyo, Umubano, Kwitonda, Bwenge, and Karisimbi.
Before you travel for an actual gorilla trek in Volcanoes National Park, you should have obtained a valid gorilla permit. A single gorilla permit is issued to only persons above 15 years and each costs USD 1500. To ensure that you have the best of Rwanda gorilla trekking tour, pack appropriately beginning with essentials only: camera, gardening gloves, insect repellents, high energy giving snacks, first aid kit/medical kit, long-sleeved shirts, long trousers, safari hat, and others.
Birding in Volcanoes National Park allows you to immerse yourself in its numerous habitats to identify the diversity of bird species. The birds to be spotted in this protected area include lagden’s bush shrikes, Rwenzori turacos, handsome francolins, red-chested sunbird, palm nut vultures, blue spotted wood doves, baglafetch, Archer’s ground robin, bateleurs, red-faced woodland, grauer’s rush warblers, cinnamon chested bee-eaters, Kivu ground thrush and others.
Golden monkey tracking is a must-do primate adventure after gorilla trekking. This exceptional primate experience lets you to explore more about golden monkeys in the wild. These primates survive within the Virunga Area, and in one troop, there can be 100 members.
Hikers on Rwanda tours aren’t left out too while on a visit to Volcanoes National Park. Hiking opportunities in this park are enormous with possible options include Bisoke/Visoke, Karisimbi, Muhabura, and Gahinga Volcanoes.
The Dian Fossey tomb hike takes you to Dian Fossey’s tomb site and the entire experience is all about exploring Fossey’s gorilla conservation legacy. Hiking permits are available for booking at US Dollars 75 and takes visitors at least 2 to 3 hours to have a round tour.
The Twin Lakes are some of the interesting places located near Volcanoes National Park and are most visited after or before the actual gorilla trekking adventures. The Twin Lakes include Lake Burera and Ruhondo. They are a must-visit if you are in search of a relaxing environment.
The must-visit caves at Volcanoes National Park are the Musanze caves. These are historic caves, dating back to 65 million years and extend up to 2 km. It takes hikers about 2-3 hours to have a round tour through Musanze caves.
GETTING THERE
Access to Volcanoes National Park is easier both by road and air. By road, you can begin driving from the heart of Kigali and takes 2-3 hours to get to Northwestern Rwanda and from Kisoro (Uganda), drive via Chanika border and from Kabale, connect via Katuna border to Volcanoes National Park. By air, use Akagera Aviation fly in services, take helicopter tour from Kigali to Musanze/Ruhengeri.
