Things to Do and Attractions in Volcanoes National Park : Volcanoes national park is a mountain gorilla haven and the only mountain gorilla habitat in Rwanda situated in North western region of Rwanda, the park covers an area of 160 square kilometers which is dominated by rainforest and consists of 5 volcanoes which are part of the Virunga chain
Gorilla Trekking;
Gorilla trekking is Volcanoes National Park is one of the major key activity on Rwanda Safari to tourists visiting the national park. The mountain gorilla trekking goes at fee USD1,500 per person per trek. Gorilla trekking is all year done activity though the best time is in drier seasons where all trekking trails are out of slippery and the best time starts from June and September and December to February. This activity can be done by person aged 15 years and above. Fact about, Gorilla trekking experience starts early in the morning after breakfast as your safari driver guide drives you to the park headquarters for briefing about gorilla rules and after briefing.
The park range will group you in a group of eight people and then after leads you to forest trail heads in search for gorillas. The activity can take about 30 to 7 hours depending on their movements. As your trekking expect to view other species found in the forest. Remember to carry useful items like rain jackets, water proof bag to keep your documents and cameras, repellent, hiking shoes, sweaters, hat, walking stick given the lodge. Once you allocate the gorilla family one hour given to stay with these unique creatures in the jungle, learn how they feed among others as you also enjoy memorable pictures and capturing videos.
Golden Monkey Tracking
This is the second done activity in Volcanoes National Park with much exciting experience of this activity species. The park offers two habituated groups of Golden monkeys that visitors can visit. Each group comprised of 80 members and the activity commence in the morning hours. Permits for golden monkeys tracking costs USD100 in Rwanda.
Hiking Mountain Karisimbi and Bisoke
This activity comprises of hiking to one these marvelous mountains; Mountain Karisimbi, Muhabura, Bisoke or Gahinga. While on hiking trip either on Mount Karisimbi you can be able to enjoy gainful view of birds, wildlife species like mountain gorillas, forest elephants and insect species. You can as well hike Mount Bisoke that gives quite amazing attractions of Crater Lake and the gainful view is great on the mountain’s summit. Hiking activity in Volcanoes national park goes at USD.
Visit or hike Dian Fossey Grave Site;
Visitors at Volcanoes National park can engage in hiking to Dian Fossey’s tomb and you can as well visit Karisoke Research center. on Visit here you will get to learn more information about Dian Fossey. The activity goes at USD100 per person per day.
Visit Musanze Caving
On visit to Volcanoes National Park, you can take a visit to stunning caves that are located within the park. These caves were formed about millions years ago due to as a result of volcanic eruption. Tourism visitation to Musanze caves were publicly open in 2013 by the Rwanda Developments Board. This green rocked caves run for about 2kilometers and home to cave bats. Equipment’s provided include gloves, Knee caps, boots, faces mask, helmet and head cap.
Cultural tour
On visit to Volcanoes National Park never leave without visiting the local communities around, like a visit to Iby’Iwacu community village where you can interact with the local people and be entertained by the local intore dance group. You will also be introduced to the history of the village as well as learning the process of making the local banana brew.
Attractions in Volcanoes National Park Rwanda
There are various stunning attractions tourists can see which includes;
Mountain Gorillas;
Volcanoes National Park renown as home to world’s half remaining critically endangered Mountain gorillas which gained a lot of popularity after the death of scientists and conservationists Dian Fossey in 1985, who carried out a comprehensive scientific study on mountain gorillas families in the national park.
These unique mountain gorillas can be trekking in a gorilla family that consists of 30 individuals led by an adult male who is in position to take care of the territory ‘’ a silverback’’.
Facts; An adult male gorilla can weigh between 136 -195 kilometers whereas an adult female can weigh between 68 – 113 kilometers. Baby gorillas can weigh between 2 to 3 kilometers.
We see thousands of tourists visiting the park from all races of world flocking in to adventure these habituated mountain gorillas whom are said to share 98% DNA of humans.
Dian Fossey Grave Site
Dian Fossey was a prominent an American primatologists and conservationist whose scientific study on mountain gorillas impacted a lot towards the need for their conservation. But as years went she was found dead in her camp in year 1985 in Rwanda. And she was buried at grave site near her most favorite gorilla named ‘’Digit’’. Just know a tour to Volcanoes National Park is not complete without a visit to Dian Fossey’s tomb.
Karisoke Research Center
This is a popular research center was a site where Dian Fossey used to carry out their research work. On visit to Karisoke Research Centre you will get to learn more about Dian and her great contribution to conservation efforts in the national park, Things to Do and Attractions in Volcanoes National Park
Mount Karisimbi;
Mount Karisimbi is a stratovolcano highest of all eight volcanoes in the Virunga volcanic realm, it measures 4507 meters above sea level and the 5the highest mountain on the African continent. This mountain is inhabitant of groups of mountain gorillas and various bird species and plant species. Those interested in hiking can make bookings at Volcanoes National Park.
Mount Bisoke
This is one of the eight volcanic mountains found in the Virunga volcano field. Still it is known as a dormant volcano which last erupted in 1957.
Accommodation in Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park one of the most visited safari destination on African Safari all because of the unique mountain gorillas. Meaning it hosts variety of comfortable lodging facilities offering budget, Mid-range and luxury accommodation options for any visitor visiting Volcanoes National Park. These lodges offer a wide range of services like; free Wi-Fi, clean restaurant –dining meals, lounge area for guests, free parking, spa treatments, gym and stunning views of lakes such as Burera, Ruhondo and Kivu many more.
How to get to Volcanoes National Park
The park can easily be accessed by road from Gisenyi town or Kigali City. You can travel from Kigali International Airport to the park by car and it takes 2 hours’ drive to the park’s headquarters in Kinigi.
Get started planning now to Rwanda’s outstanding visited national park ‘’Volcanoes National Park’’
