Volcanoes National Park is one of the oldest National parks in Africa. It was established in 1925 making it the first National Park in Rwanda and in the whole of Africa. Located in Northwestern Rwanda and covers an area of roughly 62 square miles. One of the most easily accessible parks in East Africa because it is just two hours’ drive away from Kigali, Rwanda’s capital city.
Volcanoes National Park is found in the famous Virunga Mountain ranges which are found at the borders of Rwanda, Uganda and DR.Congo. Volcanoes comprises 5 of the 8 volcanoes found in the Virunga Mountain ranges. These include Sabyinyo, Muhabura, Karisimbi, Bisoke and Gahinga. All these volcanoes are dormant.
A famous zoologist Dian Fossey conducted most of her famous Mountain Gorillas research from Volcanoes National Park and this made the park a household name for Gorilla trekking. This has in recent years become the most sought-after adventure activity in Rwanda.
Apart from Gorillas, the park is also home to other wildlife primates like Golden monkeys and chimpanzees and other species like birds and other wild animals.
Volcanoes National Park is at the fore front of tourism in Rwanda and a lot of activities can be embarked on while at the park. Here are the top 5 things to while on safari at Volcanoes National Park.
Gorilla trekking
Gorilla trekking is the number one safari activity to do while in Rwanda. 12 habituated gorilla families are found in Volcanoes National Park. These are the families that are trekked in Volcanoes National Park, each family comprises between 9 to 45 members roughly. In each Gorilla family, you will find at least one male (Silverback) females and juveniles.
Mountain Gorillas numbers in the world are endangered and thus conservation methods have been established in order to stop their rapid extinction. Mountain gorillas can only be found in Uganda, Rwanda and Dr. Congo, with Uganda having more than half of the number in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga National Park.
Volcanoes National Park is the only place in Rwanda where Gorilla trekking can be done. Gorilla families to visit in Rwanda include.
Susa
This group was formed in 1974 with just 7 members and is one of the groups that were studied by the famous zoologist Dian Fossey. The groups name Susa was derived from the nearby water stream Susa. In 2009 this group started splitting up and resulted into four new groups namely Susa, Karisimbi, Igisha and Isimbi.
Today Susa group comprise of 19 members with 4 Silverbacks (males) several females and youngsters.
This group is considered medium to too hard to reach for daily tourism trekking.
Sabyinyo
Sabyinyo is considered one of the easiest families to track. It is easily accessible and is led by a powerful male by names of Guhonda. The group consists of 17 members.
Amahoro
Amahoro family consists of 21 members and is led by a calm and easy male. It usually requires a steep climb to reach the Amahoro family, but it is considered worthwhile. Amahoro means peace and this describes the leadership of this group. the group is considered from easy to medium when trekking.
Other gorilla families include Karisimbi, Agashya, Kwitonda, Umubano, Bwenge, Kwisanga, Noheli, Hirwa, Isimbi among others.
Each family has a specific route used to trek it and this route and the family behavior determine the ease or difficult in trekking the particular family.
After receiving an orientation and briefing at the park headquarters, the journey up the mountain’s bamboo landscape commences. The maximum number of trekkers per group is eight, and guides are assigned to each group to lead them to the gorilla families’ habitats. You only get an hour to spend with a family of gorillas after you spot them, during which time you can take pictures, record films, and observe these magnificent animals.
Hiking in Volcano National Park
Volcano National Park offers some of the most thrilling hikes in the region.
Hiking in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park entails scaling the stunning peaks of the country’s Virunga volcanoes. Enthusiastic hikers on Rwanda safaris can have the greatest experience possible with the hiking challenge in this area.
Hikers have the opportunity to encounter families of adapted mountain gorillas when climbing slopes. To be fair to those who have purchased the gorilla permit, hikers are only permitted to watch them for a very short period of time and are not permitted to take any kind of photo or film. While hiking, there’s also a very good chance of seeing golden monkeys.
All ardent nature enthusiasts will appreciate hiking safaris in Volcanoes National Park, which include day hikes through lush forests and other vegetation zones, scenic vistas, Crater Lakes, and more. You can view indigenous species of the Albertine Rift and Virunga regions on some of the volcano mountains, such as golden monkeys, forest elephants, birds, and more.
All four of the Virunga Mountains are accessible for hiking, with the exception of Sabyinyo, which is hiked on the Ugandan side. With the exception of the Ugandan side, Mount Sabyinyo is unsafe for climbers due to its massive craters and jagged ridges on the Rwandan side. Volcano hiking is only one of the several hiking paths found in Volcanoes National Park.
There are two types of hiking alternatives available to you if you enjoy hiking.
Day Hike and Overnight Hike.
