Volcanoes National Park lies in northwestern Rwanda and borders Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda. Volcanoes National Park is known as a haven for the rare and endangered mountain gorilla and golden monkeys. It is home to five of the eight volcanoes of the Virunga Mountains (Karisimbi, Bisoke, Muhabura, Gahinga, and Sabyinyo) and spans 160 km² covered in rainforest and bamboo in the northern part of Ruanda in Rwanda. The park encompasses a dramatic landscape of wildlife, rainforest, and active and extinct volcanoes, which is purely a life-changing adventure. Volcanoes National Park rewards travelers with close encounters with the endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitats.
Wildlife
The park comprises flora and fauna that coexist in the national park. Different wildlife is found in different altitudinal ranges, both in highland and lowland areas. This park is home to mountain gorillas and some other mammals that include golden monkeys, spotted hyenas, buffaloes, forest elephants, black-fronted duikers, and bushbucks. The park results in extensive bamboo forests and some of the last remaining afro-montane forest habitat on the planet and habitat of thick moors with endemic giant lobelia and groundsel. There are around 200 species of bird species, with at least 13 species and 16 subspecies endemic to the Virunga and Ruwenzori Mountains.
Gorilla trekking
Gorilla trekking is the key point of attraction in this park, which attracts the highest number of travelers from all parts of the world. Volcanoes National Park hosts over 480 mountain gorillas, according to the last census, which have been habituated into 10 families available for trekking, making it the most exciting moment and thrilling experience while in Rwanda. While here, you’re allowed to stay with them for an awe-inspiring hour, often crouching just a few feet away, while the gorillas go about their daily lives, which can’t leave you the same after offering unforgettable lifetime experiences.
Golden monkey trekking
Golden monkey trekking is one of the most endangered primates in Africa, which is another popular tourist activity in Volcanoes National Park. The golden monkeys have a striking golden fur coat, and adding to their spritely character, they are quite lovely to watch and offer excellent photography, making it an exciting adventure that offers an epic encounter with a rare and beautiful species of golden monkeys. The golden monkeys are an endangered species and are unique to the Virunga mountain range, which covers the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda.
Rwanda and Uganda are the only two countries where visitors have the opportunity of trekking to see them up close. This is incredibly entertaining as they amuse themselves swinging through the bamboo or racing after one another in circles around and above you. Blending in perfectly with the golden bamboo, they are very pretty, with shiny reddish-gold backs as they splash the excitement with you.
Birdwatching
Volcano National Park is an ideal and stunning landscape for bird enthusiasts and is home to over 300 bird species. Such birds that can be observed are the red-faced barbet, shoebill stork, Bennett’s woodpecker, papyrus gonolek, and the Miombo wren-warblers, which can appeal to every level of visitor—from the absolute novice. Birdwatching in Volcanoes National Park offers you 27 species endemic to these Virungas plus the Rwenzori Mountains, like the Rwenzori turaco, which is among the most beautiful birds within these montane forests, and the handsome francolin, and there is more chance to view some of the 27 Albertine Rift endemics.
Hiking Mount Karisimbi
Climbing Mt. Karisimbi is a strenuous yet very rewarding hike, which is normally done as a complement to gorilla trekking, and all done within Volcanoes National Park. Hiking Mt. Karisimbi offers you panoramic views of several bird varieties and primates like monkeys and gorillas since the volcano lies in the primates’ park of Parc National des Volcanos (Volcanoes National Park). It is also known for its exotic plants in its four belts of vegetation, from the dense forest at its base to the barren volcanic core at the summit.
Visiting Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village
Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village gives you a rare chance to meet local people in their environment with a taste of our culture and traditions. Be genuinely welcomed by the community as a special visitor while they proudly present to you aspects of their traditions and beliefs. The only way to get to know people is to get close and interact with local people and take part in their daily activities and, most of all, with them.
Dian Fossey Tomb Tour
Trekking to the Dian Fossey Tomb is one of the most interesting activities after gorilla trekking while visiting Volcanoes National Park for a gorilla trip. The trek involves a 30-minute drive from the park headquarters to the trailhead to access the Karisoke research camp, where visitors walk for 10 minutes to the park boundary.
Nature walks
A nature walk is the best way to explore and experience Volcano National Park. The park has numerous walking trails; one of the most popular walks will lead you to the Musanze market, where visitors can interact with the local people, and another nature walk leads you to the beautiful Twin Lakes of Burera and Ruhondo. The Nyange Community Walk is designed to show all aspects of village life in Rwanda; the trail continues to the homes of ironsmiths, mat weavers, local banana-beer brewers, and carpenters as sources of earning. These high mountains offer some of the finest views within Rwanda.
Lodging & Accommodations
Volcanoes National Park offers you accommodation that is of international standard, including Mountain Gorilla View Lodge (luxury), Bisate Lodge (luxury), Virunga Lodge (luxury), Sabinyo Silverback Lodge (luxury), and Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel (luxury). La Palme Hotel—midrange, Garr Hotel—midrange, Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge—midrange, Gorillas Volcanoes Hotel—midrange, Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge—midrange, Garden Place Hotel—midrange, Hotel Muhabura—midrange, Kinigi Guesthouse Kinigi—midrange, and Villa Gorilla
Getting there
Volcanoes National Park is located in a small village called Musanze, previously well-known as Ruhengeri, which is very accessible by public transport from Gisenyi or Kigali or from the airport. The drive to Volcanoes National Park is 2 hrs. And hence one can do gorilla tracking on the same day and drive back to Kigali after the trek.
When to Visit
Rwanda can be visited all yeard/any time of the year. However, June to mid-September and December to February are the best times to visit Rwanda for gorilla trekking. For those who want to trek and do canopy walks, this is the best time because the trails are dry and passable. However, March to May and October to November are the rainy months in Rwanda. This therefore means that the activities you plan may still be achievable.