Buhanga Eco Park Rwanda
Buhanga Eco Park is a forest of concealed gems with biological and cultural importance to Rwanda, particularly in the vicinity of Volcanoes National Park. Buhanga Eco Park is situated on a historic sacred site utilized for the coronation rituals of Rwandan monarchs.
The history of the Kingdom of Rwanda predates the reign of King Yuhi V Musinga. The narrative of Musinga is profoundly entrenched in Nyanza. His successor, King Mutara III Rudahigwa, solidified Nyanza’s status as the capital of the highly organized kingdom. Buhnaga Eco Park served as the residence of King Gihanga, who is regarded as the founder of the country. Numerous historians assert that the inaugural monarch of Rwanda governed in the 11th century; nonetheless, there are contradictory accounts regarding the period of his tenure.
During your visit to Buhanga Park, you will experience steep routes composed of hewn lava stones, meandering through expansive vegetation and towering trees, accompanied by the natural sounds of birds and the sight of vibrant butterflies.
Buhanga Eco Park has a diverse array of tree species with Latin and Greek nomenclature that I find challenging to articulate. Nonetheless, several particular trees possess Rwandan nomenclature. These comprise Igihondohondo, Umusando, and Ibiganiro. Certain specimens are 300 years old.
Despite its modest area of approximately 31 hectares, it is located a few drive from Volcanoes National Park, renowned as the habitat of the Mountain Gorillas, attracting several people for gorilla trekking safaris, a long-standing favorite activity in Rwanda.
Embark on a hike into Buhanga Park, an optimal location for exploring and discovering this unique habitat. As you continue your journey, you see a podium of meticulously shaped lava rocks and chairs at the periphery; this is the location where the monarch would be transported post-bathing to receive regalia, blessings, and divine protection. Subsequently, the king would be formally designated as “Umwami” of Rwanda, with the event attended by his advisory council, elders, royal sorcerers, and clan leaders.
Visitors to Volcanoes National Park can engage in numerous activities, including trekking for golden monkeys. The Golden Monkey (Cercopithecus mitis kandti) is a local subspecies of the widely distributed Sykes Monkey, commonly referred to as the “Blue Monkey,” and is limited to high-altitude woods.
Rwanda is home to several notable attractions, such as Nyungwe Forest National Park, one of Africa’s oldest rainforests, renowned for chimpanzee trekking. It is exceptionally rich in biodiversity, unparalleled not just in Rwanda but also throughout East Africa.
Nyungwe Forest National Park is regarded as the core of Rwanda’s wildlife, housing a limited number of distinctive chimpanzees with 12 more primate species, including the L’Hoest’s monkey, which is isolated to the Albertine Rift, as well as a variety of stunning avian species.
Buhanga Eco Park Visitation/ Permit Fee
| Visitor Category | Adult | Student/Child |
| Foreigner | $ 40 | – |
| Foreign resident in Rwanda | $ 30 | $ 25 |
| Rwandan citizen | RWF 3000 | RWF 2000 |
| East African citizen | $ 25 | $ 25 |
| East African Foreign resident | $ 35 | $ 25 |