Volcanoes National Park (Parc National des Volcans) is the leading Rwanda safari tour destination when it comes to exhilarating primate adventures such as mountain gorilla and golden monkey trekking. This is one of Africa’s compact parks, but rich in floral, and faunal species and features plenty of exciting activities for tourists to engage on Rwanda safaris. The park covers Rwanda’s share of the Virunga Conservation Area bordered by Mgahinga Gorilla National park in Uganda and Virunga National park in the Democratic Republic of Congo
Location & size
Volcanoes National Park Rwanda lies in the far Northern Province and it occupies a land area of up to 160sq.km. This magically protected area became an iconic plant and wildlife conservation in the early 1920s together with the Virunga National Park and Uganda’s Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. These 3 protected areas make up the wider Virunga Conservation Area and its creation was to offer refuge to the rare mountain gorillas.
Volcanoes National Park was officially established as a National Park in 1925 and it served as a base for historical researcher, Dian Fossey. Dian Fossey arrived and camped at the base of the Volcanoes Protected Area where she built the Karisoke Research Centre. This was to aid her research work on mountain gorillas in the region. Her devoted love for these large and unique apes contributed to their survival- she fought against poaching practices in the region and helped spread the plight of these creatures worldwide in her book that later turned film “Gorillas in the Mist.”
Volcanoes National Park isn’t famous for only endangered mountain gorillas but also for its breathtaking landscape, Lakes, Rivers, green forests, and diversity of other wildlife species. The park is beautiful with 5 of the 8 Virunga Volcanoes all located here; Mount Muhabura (4127m), Karisimbi (4507m), Bisoke (3711m), Sabyinyo (3634m) and Gahinga volcano. This park lies in a high elevation characterized by volcanoes and low-lying areas and considering its landscape, there are 4 vegetation zones. These include bamboo at the lower slopes, agenda & sub-alpine (3300m), and afro-alpine at 4000m.
History
Volcanoes N/Park Rwanda became a national park in 1925, this was the same time Congo’s Virunga National Park was gazetted and both parks were referred to as Albert National Park. In the early 1960s, Albert National Park was separated creating Volcanoes National Park and this was when both Congo and Rwanda gained their independence.
In 1967, Dian Fossey visited Volcanoes Region to carry out research on gorillas. She set a camp between Bisoke and Karisimbi volcano mountains. She campaigned against poaching, but unfortunately, she mysteriously died in 1985. Her grave lies near her lovely silverback -Digit.
In the 1990s, Volcanoes N/Park turned into a battled field during the civil war in Rwanda and all tourism activities came to stand still till 1999. In order to boost mountain gorilla conservation and tourism, the Rwandan government launched baby gorilla naming in 2005 and this is popular as Kwita Izina.
Wildlife
Volcanoes National Park protects over 30% of the world’s mountain gorilla population, plus other diverse faunal species. These include golden monkeys, bush pigs, duikers, forest elephants, forest hogs, spotted hyenas, bushbucks, buffaloes, and more.
Birds
A record of over 200 alluring bird species resides within Volcanoes National Park. These include the majority of Albertine rift endemic and forest species, making this park an important birding area in Rwanda. The birds of interest in Volcanoes N. Park include the Rwenzori double collared sunbird, Archer’s ground robin, red-faced woodland warblers, Rwenzori batis, Grauer’s rush warblers, collared apalis, Kivu ground thrush, handsome francolins, etc.
Activities to do at Volcanoes National Park Rwanda
Gorilla trekking
Gorilla trekking is the leading safari activity in Volcanoes National Park and it offers a lifetime opportunity for you to get up close and personal with the rare mountain gorillas. Gorilla visits in this park are possible in any of its 12 habituated gorilla families including among others Kwitonda, Umubano, Amahoro, Hirwa, Ugenda, Sabyinyo, Susa A, Karisimbi/Susa B, Agashya, Pablo, and Titus.
Tracking mountain gorillas in Volcanoes N. Park is strictly done by a maximum of 8pax per day and each visitor must have a valid gorilla permit which costs USD1500 per person. To have a successful gorilla safari, don’t forget to carry a good camera with no flashlight, a long-sleeved shirt, a daypack, trousers, sweaters, gardening gloves, snacks, bottled water, and more.
Golden monkey tracking
Golden monkey trekking is Volcanoes N/Park’s second most sought activity. It is one unique primate tour experience that allows visitors to immerse themselves in the jungles to see golden monkeys. A troop of golden monkeys can comprise 100 individuals and this is headed by an adult male. Tracking these apes is a great chance to explore more about their daily behaviors and take pictures.
Trek to the Dian Fossey tomb site
Dian Fossey was a conservation icon who spearheaded mountain gorilla protection in the Virunga region. She is remembered for the great role that she played during her research time in the Virunga Area. She set up a research center, Karisoke Research Center between Mt. Bisoke and Karisimbi. A trek to her graveyard takes from 2-3 hours, and you can be part of this experience when you have a hiking permit each costing USD75.
Volcano hiking
Volcano hiking/climbing in Volcanoes N/Park allows you to conquer Virunga volcanoes such as Karisimbi (4507m) -taking about 2 days, Bisoke 3 hours, and Muhabura. This is a perfect experience for hikers or mountaineering lovers on a Rwanda safari tour.
Tour the Twin Lakes -Burera & Ruhondo; Musanze cave tour
Visit the Twin Lakes of Burera and Ruhondo can be done before or after your gorilla trekking adventure. These twin Lakes offer the best relaxation environment and it is possible to take a boat ride while you enjoy the sight of birds, the breathtaking hilly landscape in the surrounding, etc. Musanze caves -for caving expeditions, Musanze cave is, without doubt, the most ideal spot to begin your journey. This cave is 2 km long and a guided walk through it takes about 2-3 hours.
Best time to travel to Volcanoes N/P
Volcanoes National Park is open to visitors all year round, and this is regardless of the safari activity you plan to engage in. But the most preferred time to explore the park is during the dry season; the long dry months- June to September, December to February. These are the most favorable months of the year for gorilla trekking, hiking, or golden monkey tracking.
Where to stay
Volcanoes N/Park features all key categories of accommodation facilities- budget, midrange, and luxury. They include Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, La Palm Hotel, Virunga Hotel, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Five Volcanoes Hotel, Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge, Villa Gorilla Lodge, Kinigi Guesthouse, and more.
Getting there
Volcanoes National Park is most accessible by road and from Kigali, it is just a 2-3 hour drive in a 4×4 drive vehicle. It is also possible to connect from Kisoro through Chanika or Kabale via the Katuna border to Volcanoes N/Park Rwanda for a gorilla safari.
In conclusion, Volcanoes National park offers all you need on a safari. Enjoy guided gorilla trekking, bird watching, golden monkey trekking, and other attractions for a lifetime experience.
