Safari Activities in Volcanoes National Park.
What are the safari activities in Volcanoes National Park is a frequently asked question by travellers planning to visit this awesome park, and this blog will discuss the must do activities in Volcanoes National Park. It’s one of the most visited national parks in Rwanda, globally celebrated for hosting the endangered mountain gorillas. Volcanoes National Park is situated in the northwestern part of the country, bordering Mgahinga National Park and Virunga National Park.
It’s one of the oldest parks in Africa, established in 1925 to protect the endangered species that existed at that time. It spans an area of about 160 kilometres, making it one of the smallest parks in the country. It’s within the Virunga conservation area, which is aimed at protecting the endangered mountain gorillas. Volcanoes National Park has a rich biodiversity, home to the endangered mountain gorillas, 237 bird species like Albertine endemics, forest birds, migratory birds, 36 mammal species, 12 primate species, butterflies and reptiles.
The park’s rich biodiversity is supported by its diverse ecosystems, which provide habitats to various birds and wildlife species, such as wetlands, montane forests, grasslands and bamboo forests. The rich bird and wildlife species found in the park provide many safari activities like gorilla trekking, bird watching, nature walks, and golden monkey tracking, which provide exceptional experiences to travellers visiting Volcanoes National Park.
Safari Activities in Volcanoes National Park.
Gorilla Trekking.
This is one of the most rewarding activities to enjoy on your safari in the park, which gives nature lovers and primatologists a chance to come up close with these magnificent mountain gorillas in their natural habitats. Gorilla trekking begins very early in the morning with a briefing about the rules of the activity, and participants are divided into groups of 8, and each group is assigned to a gorilla family and a game ranger. The park has over 12 habituated groups ready to be in human presence. Participants will hike through the dense forest to search for the endangered mountain gorillas, and trekking takes between 2 and 7 hours depending on the location of the gorillas. Once located, they are given one hour to be with them and observe more about their behaviours. They will see them feeding, grooming, playing, and mothers taking care of the young ones, which is quite a unique experience. Gorillas are our closest relatives on earth, sharing 98% of human DNA. Having a close encounter with these gentle giants allows us to fully connect with nature.
Bird Watching.
Bird watching is one of the best safari activities in Volcanoes National Park, which allows bird enthusiasts to explore the park’s unique birdlife. It’s a haven for bird watching with over 237 bird species, including forest birds, water birds, Albertine endemics, migratory birds, and the park’s residents, which are rare to find elsewhere. This is a guided activity led by an experienced park ranger who gives more insights about the bird species encountered. Some of the birds to encounter on the safari include Tambourine Dove, Scarce Swift, African Palm Swift, Alpine Swift, White-rumped Swift, Little Swift, African Swift, Blue-headed Coucal, Archer’s Ground Robin, 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, Speckled Pigeon, African Olive Pigeon, Dusky Turtle Dove, Mourning Collared Dove, Levaillant’s Cuckoo, Klaas’s Cuckoo, African Emerald Cuckoo, Diederick Cuckoo, Barred Long-tailed Cuckoo, Red-chested Cuckoo, Black Crake, Red-knobbed Coot, Grey Crowned Crane, Ruwenzori Turaco, Black-billed Turaco, Ross’s Turaco, Marabou, Yellow-billed Stork, European White Stork, Pink-backed Pelican, Hamerkop, Cattle Egret, Grey Heron, Black-headed Heron.
Golden Monkey Tracking.
Golden monkey tracking is one of the most interesting safari activities in Volcanoes National Park, which involves walking through the bamboo forests in search of golden monkeys. Tracking starts early in the morning at the park’s headquarters with a briefing about the dos and don’ts of the activity, and participants meet their assigned park guide, who leads the search and gives them more important information about the park’s inhabitants. Tracking is between 2 and 3 hours, with one hour given to participants to spend with these playful monkeys. They will observe them as they play from tree to another, feeding, which is a rewarding experience. They will be able to take as many pictures as they want.
Nature Walks.
Nature walks are among the top activities to do in Volcanoes National Park, which allows travellers to explore the park’s stunning views of ranges and its rich biodiversity on foot. This is a guided activity led by an experienced guide who gives more important information about the park’s inhabitants they might encounter. Visitors can walk through the dense forests, open clearings and the foothills of the Virunga volcanoes, which offer the opportunity to spot colourful bird species, flora and fauna. The park has various trails suitable for nature walks, like those leading to scenic Twin Lakes Ruhondo and Burera or the peaceful Musanze caves, which blend beauty with cultural and geological significance. Nature walks allow travellers to fully connect with nature without the intensity of long treks.
