Explore Mugongo Caves in Mudende, Rwanda
Explore the Mugongo caves in Mudende, Rwanda: The Mugongo Caves, located in Mudende, Rwanda, are among the caves that tourists can discover while a Rwanda safari. The Mugongo Caves in Rwanda are a newly discovered tourist destination, and traversing the cave presents an adventure. It has been disclosed that certain caverns, particularly the Musanze caves, harbor bats. The Busasamana cave and others are a selection of caves in Rwanda.
The Mugongo caverns are located in the Mudende Sector. The caverns are suitable for caving, and camping amenities are accessible in proximity. The Mugongo cave, similar to most of Rwanda’s caves, is formed from Cenozoic volcanic rock that originated millions of years ago.
Over 80% of tourists visiting Rwanda are primarily attracted by the mountain gorillas of Volcanoes National Park, resulting in travelers spending less than anticipated due to fewer attractions compared to neighboring Uganda. The Rwanda Development Board has developed supplementary tourist offerings to enhance travelers’ gorilla trekking experiences, including visits to the Mugongo Caves in Mudende, Rwanda.
These caves are a segment of the Busasamana Cave system and are among the most frequented by day-trippers in the region. Moreover, they are readily accessible owing to their proximity to the former Adventist University in Mudende. The Mugongo Caves are situated approximately 200 meters from the Mudende sector Head Office and in proximity to Mrs. Rosamond Carr’s residence.
In 1949, Rosamond Carr, who had a flower farm in Rwanda, was allegedly the first American citizen to reside there. She was an acquaintance of Dian Fossey, the American primatologist and zoologist who devoted more than 18 years to the conservation of critically endangered mountain gorillas. She saw the nation’s independence but was compelled to flee during the brutal Rwandan genocide in 1994. Visit the Mugongo Caves in Mudende, Rwanda.
She ultimately returned following the genocide and transformed her farm into an orphanage, dubbing it Imbabazi (meaning hope) of Mudende, to offer a refuge for orphans and displaced children from the genocide.
The admission price for Mugongo Cave is 5000 RWF per individual (about $6 USD), and it is necessary to contact Imbabazi in advance (or send a message) to guarantee the presence of a guide for your visit.
Explore the Musanze Caves
When organizing a gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda, incorporate the Mugongo Caves and the nearby Imbabazi Orphanage into your itinerary to interact with the children, listen to their poignant narratives, and voluntarily contribute to brighten their spirits.
Besides Mugongo Caves, Rwanda boasts several other caves, including Mudende, Kabari, Busasamana Cave (a 1-kilometer-long cave linked to various cave systems in Kanzenze), Bweza, Kanzenze, and Musanze Caves (next to Volcanoes National Park), among others.
In addition to the Mugongo caverns, visitors may also explore the Musanze caves, which are overseen by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB). The Northern Province contains 52 caverns featuring 15.2 kilometers of cave tunnels, predominantly composed of Cenozoic volcanic rocks.
Ubuvumo Bwibihonga, the longest cave in Rwanda, is a multi-tiered labyrinth of parallel lava tubes. The Musanze Cave is the longest and most frequented, extending 2 kilometers in length. It is situated on the campus of Innes University among a volcanic zone that originated 65 million years ago, when lava flows formed the Albertine Rift Valley. The cave is composed of basaltic lava layers from the Bisoke and Sabyinyo volcanoes.
The cave contains 31 entrances, predominantly resulting from ceiling collapses. The principal cave features a cathedral-sized entrance and hosts a substantial colony of bats. The collapses projected a remarkable array of colored light beams into the cave.
The Musanze Cave has served as a sanctuary during conflicts for generations and was the site of a genocidal crime. It remains highly significant to the local inhabitants; therefore, tourists are requested to exhibit courtesy during their exploration. The site is secure, with access restricted to guided tours lasting two and a half hours.
Explore Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park, situated in the extreme northwest of Rwanda, safeguards the steep inclines of this magnificent mountain range, which harbors the endangered mountain gorilla and a varied array of montane ecosystems, including evergreen and bamboo forests, open grasslands, marshes, and heathlands.
Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park derives its name from the sequence of dormant volcanoes in the Virunga Massif, which includes Karisimbi, the highest at 4,507 meters, Bisoke with its verdant Crater Lake, Sabinyo, Gahinga, and Muhabura.
A very distinctive experience in the region is the pursuit of endangered mountain gorillas within the secluded depths of the rainforest, alive with the sounds of 200 species of vibrant birds and the chatter of the uncommon golden monkey.
Buhanga Eco-Park, an old forest rich in Rwandan folklore, and Musanze Caves, formed 62 million years ago during the last recorded volcanic eruption, are both situated inside the confines of Volcanoes National Park.
Hiking, canoeing, mountain biking, and adventures in Iby’ iwacu hamlet attract a diverse array of tourists visiting the national park for gorilla safaris in Rwanda. For optimal deals on gorilla tours in Rwanda, reach out to Gorilla Trekking In Africa to secure your gorilla permits.