Volcanoes National Park: Reveal its Hidden gems and secrets

Volcanoes national park, a destination that shall evoke you with enchantment, a crown jewel of biodiversity and scenic beauty and a famous paradise to the worlds’ endangered mountain gorillas and golden monkeys

Volcanoes National Park is located in the northwest corner of Rwanda, spans across 160 square kilometers. It is an integral part of the larger Virunga Conservation Area, which also stretches across the neighboring countries of Uganda and the DRC.

The landscape of Volcanoes National Park is a realm of captivating beauty and intricate natural artistry. This park’s mystical landscape is dominated by a chain of dormant and active volcanoes, the park’s rugged terrain is a mosaic of lush Bamboo rainforest, grassland areas, swamps, heath, alpine meadows, and volcanic peaks with picturesque crater lakes and meandering rivers. All this tapestry of wonder creates an experience that stirs the imagination and leaves an indelible mark on all who venture into its embrace.

The five primary volcanoes in the park are Bisoke (3,711m), Karisimbi (4,507m), Gahinga (3,474m), Sabyinyo (3,634m) and Muhabura (4,127m) that are potencial for hiking activity and every hikers must climb mountains.

Volcanoes and low laying areas, comprise of the Bamboo forests on the lower slopes, Hypericum / Hagenia on the higher altitudes below 3,300m, sub-alpine vegetation at altitudes above 3,300m and Afro alpine vegetation above 4,000m.

The Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Mgahinga National Park in Uganda form what is known as the Virunga conservation region, a protected area for the endangered mountain gorillas and other wildlife species.

The arrival of Dian Fossey in the park in 1967 and establishment of the Karisoke Research Center created a awareness and sensitization among park communities about conservation and protection programs that led to reduction of severe poaching. Dian Fossey efforts attracted greater funding for gorilla conservation programs and ensured the survival of the incredible mountain gorillas.

Besides being a haven to the remaining population of mountain gorillas, the Park also hosts the endangered golden monkeys as well as other wildlife species such as forest Elephants and Buffaloes can be found but in small groups, leopards, Duikers, Bush Pigs, Forest Hogs and the Spotted Hyena.

The park is also home to colorful bird species top of which are the beautiful Francolins and the Rwenzori Turaco.

What Travelers say About Volcanoes National Park?

Travelers frequently describe the park as a natural wonder, with its dense and lush vegetation, stunning landscapes, and incredible wildlife encounters. Visitors are often captivated by the opportunity to observe mountain gorillas up close in their natural habitat, an experience considered truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and very spiritual to be this close to gorillas in nature.

Activities to do in Volcanoes National Park

The park is popularly known for gorilla trekking activity, however there are a medley of exhilarating activities to do while on trip to Volcanoes National Park, these include golden monkey trekking, visiting the grave of Dian Fossey, mountain hiking, Visiting the twin lakes of Ruhondo and Burera as well as cultural experience at Ibyi’wacu cultural village and red rocks.

Mountain Gorilla Trekking

Gorilla trekking is one of the most popular and enchanting activity to do in Volcanoes National Park that involves a nature walk into the captivating world of primates.

The park has got 10 habituated gorilla groups that are available for tracking under the guidance of experienced and motivated rangers. The trek starts in the morning with a briefing at the center Kiningi from the rangers and cultural dance.

The gorilla trekking experience is unpredictable, thrilling and intense that involves hiking through hilly volcanic landscapes, climb over fallen giant trees, cross meandering river streams, under cover by misty bamboo forests. It looks challenging but most rewarding with eye contact of the awesome mountain gorillas and unique scenic views of nature.
In order to have a seamless experience, gorilla trekking requires in advance preparations and a wide range of packaging list to include on your travel.

A gorilla permits in Rwanda cost $1500 with part of it going to the local communities and infrastructural developments around the park. The Permits can be obtained directly from the Rwanda Development Board or more conveniently through the services of a tour operator.

Visiting the Twin Lakes Ruhondo and Burera.

From a tiresome day of gorilla trekking, most visitors take a visit to the twin lakes of Burera and Ruhondo to unwind themselves.

