A Guide to Volcanoes National Park.
A Guide to Volcanoes National Park: Volcanoes National Park is one of the most visited national parks in Rwanda, famous for hosting the endangered mountain gorillas, and it attracts thousands of primatologists to come and witness them in their natural habitat. It is located in the northeastern part of the country along the border with Uganda and the DR Congo. It’s the oldest national park in Africa, established in 1925 to protect the endangered mountain gorillas that existed at that time. It is part of the larger Virunga mountains, and comprises five of the eight Virunga Mountains: Volcanoes Gahinga, Karisimbi, Muhabura, Bishoke and Sabyinyo. Volcanoes National Park is the smallest national Park in Rwanda, covering an area of approximately 160 square kilometers.
In 1967, it became a base for American primatologists and conservationists, Dian Fossey, who researched and led many campaigns against poaching gorillas and sourced funds for many conservation projects. It has a rich biodiversity, home to mountain gorillas with 12 habituated families ready to trek, 237 bird species, including Albertine endemic species, forest birds and the park’s endemic species and mammals such as golden monkeys, buffaloes, black-fronted duikers, spotted hyenas and more. This guide to Volcanoes National Park will help travellers planning their safari to the park to know the activities they can do, how to access the park and the best time to visit the park. If you are a primate or bird lover, Volcanoes National Park must be added to your bucket list as it provides unforgettable safari experiences.
Where to find Volcanoes National Park.
Volcanoes National Park is located in the northeastern part of the country along the border with Uganda and the DR Congo. The park can easily be accessed from Kigali, the capital city of Rwanda, and it’s about a 2 to 3-hour scenic drive through the countryside. It is situated near the town of Musanze (formerly Ruhengeri).
Where to stay.
Volcanoes National Park offers several eco-friendly accommodation options for travellers, which cater to all travellers’ budgets, from luxury accommodations to standard accommodations, all of which provide unique and memorable stays. If you are looking for luxury stays, consider Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, Bisate Lodge, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Singita Kwitonda Lodge, and Mountain Gorilla’s Nest Lodge. Mid-range accommodations: Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge, Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge, Gorilla Solution Lodge, Ingagi Parkview Lodge and those looking for budget-friendly accommodations, look at Lake & Volcanoes Cottages, Gorillas Volcanoes Hotel, Kinigi Gust House.
Things to do in Volcanoes National Park.
Mountain Gorilla Trekking.
Gorilla trekking is a major tourist activity in Volcanoes National Park, which allows primatologists and nature lovers to have a close encounter with the endangered mountain gorillas. The park has 12 habituated gorilla families, which are ready for sightings, and these include Hirwa, Sabyinyo Umubano, Amahoro, Ugenda, Karisimbi, Susa, and more. Gorilla trekking starts very early in the morning with a briefing at the park’s headquarters about the rules and regulations of trekking. Participants are grouped into 8, and each group is assigned a game ranger who leads them and gives more insightful information about the park’s inhabitants that they might encounter. Participants pass through the dense forest in search of the mountain gorillas, and once located, they are given one hour to be with them. They will learn more about gorillas in their natural habitats as they see them playing, mothers take care of the little ones, and how they feed, just like humans. This is one of the lifetime experiences that shouldn’t be missed by nature lovers.
Birding- A Guide to Volcanoes National Park.
Birding is an incredible safari in the park that ornithologists and nature lovers shouldn’t miss while in the park. Volcanoes National Park is a paradise for bird watching, hosting up to 237 bird species, including 17 Albertine Rift endemic species, forest birds, migratory birds and the park’s endemic species. This is a guided activity led by an experienced park birder who assists tourists by identifying various bird species by sound and beautiful melodic songs. Some of the birds to encounter include Red-faced Woodland Warbler, Collared Apalis, Stranger Weaver, Dusky Crimsonwing, Rwenzori Double- collared Sunbird, Hottentot Teal, African Black Duck, Yellow-billed Duck, Handsome Francolin, Little Grebe, and more.
Golden Monkey Tracking.
Golden monkey tracking in Volcanoes Park is another magnificent activity which nature lovers will enjoy. Golden Monkeys are Albertine Rift endemics which are found in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Volcanoes National Park. It begins with a briefing about the rules and regulations of the activity, and later, participants are assigned a park guide who leads them. Once located, participants are given one hour to be with them and learn more about their playful behaviours.
Best Time to Visit Volcanoes National Park.
A Guide to Volcanoes National Park: Volcanoes National Park can be visited throughout the year, and the best time to visit depends on the individual’s travel plans. Just like any other East African national park, it experiences two seasons, the dry season and the wet season. The dry season runs from June to September and from December to February. During this period, the park receives little to no rainfall, the hiking trails are less muddy and slippery, making it easier to penetrate the dense forest in search of gorillas and various bird species. The wet season runs from March to May and October to November. During these months, the park receives enough rainfall, the vegetation is dense, and the hiking trails are muddy and slippery. However, this period favours budget travellers as most accommodations and travel companies offer discounts.
