Top Tourist Activities in Volcanoes National Park.
What are the top tourist activities in Volcanoes National Park is a frequently asked question by travellers planning their safari in the park, and this article will talk about the most sought-after activities in the park. Volcanoes National Park is one of the best safari destinations in Africa, with diverse tourist activities that cater to all levels of travellers. Whether you are seeking adventures or simply immersing yourself in nature, Volcanoes National Park promises remarkable safari experiences in the heart of Africa. It’s located in the far northern corner of Rwanda, bordering Uganda and DR Congo. It’s one of the oldest national parks in Africa, established in 1925 to protect the endangered mountain gorillas that existed at that time. It’s within the Virunga Mountains, which provide breathtaking views of the ranges. The park has a mix of natural systems, such as wetlands, bamboo forests, tropical rainforests, and grasslands, which provide habitats to the park’s inhabitants. It’s home to up to 236 bird species, 36 mammal species, 12 primate species and 30% of the world’s endangered mountain gorillas. The park’s rich biodiversity provides various activities for travellers visiting the park, including golden monkey tracking, gorilla trekking, golden monkey tracking, birding, and nature walks.
Top Tourist Activities in Volcanoes National Park.
Gorilla Trekking.
This is one of the most incredible tourist activities in Volcanoes National Park that allows travellers to come up close with these awesome creatures in their natural habitats. Gorilla trekking starts with a briefing about the dos and don’ts at the park’s headquarters, and participants are divided into groups of 8. Each group is assigned to a gorilla family and a knowledgeable guide who leads them in search of the endangered mountain gorillas. Gorilla trekking involves hiking through the dense tropical rainforests in search of these awesome creatures, and the minimum age for the trek is 15 years. While searching in the forest, they will encounter various birds and wildlife species like forest elephants, vervet monkeys, blue monkeys, duikers and more. Trekking takes about 2 to 7 hours, depending on the location of the mountain gorillas, once found they spend one hour with them observing their behaviours. They will see them feeding, playing, interacting with each other, and Sliverback taking care of his family, just like humans. Gorillas are our closest relatives on earth, sharing 98% of human DNA, and watching them in their natural habitats provides unforgettable memories.
Golden Monkey Tracking.
Golden Monkey Tracking in Volcanoes National Park is a rewarding activity for primate lovers, which allows them to explore the park’s endemic monkeys in their natural habitats. Golden monkey tracking is faster paced and playful, which makes it easy to track them in their natural habitats. Golden monkeys are playful and live in large groups of up to 60 individuals. They keep on moving from place to place in search of food, and tracking is between 2 and 3 hours, depending on their movements. This is a perfect activity for couples looking for a less strenuous but equally memorable experience filled with laughter and great photo moments.
Bird Watching.
This is one of the top tourist activities in Volcanoes National Park that attracts thousands of bird enthusiasts to explore the park’s unique bird species. It’s home to over 276 bird species, including water birds, forest birds, migratory birds, and Albertine Rift endemics. This is a guided activity led by a knowledgeable park guide who gives more insights about the bird species encountered in the park. It’s best done in the morning hours when birds are starting their daily routes and it’s easy to spot them in the morning hours. Some of the bird species to encounter in the park include Red-chested Sunbird, Variable Sunbird, Copper Sunbird, Yellow Bishop, Fan-tailed Widowbird, 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, Red-eyed Dove, Ring-necked Dove, Laughing Dove, African Green Pigeon, Tambourine Dove, Scarce Swift, African Palm Swift, Alpine Swift, White-rumped Swift, Little Swift, African Swift, Blue-headed Coucal, 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, Goliath Heron, Purple Heron, Little Egret, African Sacred Ibis, Hadada Ibis, Great Cormorant, Rufous-breasted Sparrowhawk, Black Sparrowhawk, Black Kite, Augur Buzzard.
Nature Walks
Nature walks are among the top tourist activities in Volcanoes National Park on your safari, offering a peaceful and intimate way to experience the beauty of Rwanda beyond the normal treks. These guided walks take you through the lush rainforest, bamboo zones and open clearings at a relaxed pace, allowing you to truly absorb the sights, sounds and atmosphere of the park. Accompanied by knowledgeable guides, couples can explore hidden forest trails while learning about the park’s rich biodiversity. Along the way, you may encounter colourful bird species, small mammals, and unique birdlife. The gentle rhythm of walking together, listening to birdsongs, and feeling the cool mountain air creates a calming experience.
