volcanoes national park: All you need to know
A comprehensive guide details of Volcanoes National Park Rwanda, renowned as the foremost global destination for gorilla trekking. This complimentary book is designed to provide you with all the motivating information necessary to meticulously plan an extraordinary expedition to the Volcanoes National Park, located in northern Rwanda and the Virunga Region. Here are several notable attractions to visit, such as Musanze Town, Lake Kivu, the Twin Lakes of Bulera and Rubondo, Buhanga Ecopark, and others.
Explore this travel resource to discover captivating excursions, awe-inspiring attractions, thrilling adventure activities, and all the essential information to meticulously organize your dream expedition into Rwanda’s Virunga Region. Effortlessly strategize your safari with privileged insights on how to secure your visit, arrange reservations for gorilla permits, accommodations, or even guided gorilla excursions in Rwanda. Our comprehensive data will assist you in organizing your trip, regardless of whether it is your initial or fiftieth visit. Our activity guides provide detailed information on gorilla trekking, golden monkey tracking, volcano hiking, tourist maps, and other activities. You have now made progress towards experiencing thrilling expeditions in the most easily reachable national park for gorilla trekking in Africa. Access professional guidance on how to effectively arrange for a gorilla journey, including suggestions on gorilla-watching etiquette, essential items to pack, the optimal time to observe gorillas, and additional valuable information.
Volcanoes National Park Rwanda Activities (Things to do)
Gorilla trekking
Volcanoes National Park is a highly sought-after Rwanda safari location due to its renowned mountain gorilla trekking adventures. Mountain gorilla trekking is an exceptional outdoor adventure activity in Africa that allows people to get up close and personal with wildlife like never before. Trekking safaris to observe mountain gorillas in Rwanda offer a thrilling, exhilarating, enjoyable, and educational experience.
During gorilla trekking, you will undertake hikes to various Virunga mountains, depending on the assigned gorilla groups. For example, the Karisimbi gorilla group is located on Mount Karisimbi, while the Ugenda gorilla family is typically found on the slopes of Mount Sabyinyo, along with other gorilla families.The gorilla trekking experience in the park is captivating as it offers sightings of various attractions, such as diverse avian species and the golden monkeys, among other remarkable creatures. At the park, you will have the opportunity to observe gorillas in their natural habitat, particularly their feeding patterns. You will witness infant gorillas nursing from their mothers for sustenance, as well as observe them consuming bamboo trees. This encounter with the primates will be both thrilling and memorable, as you will spend an hour in their presence. Additionally, photography is permitted to capture and preserve the exciting memories of your experience with these majestic creatures.
Golden Monkey trekking
The golden monkey is a species of primate that lives in the Virunga volcano region, specifically in Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. Investigations and research on the lifestyle of Golden Monkeys are not as prominent as those of Mountain Gorillas. However, both of these species are similarly endangered. Golden monkey track trips depart from the Kinigi tourist center in the early hours of the morning. They explore valleys and marsh vegetation in search of feeding spots, particularly dense bamboo forests. Golden monkeys mostly consume bamboo shoots and typically remain within bamboo habitats. Golden monkeys possess exquisite beauty, captivating appeal and remarkable agility, and provide immense amusement during tracking activities. Golden monkeys are extremely social animals that form groups based on the elevation they inhabit. The size of these groups is determined by the availability of food, meaning that areas with abundant food will have a larger population of these monkeys. Golden monkey trekking in Volcanoes National Park is a highly recommended activity for those who enjoy wildlife. It offers a unique and enjoyable experience that should not be overlooked. In addition to Volcanoes National Park, another colony of golden monkeys can be found in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, located in the Kisoro district in southwestern Uganda.
Hiking Dian Fossey's tomb
Exploring the Tomb of Dian Fossey: Dian Fossey is widely regarded as one of the most prominent primatologists in history. Thanks to her bravery and resolve, the act of illegally hunting animals, specifically mountain gorillas, experienced a significant decrease within the Volcanoes National Park. If it weren’t for her endeavors, mountain gorillas would most likely be on the brink of extinction at this point. Exploring Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. Additionally, she is acknowledged for pioneering novel methods of acclimating gorillas to human presence through sound imitation and earning the trust and acceptance of the dominant male. Today, a large number of visitors visit the cemetery and former Karisoke Research Center of this esteemed conservationist, which is situated between Mount Karisimbi and Mount Bisoke, to show their respect and admiration. The duration of the guided hike is approximately 3 hours and the price is $75. Ascending the volcanoes to her previous stronghold offers a firsthand encounter with the challenges she faced, showcasing her unwavering will and profound devotion to the gorillas. Kindly review our 3-day Rwanda gorilla trip and Dian Fossey memorial visit package.
