How to Access Volcanoes National Park.
How to access Volcanoes National Park is a frequently asked question by travellers planning their safari in the park. It’s one of the most visited national parks in Rwanda, located in the far northwestern region of the country, bordering Virunga National Park and Mgahinga National Park. It’s one of the oldest national parks on the continent, established in 1925, to protect the endangered mountain gorillas that existed at that time. It’s part of the Virunga conservation area, which is aimed at protecting the endangered mountain gorillas and golden monkeys. Volcanoes National Park has a rich biodiversity, home to over 30% of the endangered mountain gorillas, 237 bird species, including forest birds, Albertine Rift endemics, migratory birds, water birds and the park’s residents, which are rare to find anywhere else. It’s also home to 12 primate species, 37 mammal species, butterflies and reptiles. The park’s rich biodiversity is supported by its diverse natural systems like wetlands, montane forests, grasslands and bamboo forests that provide habitats for various forest residents. The park offers various activities to travellers visiting, such as nature walks, gorilla trekking, golden monkey tracking, bird watching, hiking and cultural encounters. Travellers can access the park by either road transport or chartered helicopter from Kigali airport.
How to Access Volcanoes National Park.
Volcanoes National Park can be accessed by either road or air transport, depending on the client’s budget and preference. Air transport is the fastest way to reach the park and is often chosen by luxury travelers or those who prefer not to spend hours travelling.
By Air transport travellers can use a chartered helicopter from Kigali International Airport directly to the Musanze airstrip, which takes about 30 minutes to reach the park. The helicopter can land directly at your booked accommodation or at the nearest helipad, with transfers arranged to your accommodation. This service is provided by Akagera Aviation.
You can access Volcanoes National Park by road, either by self-driving or using a licensed travel company like Caracal Explorers to handle all the arrangements. This is the best option for travelers who enjoy scenic drives, as it is also cost-effective. The distance from Kigali to the park is approximately 110 km, which takes about 2 to 3 hours. The roads are well-maintained and paved, offering beautiful views of Rwanda’s hilly landscape as you travel northwest. Along the way, various stopovers depending on your itinerary.
Alternatively, you can take a bus from Nyabugogo Park in Kigali to Musanze. However, this public transport option involves several stopovers to pick up and drop off passengers, making the journey approximately 4 to 5 hours long. Although this method is more budget-friendly and allows you to save money, it can be time-consuming and somehow hectic.
Best Time to Visit Volcanoes National Park.
After discussing how to access Volcanoes National Park, let’s explore the best times to visit the park. It is open to travelers year-round, but the ideal time to visit is during the dry season, which runs from June to September and again from December to February. During this period, there is little to no rainfall, the trails are less muddy and slippery, and the park experiences cooler temperatures, making it easier to navigate the forest.
You can also visit the park during the wet season, which is marked by heavy rainfall. While the trails can become slippery and muddy, making it more challenging to explore the forest, this season is favorable for budget travelers, as many accommodations and local travel companies offer discounts.
