Volcanoes National Park is a safari destination that epitomizes the quintessence of a typical African rainforest, high in the mountains at the heart of Central Africa where visitors shiver more than they sweat.
Size and Location of Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park is located in the far north-western corner of Rwanda and protects part of the steep slopes of the stunning and extensive Virunga Mountains. The Park also protects five of the eight Virunga Mountains that include Mount Karisimbi (14,786 feet above sea level), Mount Muhabura (13,540 feet above sea level), Mount Bisoke (12,175 feet above sea level), Mount Sabyinyo (11,922 feet) and Mount Gahinga (11,397 feet above sea level)).
When it comes to size, this Protected Area is one of the smallest National Parks in the country and African Continent, sprawling for about 16,000 hectares of varying vegetation zones across different altitudes on the slopes of the Virunga Mountains. Across the slopes of the Mountains is a verdant montane forest, an evergreen Bamboo forest, wetlands and bog lands, open grassland and heath among others.
History of Volcanoes National Park
This magnificent Park was gazetted 1925 (the same year as Congo’s Virunga National Park) for the sole purpose of saving the population of mountain Gorillas in the region that were at the verge of extinction and this makes it one of the oldest Parks in the African Continent.
Highlights
Animals
Within the montane forest, wetlands, open savannah and lush bamboo forest of Volcanoes National Park are several remarkable species of wildlife that include the endangered Mountain gorillas (scientifically gorilla beringei beringei) in the montane forest up in the clouds. Other animals that call this beautiful Park home are the bush pigs, black-fronted duikers, bushbucks, black and white colobus monkeys, spotted hyenas, Defassa waterbucks, forest elephants, forest buffaloes rare golden monkeys, giant forest hogs, olive baboons, serval cats, vervet monkeys, to mention but a few.
Bird species
Calls of over 200 bird species including Rwenzori Mountains and Albertine Rift Endemics can be heard in Volcanoes National Park. Expect to enjoy the sights and sounds of African long-eared owls, Archer’s ground robin, Baglafecht weavers, Blue-spotted wood dove, Brown woodland warblers, Common-chested bee-eaters, Dusky Crimsonwing, Dusky turtle doves, Handsome francolin, Kivu ground thrush, Lagden’s bush-shrike, Rwenzori Turaco, Red-faced woodland warblers, Rwenzori double-collared sunbirds, Red-backed shrike, Rwenzori batis, strange weavers, Scarlet-tufted malachite sunbirds, to mention but a few.
The spectacular Virunga Mountains
As earlier mentioned, five of the Eight Virunga Mountains, especially Mount Karisimbi (extending to 14,786 feet above sea level), Mount Muhabura (towering 13,540 feet above sea level), Mount Bisoke (extending to 12,175 feet above sea level), Mount Sabyinyo (towering to 11,922 feet) and Mount Gahinga (extending to 11,397 feet above sea level)) are found within the borders of Volcanoes National Park. They boast breathtaking views, verdant sceneries and outstanding animals.
The Dian Fossey Tomb
Deep in the heart of Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is the final resting place of an American Primatologist (Dian Fossey) who sacrificed about 2 decades of her most active years to the effortless study and conservation of the Giant Apes that were at the time facing extinction.
Having lived a lonely childhood and loveless home, Dian Fossey found comfort in animals (horses at the time), which passion grew as she became older. It is during one of her studies that she found herself in Africa (Congo then Rwanda) to learn about the mountain gorillas. In 1967, she set up the Karisoke Research Center between the foothills of Karisimbi and Bisoke where she lived until her death on 27th December 1985. She was laid to rest in Volcanoes National Park.
The spectacular Twin Lakes of Bulera and Ruhondo
The spectacular Twin Lakes of Ruhondo and Bulera were formed as a result of volcanic eruption which made Lava from Mount Sabyinyo to block River Nyabarongo (the largest River in the country). These beautiful Lakes are therefore “Lava-dammed Lakes separated by a one-kilometer stretch of land.
