Things to do in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
Things to do in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda: While gorilla trekking is the primary activity in Volcanoes National Park, numerous other remarkable activities are available for prospective tourists. Visitors may feel overwhelmed by the multitude of options and desire additional time to engage in all the activities within Volcanoes National Park. The primary attractions comprise gorilla trekking, golden monkey trekking, seeing Dian Fossey’s grave, mountain hiking, and exploring Lakes Ruhondo and Burera. Let us examine the actions in greater depth.
Golden Monkey Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park is one of the four national parks where mountain gorillas are observable. The remaining locations are Virunga National Park in Congo, and Mgahinga and Bwindi Impenetrable National Parks in Uganda. The probability of encountering mountain gorillas in these parks is 99%. Approximately 10 habituated gorilla groups in Rwanda are accessible for tracking under the supervision of skilled and dedicated rangers.
Things to do in Volcanoes National Park , It is essential to be physically fit prior to engaging in an activity that may be strenuous, contingent upon the gorilla group to which you are allocated. Trackers may engage a porter for assistance with additional luggage at an expense of approximately $15. In Rwanda, gorilla licenses are priced at $1500, with a portion allocated to local people and infrastructure improvements surrounding the park. Permits can be acquired directly from the Rwanda Development Board or, more efficiently, through a tour operator’s services. The attire for gorilla trekking includes long-sleeved shirts, pants, gloves, rain coats, and hiking boots.
Tracking Golden monkeys
The observation of golden monkeys has increased in popularity and is currently surpassed only by gorilla viewing. Observing the endangered monkeys as they forage, groom, and traverse between bamboo trees incurs a price of $100. A group may comprise almost 100 individuals and is often governed by a dominating guy. Golden monkey tracking may occur prior to or subsequent to gorilla trekking. Monitoring the Golden Monkeys is less arduous than that of the gorillas, as they do not ascend to elevated altitudes in pursuit of new sustenance like the gorillas do. They favor consuming the bamboo shoots that develop at the base of the volcanoes. Golden monkey permits do not require advance booking as gorilla permits do; however, early booking is advised as a precaution.
Exploring the Grave of Dian Fossey
Dian Fossey is regarded as one of the preeminent primatologists in history. Her tenacity and persistence significantly diminished poaching of wildlife, especially mountain gorillas, in Volcanoes National Park. In the absence of her efforts, mountain gorillas would likely be extinct at this point. She is recognized for developing innovative methods to acclimate gorillas to human presence by mimicking their vocalizations and securing the trust of the dominant male. Today, several visitors pay tribute to this esteemed conservationist by visiting her grave and the former Karisoke Research Center situated between Mount Karisimbi and Mount Bisoke. The guided hike has a duration of around 3 hours and is priced at $75. Ascending the volcanoes to her previous base allows one to experience her challenges, determination, and enthusiasm for the gorillas.
Ascend Mount Karisimbi Volcano
Mount Karisimbi is an extinct volcano with an elevation of approximately 4,507 meters. Ascending Mount Karisimbi ranks among the major tourist destinations in Musanze. It ranks as the fifth highest peak in Africa, necessitating both mental and physical preparation for the two-day trip. The trek entails traversing dense forests before reaching an elevation of 3700m for the initial halt, rest, and overnight stay. Hikers then ascend the final steep stretch early in the morning to reach the peak. The summit offers hikers spectacular vistas of Volcanoes National Park, the snow-covered Rwenzori Mountains, Mount Nyiragongo, and the volcanoes of the Virunga region.
Ascent of Mount Bisoke
Mount Bisoke is an extinct volcano that is a segment of the broader Virunga mountain range. The journey from the city, Kigali, to the base of the mountain requires three hours of driving. Ascending Mount Bisoke requires one day and is comparatively less challenging than Karisimbi. Nonetheless, hikers must possess a reasonable level of fitness to undertake the sport. The hiking permit is priced at $75, and, like with all park activities, it commences with a briefing at the park headquarters prior to proceeding to the starting location. The roads from the park headquarters to the main route may be muddy and rocky, necessitating a 4X4 vehicle. Porters can be hired for approximately $15 at the starting point for individuals with substantial luggage.
Mount Muhabura is a captivating and exhilarating volcano to ascend while exploring Volcanoes National Park. At 4,127 meters, it ranks as the third tallest mountain in the Virunga range. The hike commences at an elevation of 1200m, and upon reaching the peak, one will have traversed picturesque green forests and seen the surrounding volcanoes of the broader Virunga range.
Exploring the Twin Lakes of Ruhondo and Burera
Following significant activity such as gorilla trekking, a means of relaxation is to visit the twin lakes of Ruhondo and Burera. A boat journey across the expansive waters of these two lakes will offer stunning views of avian life and the extensive hilly terrain adorned with waterfalls. Visiting the lake islands allows for interaction with the inhabitants, facilitating an understanding of their rich tradition and culture, which distinguishes them from other tribes in Rwanda.