Hiking Mount Karisimbi
Mount Karisimbi, located in the Virunga Mountains, stands at an elevation of 4,507m above sea level, making it the highest peak in the region and the 11th highest mountain on the African continent. The two-day journey offers a genuine adventure as participants will traverse through a lush tropical forest, set up camp on the slopes of the volcano, and ascend to the summit in time to witness the dawn. In the morning, you will depart from your lodging near the Volcanoes National Park to get together with your guide at the park offices. From this location, it takes approximately one hour to travel to the trailhead, situated at a height of approximately 2,600 meters above sea level. At the a trail, you will meet your porters and commence the walk. Throughout the day, you will traverse various plant zones, commencing with the bamboo forest on the lower slopes. As an optional activity, you can pay an additional price to visit Dian Fossey’s tomb.
At higher elevations, you will encounter a hagania-hypericum forest, and even higher up, the open hillside is scattered with large lobelia and senecio plants. The Virunga Mountains harbor a diverse range of fauna and avian species. Remain vigilant about avifauna during your journey.
The designated location for your overnight stay will be at an elevation of 3,700m. The camp will consist of simple mountain facilities, including compact tents suitable for backpacking. At this location, you can indulge in a deserved period of relaxation and savor a satisfying lunch before retiring to your sleeping bag for the night. The next morning, you will wake up early, approximately around 5.30am, to begin the ascent towards the summit. While climbing abilities are not necessary, the last part of the trek is physically challenging due to hiking up steep hills at high altitude. After approximately two hours, you will arrive at the summit, providing you with a vantage point to observe the crater below. You will be situated on the periphery of the Congolese border, and under favorable weather conditions, the vistas from the summit are aesthetically pleasing.
Hiking Mount Bisoke
Mount Bisoke is among the 8 volcanoes situated in the Virunga mountain region range of the Albertine Rift, which is located in the western section of the East African Rift. It spans over the border of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), as well as two adjacent national parks: Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Nevertheless, the majority of Bisoke volcano, especially its top, is located in Rwanda. The peak was named “Bisoke” by the local people because it is surrounded by two crater lakes and the term signifies that it is saturated with water. The peak of mount Bisoke boasts a stunning crater lake with a diameter of approximately 400 meters. Additionally, there is another crater lake called Ngezi, located approximately 11 kilometers from the summit. These crater lakes, along with the mountain’s elevation of 3,711 meters, were constructed following its most recent eruption in 1957. The peak is devoid of snow, but shrouded in fog. Bisoke, along with other peaks in the Virunga mountain range, is a volcano that formed due to the rift action occurring on the developing divergent border of the East African rift. This rift is gradually dividing the African geological plate.
In addition to tourists seeking gorillas and other wildlife, the summit is frequented by climbing enthusiasts. The mountain may ascend within a single day from the Rwandan side. The Rwanda Development Board (RDB) organizes two-day trips to the mountain and the surrounding Mt. Karisimbi, usually departing from the nearby city of Musanze.
The ascent is regarded as hard, however manageable. The volcano boasts two prominent hiking trails, each of which leads to one of the crater lakes. The most renowned trek is the path that leads to Crater Lake at the peak. This trail typically takes around 6 hours to complete, depending on the pace of the climbers. It involves 4 hours of ascending to the summit and 2 hours of descending from the summit. The second track is the path that leads to the second Crater Lake of Ngezi. This trek is considerably shorter, requiring only a 3-hour hike, with 2 hours to reach Crater Lake and 1 hour to return. Both hikes may be completed in one day and are suitable for beginners. However, they require additional physical power and good health.
Iby'iwacu Cultural Village Visit
The Iby’iwacu Cultural Village is situated in the Nyabigoma area, near the Parc National des Volcans in the Musanze district of the Northern Province. Visiting Iby’Iwacu cultural village allows you to interact with the local community and experience their cultural legacy, which encompasses their way of life, customs, traditions, and material objects. Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village is dedicated to exhibiting the customs, traditional ways of life, and dances to tourists.
