Volcano national park

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. The 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. The park was the base for the zoologist Dian Fossey who spearheaded the conservation campaign of the mountain gorillas and mobilized resources to fight against poaching in this area.

How to reach volcanoes national park

The easiest way of reaching Volcanoes Park is through Musanze formerly known as Ruhengeri, which can easily be reached on public transport from Gisenyi, Kigali on the day you track. You need to be at the ORTPN office in Kinigi, by the park entrance, by 07.00, but this isn’t a reliable option in case you are using public transport. There is no public transport between Musanze and the park headquarters at Kinigi.

Activities in volcano national park

Volcanoes National Park is a top safari destination with a growing number of travelers coming into Rwanda for gorilla safaris and other Rwanda wildlife tours. Travelers to Volcanoes national park have a variety of activities Rwanda safaris to do depending on their travel interests and time. With no doubt, Volcanoes national park is Rwanda’s most visited tour destination and a first priority for most if not all travelers to the land of a thousand hills. Among the popular activities to do in Volcanoes national park include among others:

Mountain gorilla tracking

This is a priority for most travelers to Volcanoes national park. The park comprises of habituated gorilla families available for trekking. Also, Volcanoes Park covers Rwanda’s share of the great Virunga massif bordering Virunga national park in Congo and Mgahinga gorilla national park in Uganda. Travelers to see mountain gorillas in Rwanda are required to buy gorilla permits each costing $1500 for an hour’s interaction and all permits are issued out by Rwanda Development Board.

Golden Monkey trekking

Golden monkey trekking is another activity done in Volcanoes national park that attract thousands of travelers into this jungle. Golden monkeys are exceptional creatures which every traveler should not miss out on his/her Rwanda safari.Its only in Volcanoes wanda and Mgahinga gorilla national parks that travelers can see golden monkeys in their natural habitats. A golden monkey trekking permit costs $100 but the experience is worth the penny.

Volcano climbing

Volcanoes national park is a home for three extinct volcanoes and travelers to this park have an added advantage of hiking to the top of any Volcano which reward them with spectacular views of Rwanda’s rolling hills, Kigali city, Virunga volcanoes and local communities. Mt Karisimbi is the most hiked Volcano and the experience is worthy the hike.

Caving

Do not miss out visiting the Musanze caves on your Rwanda safari to Volcanoes national park. Experienced guides lead you into these caves while telling you the mysteries of the caves, history and all other facts about Rwanda.

Twin Lakes of Burere & Ruhondo

Reach out to Rwanda’s twin lakes of Burere and Ruhondo situated in the heart of Volcanoes national park. A boat ride on either of the lakes rewards you with spectacular views of the entire park and the neighboring communities.

Cultural experience

After gorilla trekking, you will meet people who are hospitable, proud and unique people, happy to welcome you into their lives and introduce you to their traditions. Music and dance play an indispensable role in everyday life here, and performances range from dashing demonstrations of bravery and prowess to humorous songs, light-hearted dances, and rural artistry with roots in traditional agriculture. Traditional songs are often accompanied by a solitary lulunga a harp-like instrument with eight strings while more celebratory dances are backed by a drum orchestra, which typically comprises seven to nine members who collectively produce a hypnotic and exciting explosion set of intertwining rhythms.