The historical Musanze Caves
Musanze Caves in the Northern Province of Rwanda and just a stone throw from Volcanoes National Park, and extend for about 2 kilometers (1.25 miles) long. These beautiful Caves were reportedly formed from Basaltic layers Lava flow, resulting from Mount Sabyinyo and Mount Bisoke. These natural features are marked by 31 entrance areas as well as dark beautiful interior mainly occupied by bats.
Mountain Gorilla Trek
A mountain gorilla trek through Volcanoes National Park is a rewarding experience where visitors not only meet face to face with the Giant Apes of the jungle but spend up to one hour with them. These treks usually start by 8:00am after registration and pre-tracking briefing process that starts by 7:00am but as you walk through the jungle, keep an eye on the ground for reptiles and Amphibians or on the trees for other primates, butterflies and birds. Even though the treks are unpredictable, they last anywhere between half an hour and four hours with one hour allotted for observation and photography.
Bird Watching
Bird watching is another favorite activity among travellers to Volcanoes National Park. The Archer’s ground robin, Baglafecht weavers, Blue-spotted wood dove, Brown woodland warblers, Common-chested bee-eaters, Dusky Crimsonwing, Dusky turtle doves, Handsome francolin, Kivu ground thrush, Lagden’s bush-shrike, Rwenzori Turaco, Red-faced woodland warblers, Rwenzori double-collared sunbirds and many others can be spotted during birding tours.
Village/Community Visits
Getting the once in a lifetime opportunity of visiting the local Rwandan community is a very rewarding and heart-warming experience. During these visits, travellers are introduced to Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village outside Volcanoes National Park for visits to a local school where children and their teachers will welcome you with open arms, visits to the traditional herbalist, witness traditional beer brewing, watch and take part in traditional dance performances, drumming lessons, take part in preparing traditional meals, farming, basket weaving demonstrations, and if you wish to purchase some art and crafts bring along some money.
Tracking the endangered Golden Monkeys
The endangered Golden monkeys are exceptional and unique to the Virunga Mountains and can therefore be trekked within this lush rainforest of Volcanoes National Park. While in the company of armed Ranger guides, visitors can get the chance to track the golden monkeys and even spend quality time in their presence for a price of $100 (gorilla permits).
Mountain Climbing
Adventurous visitors to Volcanoes National Park can enjoy climbing the Virunga Mountains, especially Karisimbi and Bisoke. Mount Karisimbi, the highest of eight Virunga Mountains can be completed in two days but visitors are rewarded with the magnificent views of the snow-like sheet on its summit while Mount Bisoke can be completed in half a day with views of the Crater Lake at its peak among others.
Guided hikes to the Dian Fossey Tomb
Visits to Volcanoes National Park also involve guided hikes to the Dian Fossey Tomb to pay homage to the American Primatologist who dedicated her life to studying and conserving mountain gorillas. These start with short drive for 30 minutes from the Park Headquarters to the trailhead then another walk for 10 minutes to the Park boundary before walking 2-3 hours to the Tomb. Several residents of the Park especially bushbucks, golden monkeys giant forest hogs and sometimes mountain gorillas can be sighted.
Tours of the spectacular Caves of Musanze
If you are brave enough, embark on the tour of Musanze Caves, the 2-kilometer long natural Cave formed from Basaltic layers flow resulting from Mount Sabyinyo and Mount Bisoke, during eruption. These tours last 1-2 hours and while at it, learn about the cultural and historical significance of the Caves in addition to its unique residents especially bats.
Refreshing tour of Lakes Bulera and Ruhondo
Refresh with a boat ride on the Twin Lakes of Bulera and Ruhondo a physically demanding mountain gorilla trek, golden monkey trek, birding tours or hike to the Dian Fossey Tomb.
How do i get there ?
By Road
Road trips from Kigali City to Volcanoes National Park take 2-3 hours for 105 kilometers distance. Get there by private or public transport means.
By Flight
Travellers can book a helicopter flight from Kigali International Airport to Volcanoes National Park and this takes few minutes.