Mount Bisoke route for day hikers. At the summit of the 3700-meter mountain is a crater lake. Bisoke is an active volcano along the border with DR.Congo. the hike offers spectacular views of the crater at the summit. A round hiking adventure on Mt Bisoke usually takes 6 hours.
Mount Karisimbi is the route of the overnight hike. There are various vegetation zones along this trail, including savannah, Afro-Montane, and bamboo. With a snow-capped peak, this trek is renowned for being among the hardest, particularly in the dry months of June, July, and August.
Golden Monkey Trekking
Golden monkeys are found in the bamboo forests of the Virunga Mountains. Their fur is a gorgeous golden color. They are an endangered primate species and a fun favorite activity for many natural enthusiasts.
Trekking golden monkeys in Volcanoes National Park is comparable to trekking gorillas. Park rangers will greet visitors at the park headquarters in the morning and give them a briefing on the guidelines for trekking. After that, the rangers will take the guests into the jungle to look for the golden monkeys.
Depending on where the monkeys are located, the hike may take one to four hours. After the monkeys are located, guests are free to spend an hour watching them in their natural setting. Golden monkeys are gregarious animals.
If you intend to trek with golden monkeys in Volcanoes National Park, bear the following in mind:
You need a permit to go golden monkey hiking. The Rwanda Development Board or a tour operator are the sources of permits.
Twelve is the minimum age to go golden monkey trekking.
Being in good physical shape is vital because the walk can be demanding.
Wearing long sleeve shirts, long pants, and sturdy shoes is vital.
The golden monkeys cannot be touched or fed by outsiders.
Respecting the golden monkeys and their environment is crucial.
Exploring Musanze Caves
The Musanze Caves are more than just subterranean passages; they are whispers of Rwanda’s rich history and stunning natural beauty. In ancient times, these caverns witnessed the crowning of kings and storage of food supplies for royals during war time-a testament to their significance. More recently, they offered refuge to thousands fleeing the horrors of the 1994 genocide, serving as a symbol of resilience.
As you approach the Musanze Caves, prepare to be captivated by the verdant embrace of the surrounding vegetation. The caves themselves act as a window, offering a panoramic view of the majestic Virunga Volcanoes, specifically Mount Gahinga, Karisimbi, and Muhabura. These volcanic giants paint a scene of awe-inspiring grandeur.
Delving deeper, the caves reveal a labyrinthine network of tunnels. Thousands of bats call these passages home, their silhouettes adorning the cavern walls. Formed from Cenozoic volcanic rocks, the interior chills you with a cool embrace and a profound sense of tranquility. The steady drip of water from the rock ceiling creates a symphony of sound, further accentuating the cave’s serenity.
Stretching for approximately 2 kilometers, the Musanze Caves hold the title of Rwanda’s most explored caverns. However, the crown for the longest goes to the Ubuvumo Bwibihonga, boasting an intricate system of parallel lava tubes.
The Musanze Caves owe their existence to volcanic activity that transpired roughly 65 million years ago. Geographically situated amidst extensive lava flows, they played a role in the formation of the Albertine Rift Valley. The basaltic lava layers that form their foundation originate from the fiery hearts of Mount Bisoke and Mount Sabyinyo.
With over 31 entrances, the Musanze Caves offer multiple points of access to their hidden wonders. Each entrance beckons you on an adventure into the heart of this geological marvel.
Visit Gorilla Guardians Village (Iby’Iwacu Village)
A visit to Gorilla guardian village will give you an insight into the culture of Rwanda. The village is close to the park making it very accessible as visitors head out of Volcanoes National Park. With the assistance of knowledgeable local guides who will share tales of their way of life, visitors can delve into the distinctive traditional rural life of Rwanda. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience something different from the typical wildlife safaris.
Whether you choose to remain for a few hours or overnight, you will still be able to engage in the activities at the guardian village. Are you interested in trying out a different Menu? Try making or even consuming the customary foods and beverages, including brewed beer or banana juice. Try the locally grown and freshly brewed herbal medicine for botanists or medical professionals. Once your curiosity has been satiated, relax to the folklore, music, and dance performed by the locals and dance troops.
Bird Watching
Volcanoes National Park provides a unique opportunity for birdwatchers to search for some of Rwanda’s most interesting birds. With more than 200 bird species, Volcanoes National Park is an incredible place that avid birders should visit in addition to those who want to walk with mountain gorillas. The park is home to 17 endemic species of the Albertine Rift and other unique local species, like the red tufted sunbird and the Grauer’s swamp warbler.
Perfect bird watching is accomplished under the guidance of a knowledgeable park guide. Combining additional experiences, such as tracking golden monkeys and mountain gorillas, is even possible.
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