What to do in Volcanoes National Park
What to do in Volcanoes National Park: Volcanoes National Park is a top tourist destination famous for unique gorilla trekking and golden monkey trekking in Rwanda. The park covers over 160 km of tropical rain forest and spans five out of the eight volcanoes in the Virunga Conservation Area. These volcanoes include Mount Bisoke, Mount Gahinga, Mount Karisimbi, Mount Sabyinyo, and Mount Muhabura. The park borders Mgahinga National Park in Uganda and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Volcanoes National Park has a lot to offer, including several wildlife and adventure activities such as gorilla trekking, golden monkey trekking, hiking, and sightseeing, among others.
What to do in Volcanoes National Park
Mountain Gorilla Trekking
Mountain gorilla trekking is the leading wildlife adventure activity in Rwanda that draws tourists from different parts of the world to come and have a glimpse of an eye with these endangered mountain gorillas. Previously, mountain gorillas were critically endangered according to the 2008 census, but later their population went to increased; by 2015 the Virunga Massif registered about 604 individuals, while Bwindi-Sarambwe (Uganda) had 459 individuals, making a total population of 1,063 mountain gorillas.
Travellers have a great opportunity to get up close to these gentle giants in their natural environment, hence a major draw of tourists globally, atop most visitors’ lists. During the trekking process, trekkers are accompanied by armed ranger guides with vast knowledge about diverse wildlife species and the history of the park.
Golden Monkey Trekking
Besides mountain gorillas, the park also houses the beautiful golden monkeys in the bamboo forested area, making it another popular activity within the magnificent Volcanoes National Park. Trekking with these eye-catching golden monkeys in their natural habitat offers visitors an unforgettable lifetime experience.
Most trekkers always prefer a 2–3-day golden monkey trekking safari in order to have a better experience where by the activity also begins early in the morning at the park headquarters in Kinigi. Visitors should know that golden monkey trekking is less challenging than standard gorilla trekking, meaning that by midday, the exercise will be done.
Hike to Dian Fossey’s Tombs
A visit to Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda can be combined with a memorable hike to the tomb of Dian Fossey, the pioneer of the gorilla trekking experience in the Virunga conservation area.
Dian Fossey was an American primatologist who dedicated her life to spending close to two decades in Volcanoes National Park, studying the once endangered mountain gorillas in their natural setting. A biographical film of her real life was made into a movie in the late eighties, with the title “Gorillas in the Mist.” In 1985, she was murdered by the poachers, and her tomb is between the beautiful volcanic peaks of Karisimbi and Bisoke, next to the Karisoke Research Center. Along the way, you may encounter several wildlife species, such as golden monkeys, bush elephants, and, on a lucky day, even mountain gorillas, among others.
Mountain Hiking Adventures
Mount Bisoke stands at 3,700 meters above sea level, with a deep crater lake at the top. Hiking Mount Bisoke does not require prior hiking experience; you only need to be physically fit due to the high elevation and length of the climb. The whole trek takes five to seven hours, depending on your speed and the frequency of stops. While at the top of the volcano, you will enjoy fantastic views of the other five volcanoes and the beautiful Twin Lakes. Near the summit is Crater Lake, which features drier vegetation than other parts of the park, with giant heather growing all over the slopes of the volcano.
Accommodation in Volcanoes National Park
Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge
This is a mid-range facility located in Volcanoes National Park that offers unique accommodation facilities to visitors. It consists of 5 cottages where glamour meets comfort, making it one of the preferred accommodation options for visitors, not only for relaxation, but also for gorilla trekking and birdwatching adventure tours.
Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge
Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge is located adjacent to the entrance of Volcanoes National Park, a midrange lodge that provides unique lodging options to tourists in private, comfortable, and affordable accommodation with 23 private or ensuite cottages, including double, twin, triple, and standard rooms near the park and built with bamboo, offering a unique setting for gorilla trekking and a captivating retreat amidst the majestic home of mountain gorillas surrounding Volcanoes National Park. Visitors should expect a conducive and comfortable stay at the facility.
Mountain Gorilla’s Nest Lodge
This is one of the excellent facilities that offer exceptional services, located in northern Rwanda’s Musanze district in a forest of eucalyptus trees. It offers a family-sized classic accommodation at Jack Hannah’s cottages with stunning views of Rwanda’s spectacular hills and slopes of the Volcanoes National Park.
Other accommodation facilities include Silver Back Sabinyo Lodge, La Palme Hotel, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, and Hotel Muhabura, among others.
What is the best time to visit Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park can be visited all year round, although some months seem to be better than others. The dry season is the best time to visit the park, which runs from June to mid-September and December to February. During this dry season, the trekking trails are always dry and convenient for trekking, with clear visibility of wildlife species within the park.
