Volcanoes National Park

Volcanoes National Park

“Home to the endangered mountain gorillas and the rare golden monkeys"

Overview

Volcanoes National Park

Volcanoes National Park is located in the northwestern part of Rwanda, covering an area of 160 sq km (62 sq mi) of equatorial rainforest. The park is named after the chain of dormant volcanoes, with Kasirimbi at 4,507m being the highest. The park has a total of eight volcanoes in the Virunga Mountains. It is home to the endangered species of mountain gorillas and the rare golden monkeys.

The park is a must-see for all Rwanda Gorilla Safaris since it has the largest concentration of mountain gorillas in the Virunga Conservation Area. Additionally, Volcanoes Park is home to other wildlife species, including the spotted hyena, buffaloes, black-fronted duiker, bushbuck and elephants. Volcanoes National Park harbours an estimated 200 bird species, with at least 29 endemic ones. The golden monkey trekking complements the gorilla trekking, a rare and exciting experience not to be missed.

Volcanoes National Park The Volcanoes National Park Highlight:
Mountain Gorillas - The major attraction while visiting Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda is the sight of Mountain Gorillas, the world's largest primate species.
  • Volcanoes National Park

    Highlights:
    Volcanoes National Park

    Gorilla Trekking

    When you embark on a gorilla trekking safari in Volcanoes National Park, you will have a chance to encounter these gentle giants in their nature, leaving you astonished due to their size. There are about 380 gorillas in the park, which are part of the 600 in the wider Virunga area in the park, a significant increase in numbers from an estimated 240 in 1981. There are 12 families of gorillas( Kurira, The Igisha, Amahoro, Umubano, Karisimbi, Sabyinyo, Kwitonda, Hirwa, Agasha, Isimbi, Muhonza &Titus)of habituated mountain gorillas.

  • Volcanoes National Park

    Highlights:
    Volcanoes National Park

    Golden Monkey Trekking

    Like gorilla trekking, you must buy trekking permits for the endangered golden monkey species. The permit will give you access to this experience. Fortunately, golden monkey trekking permits are cheaper than gorilla trekking. A permit costs approximately $ 100 for Rwanda and Uganda. The trekking can last anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours, depending on the speed and movement of these fascinating creatures.

gorilla trekking - volcanoes national park

Gorilla Trekking

When you embark on a gorilla trekking safari in Volcanoes National Park, you will have a chance to encounter these gentle giants in their nature, leaving you astonished due to their size. There are about 380 gorillas in the park, which are part of the 600 in the wider Virunga area in the park, a significant increase in numbers from an estimated 240 in 1981. There are 12 families of gorillas( Kurira, The Igisha, Amahoro, Umubano, Karisimbi, Sabyinyo, Kwitonda, Hirwa, Agasha, Isimbi, Muhonza &Titus)of habituated mountain gorillas. Each family is led by a giant silverback responsible for overseeing the day-to-day activities of the entire group. You will need a trekking permit to visit one of these families, which costs around $ 1,500 per person for non-residents. It is always advisable to book at least 6 months in advance due to the daily limitation of 80 visits to avoid missing out. The permit is issued by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB). RDB shall refund 50% of the fee paid if one is showing signs of illness, and if one is sick, you shall not be allowed to proceed on gorilla trekking and will be declared unfit by the warden.

Although Rwanda’s gorilla trekking permit is more expensive in comparison with other trekking destinations, the park still attracts the highest numbers of tourists due to a better transport network with tarmacked roads from the airport to the park, quality accommodation facilities, only three-hour drive from the airport, less tenacious trekking and safety and security make. Trekking of mountain gorillas can take between 4-8 hours, which will take through diverse vegetation and swamps. It is advisable to wear the appropriate clothing for this adventure. Upon arrival to the habituated gorilla families, you will spend an hour observing how they interact and care for each other. Gorilla trekking occurs between 8:30 am and 7:00 pm, and everyone is expected to return to camp by 7:00 pm.

golden monkey trekking - volcanoes national park

Golden Moneky Trekking

Like gorilla trekking, you must buy trekking permits for the endangered golden monkey species. The permit will give you access to this experience. Fortunately, golden monkey trekking permits are cheaper than gorilla trekking. A permit costs approximately $ 100 for Rwanda and Uganda. The trekking can last anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours, depending on the speed and movement of these fascinating creatures. The advantage is that you do not need to trek at higher altitudes as the golden monkeys live on lower grounds. Once spotted, you can spend an hour observing how they interact and care for each other. Take your best photos if lucky enough, as golden monkeys are active creatures, making photography challenging. Golden monkey trekking is not an activity limited by age and the number of people; it is an experience a family can take together. Kindly note that revenue generated from these activities goes towards local communities bordering the park and the remaining in maintenance and infrastructure.