The title Iby’lwacu signifies the “treasure of our heritage” and hence the communities showcase the economic and social characteristics of Rwanda. In addition to gorilla safaris and golden monkey tracking, the hamlet is rapidly emerging as a prominent destination in the Volcanoes region. This village offers tourists the opportunity to interact with local residents in their natural surroundings, providing an authentic experience of the culture and customs of the Rwandan people. Follow your gorilla walk in Volcanoes National Park, acquaint yourself with the local community by engaging in interactions with them and actively participating in their day-to-day routines.
Visiting Twin Lakes of Rwanda
The Twin Lakes of Rwanda, Ruhondo and Burera, are renowned water bodies situated behind Volcano Muhabura and near the border of Rwanda and Uganda in the northern region of Rwanda, on the outer edges of Musanze. The twin lakes are named as such due to their interconnection, where one lake flows into the other. Rwanda is renowned for its abundant mountainous terrain, earning it the moniker “the land of a thousand hills.” These majestic mountains and hills are visible from every direction, enveloping the country in their scenic beauty. These twin lakes are conveniently located near Volcanoes National Park, providing an excellent opportunity to witness gorillas in the Musanze region. They are also incredibly picturesque and worth visiting during your safari in northern Rwanda.
The lakes are situated directly at the base of the Sabyinyo, Muhabura, Bisoke, and Gahinga mountains. The scenery is exquisitely picturesque, encompassed by majestic mountains and a stunning forest. The lakes serve as fishing grounds, which is significant not only for tourists on Safari in Rwanda but also for the neighboring local residents. Lakes are often frequented as an extra activity subsequent to a gorilla tracking safari.
Recommended packages trek gorillas in volcanoes national park
3 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari
3 days Rwanda gorilla trekking experience in Rwanda provides an unforgettable wildlife adventure as you trek mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park. Volcanoes National Park has successfully habituated up to ten families or groups of mountain gorillas.
4 Days Rwanda Gorilla & Dian Fossey Trek
The 4 Days Rwanda Gorilla & Dian Fossey Trek is an awe-inspiring and thrilling safari experience. During this excursion, you will travel to Rwanda and specifically visit Volcanoes National Park, which will be the main focus of the trip.
5 Days Rwanda Gorillas, Golden monkeys & Bisoke hike
The 5 days Gorillas, Golden monkeys & Bisoke trek safari offers a remarkable opportunity to discover Volcanoes National Park, situated in the northwestern region of Rwanda. On safari, you will have the opportunity to participate in gorilla
Best time to visit volcanoes national park Rwanda
Despite the specific activity you opt for at Volcanoes National Park, you can rest assured that it is available year-round. Nevertheless, the majority of people have a preference for visiting the park during the times and months when there is less rainfall. The drier months are from June to mid-September and from December to February. Typically, this is the best time for participating in gorilla trekking in the park due to the relatively less challenging mountain slopes. The months of March to May and October to November are marked by substantial precipitation, resulting in routes for hiking and trekking becoming treacherous and muddy. Photographers and environment enthusiasts should visit the park during the rainy season to admire the abundant and vibrant landscape. One can integrate a safari in the park with various activities in other prominent national parks in Rwanda.
How to get to volcanoes national park Rwanda
Getting to Volcanoes National Park can be arranged from either the capital city of Kigali or from Uganda. Public or private transportation can be utilized from Kigali. The journey from Kigali to Musanze district and the park headquarters takes around 2 hours by car. Consequently, individuals have the option to engage in gorilla trekking or any of the activities mentioned earlier. If the journey to Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda starts at 4am from Kigali, what activities may be done in one day? While it is advisable for international travelers to utilize the services of a tour operator, an alternative option is to take a public bus from Kigali to the park offices and subsequently arrange for a private vehicle in Musanze to transport them to the park headquarters. Engage the services of a tour operator to efficiently coordinate and manage your comprehensive vacation to the Volcanoes National Park. A tour operator might assume the obligation of providing transportation for you from the airport to the Park Headquarters in Kinigi. The tour operator is capable of organizing lodging, meals, and licenses for the activities. If you are traveling from Kampala in Uganda to the border with Rwanda, you will need to undergo a lengthy journey of 10 hours. If you are planning to visit the Volcanoes National Park from Uganda, it would be more convenient to also visit other National Parks such as Kibale, Queen Elizabeth, Bwindi, & Maghinga.