A boat cruise through the deep waters of these two lakes will reward you with beautiful sights of birds and the back drop of the volcano peaks. Visiting the lake islands gives you time to mingle with the locals to learn about their rich heritage and culture.

Golden monkey tracking

Spotting the endangered golden monkeys feed, play, groom and scampering from one bamboo tree to another is one of the adrenaline pumping and astounding activity that will offer you remarkable experience and must include in your itinerary to visit Volcanoes National Park.

A group can consist of nearly 100 individuals and is usually led by a dominant male. Tracking the Golden Monkeys is less strenuous than the gorillas because they don’t go to high altitudes in search of fresh food like the gorillas. They prefer to feed on the Bamboo shoots that grow at the base of the volcanoes. Golden monkey tracking permits are at a cost $100 per person

Visiting the Tomb of Dian Fossey:

Dian Fossey was a famous primatologists who had courage and determination to put poaching to an end and conserve nature in favour of mountain gorillas and other wildlife species.
She is also credited for introducing new ways of making gorillas comfortable around human presence by imitating their sounds and gaining the acceptance/trust of the dominant male. Today hundreds of visitors go to pay homage to this great conservationist by visiting her grave and former Karisoke Research Center located between Mount Karisimbi and Mount Bisoke. The guided hike lasts about 3 hours and costs $75.

As one climbs the volcanoes to her former base, they will get to experience what she had to go through, her determination and the passion she had for the gorillas.

Visit Ibyiwacu Cultural Village

A Rwanda cultural tour to Ibyiwacu cultural village is one of the key features that make Rwanda safaris exceptional experiences. 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 getting close and interacting with local people, and taking part in their daily activities and most of all with them.

Hiking in Volcanoes National Park

The park has got five volcanoes i.e. Bisoke (3,711m), Karisimbi (4,507m), Gahinga (3,474m), Sabyinyo (3,634m) and Muhabura (4,127m) that are potential for hiking activity and every hikers must climb mountains.

• Hiking Mount Karisimbi Volcano

Mount Karisimbi is an extinct Volcano that reaches a height of about 4,507m, the 5th highest in Africa and it strides a long the border between DRC and Rwanda. It derives its name from the the word “Amasimbi” ikinyarwanda word meaning white shell reffering to the white Capped summit which is often seen on top of this volcano.
The summit rewards hikers with great views of the Volcanoes National Park, the whitened snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains, Mount Nyiragongo and all the volcanoes within the Virunga region.

• Mount Bisoke Hike

Mount Bisoke is one of the most memorable adventure that every hiking enthusiasts would wish to climb. It has got a spectacular crater lake on top. Its 1-Day hike that takes 3-6 hours depending on the your level of fitness.

• Mount Muhabura Hike

Mount Muhabura is one of the most interesting and adventurous volcanoes to climb while visiting the Volcanoes National Park. At 4,127m, it is the third highest mountain within the Virunga ranges. The hike starts at a height of 1200m and by the time one reaches the summit, they would have passed through beautiful green forests and marveled at the other volcanoes within the wider Virunga region.

How to get to the Volcanoes National Park?

The drive to Volcanoes National Park takes only two hours of driving from Kigali to reach Musanze District in the Northern Province of Rwanda. Thus it’s easier to do a 1-Day gorilla trek tip starting the journey at 4am from Kigali.
Alternatively is traveling from Uganda to the Volcanoes National Park where you will have to endure a longer drive of about 10 hours from Entebbe Airport through Mbarara and Kisoro and finally to the Border crossing area to Musanze

Best time to visit the Volcanoes National Park

The park can be visited at any time of the year, however the best time to visit the park is during the dry season between June –September and Dec-February when the tracking trails are passable and dry, the vegetation is thin giving you clear views of gorillas.
The other months of the year i.e. March-May and Oct-November, they are characterized by heavy rainfall making the tracking trails muddy, slippery and impassable as well the vegetation is thick making it difficult to view the gorillas.

In conclusion

Volcanoes National park is one of Rwanda’s popular parks with exceptional natural beauty with thrilling activities to engage in for a memorable and a lifetime travel experience.