dian fossey tomb

Dian Fossey Tomb Tour

A trek to Dian Fossey Tomb is one of the most sought-after safari experiences when visiting Volcanoes National Park while on a gorilla trekking adventure; it is a sensational experience physically, emotionally and intellectually. It is also an inspiring moment to learn about the works of Dian and her dedication towards the conservation of mountain gorillas whose legacy lives on to date. Trekking requires some degree of fitness and patience as you will be trekking through forests and hiking up the slopes. The trek starts from the park boundary and takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes to Dian’s grave in Karisoke Research Camp. During your walk, you will enjoy scenic views and fantastic sightings of forest elephants, hogs, various primates and bird species. Upon arrival at the site, you will see the house where Dian Fossey was mysteriously murdered in 1985 and her grave site buried next to Digit, her favourite gorilla and 20 other gorillas killed by poachers or died from different causes.

musanze caves

Musanze Caves

A gorilla trek in Rwanda would be incomplete without visiting Musanze Caves in the heart of Volcanoes National Park. The caves were formed as a result of volcanic eruptions which occurred decades ago. The caves are located in the Musanze District and were given significant facelifts with the construction of tourist walkaway trails and stairs taking you inside the dark caves, which encapsulate an image of a house with some rooms and corridors. The caves are over 2km long underneath.

kwita izina

Kwita Izina (Gorilla -naming ceremony)

Kwita Izina is a gorilla naming ceremony that takes place in September of each year. All baby gorillas born within the year are named, and it is a ritual inspired by local traditions for naming newborns. The main objective behind this fascinating ceremony is to help monitor each gorilla in their group daily as they roam about their natural habitat. The ceremony helps unite and educate local and international communities on the importance of protecting the endangered species of mountain gorillas. It is a ceremony attended by high-profile people, including world leaders, celebrities, local artists and athletes.

ibyi’wacu cultural village

Ibyi’wacu Cultural Village

Iby’iwacu Cultural Village is located in the Musanze District and around Volcanoes National Park. Iby’iwacu means “treasure our home”. The cultural villages showcase the cultural practices of the Rwandan tribes, the Hutu, Tutsi and the Batwa. When you visit a village, you will meet local communities in their environment see and experience some of their cultures and traditions. Some activities you might enjoy include Learning how they prepare traditional foods and enjoying local dance performances, participating in community walks, visiting the conventional herbalists and clinics, pottery making, attending a local banana brewery process and enjoying a local banana beer, visiting a local school and attend lessons to experience education in developing countries among other activities. The Iby’iwacu cultural village is a place where nature meets culture.

Experience the Volcanoes National Park

Volcanoes National Park is arguably the best place in the world to observe the endangered mountain gorillas. This is where Dian Fossey started the habituation of these gentle giants decades ago. Other activities in the park include golden monkey trekking, a hike to Dian Fossey’s former camp, and several strenuous climbs to the volcanic peaks. Volcanoes National Park protects the Rwandan sector of the Virunga Mountains, a range of dormant and active volcanoes that straddle the Ugandan and Congolese borders. The dramatic scenery consists of a chain of freestanding mountains, connected by forested saddles. The gorillas are often found along these saddles, in enormous groves of bamboo.

The most popular activity is gorilla trekking, which gets you close to one of the world's most iconic wild creatures. Wildlife enthusiasts can also track golden monkeys in the bamboo zone. Other day hikes include the walk to Dian Fossey's grave at the abandoned Karisoke Research Center and ascent to the scenic crater lake atop Mt Bisoke. Activities are all guided and undertaken as day excursions from outside the park.

Best time to visit: Volcanoes National Park

Wildlife Experience

Aside from mountain gorillas, you can track one of the habituated troops of golden monkeys, one of which numbers up to 100 individuals. This endangered species is an Albertine Rift endemic. Buffalo and elephants are quite common in the forest, but they are skittish and rarely seen. Smaller animals present include bushbuck, bushpig, giant forest hog, black-fronted duiker and side-striped jackals.

Birdlife

With about 200 species recorded (including 17 Albertine Rift endemics), Volcanoes National Park offers great bird watching. However, most of the park’s special birds can also be seen in Nyungwe National Park, which is set up better for birding. Local specialties are the vulnerable Grauer’s swamp warbler and the scarlet-tufted sunbird, which can be found on the summit of Mt Bisoke.

Best time to visit

Volcanoes National Park is open for gorilla trekking and hiking throughout the year. Sightings of gorillas are almost guaranteed and don’t depend on the weather. However, the trails become very slippery in heavy rain and hiking is definitely easier in the Dry season months, from June to August, and to a lesser extent in September, January and February.

Getting There?

By Air: For the ultimate experience, take a scheduled scenic helicopter flight from Kigali International Airport to Musanze Airstrip. The airstrip is located a 25-minute drive from the park’s headquarters. Set your eyes on the rolling hills from the air with a flight time of 30 minutes, which gives you the most unique and scenic transfer experience. There are no scheduled domestic flights from Kigali to the park.

By Road: You can easily access Volcanoes National Park by road. The drive from the capital, Kigali, takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes. Road transport is the most used means given the short distance, which covers approximately 110 km. Enjoy your road drive on a 4WD vehicle as you pass the scenic, cool and serene rolling hills before arriving at Kinigi Park’s headquarters.

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