The Volcanoes National Park, commonly known as Parc National de Volcans (PNV), is the focus for some of Rwanda’s top tourism activities. The park is located in the Northern Province of Rwanda and has an area of 160 square kilometers.
The Volcanoes National Park was established as a major plant and wildlife conservation area in the early 1920s, with the Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Mgahinga National Park in Uganda.
The three parks compose what is known as the Virunga conservation region, with the primary goal of safeguarding endangered mountain gorillas. The best time to visit the Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda.Dian Fossey arrived at the park.
The Karisoke Research Center was established in 1967, which increased exposure for the park and resulted in a decrease in severe poaching. Her efforts resulted in increased financing for gorilla conservation projects, ensuring the huge apes’ survival.
The Volcanoes National Park is well known for its endangered mountain gorillas, but the park also boasts a rugged scenery, verdant woods, lakes, rivers, and a sizable population of other wildlife.
The Volcanoes National Park has four significant volcanoes.
They are Bisoke (3,711m), Karisimbi (4,507m), Gahinga (3,474m), Sabyinyo (3,634m), and Muhabura (4,127m). Because of the high altitudes, volcanoes, and low-lying places, the park contains four types of vegetation cover consisting of bamboo on the lower slopes.
Hypericum / Hagenia at higher altitudes below 3,300m, sub-alpine vegetation at elevations above 3,300m, and Afro-alpine vegetation above 4,000m.Aside from holding 30% of the remaining mountain gorilla population, which feeds on bamboo shoots and other lower altitude vegetative cover, the park’s lower altitudes also, house the lovely golden monkeys.
The park also has tribes of wild chimps and other tiny monkeys. Larger mammals, such as forest elephants and buffalo, can be found in small groups. Leopards, duikers, bush pigs, forest hogs, and the Spotted Hyena can all be found in this park.
Birding at Volcanoes National Park is becoming increasingly popular due to the park’s abundance of species, the most notable of which are the stunning Francolins and Rwenzori Turacos.
Attractions at Volcanoes National Park
Visit the Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda.
Although gorilla trekking is the most popular activity in Volcanoes National Park, potential tourists can choose from a variety of other wonderful activities.
Visitors may be overwhelmed by the variety of activities available at Volcanoes National Park and wish they had more time to accomplish them.The main attractions are gorilla trekking, golden monkey trekking, seeing Dian Fossey’s grave, mountain hiking, and exploring the lakes Ruhondo and Burera.
Mountain Gorilla Tracking:
Volcanoes National Park is one of four national parks where mountain gorillas can be found. The others are Virunga in Congo, Mgahinga, and Bwindi in Uganda. There is a significant likelihood of spotting gorillas in There is a good probability of sighting gorillas in Mgahinga.
Ten habituated Rwanda gorilla groups are accessible for tracking, guided by competent and motivated rangers. It is critical to be in good shape before engaging on an activity that might be physically taxing, depending on the gorilla group to which you are allocated.
Trackers can hire a porter to assist with extra luggage for around $15. More information on porters can be found in our page about gorilla trekking for the disabled. A gorilla permit in Rwanda costs $1500, with a portion of that going to local people and infrastructure improvements around the park.
Permits may be obtained directly from the Rwanda Development Board or more a tour operator from Naleyo tours and travels can provide handy services. Gorilla trekking attire includes long-sleeved shirts and trousers, hand gloves, rain jackets, and hiking shoes.
A tour operator from Naleyo tours and travelscan provide handy services. Gorilla trekking attire includes long-sleeved shirts and trousers, hand gloves, rain jackets, and hiking shoes.
Tracking Golden monkeys
Tracking golden monkeys has grown in popularity over the years and is now second only to monitoring gorillas. Spotting the endangered monkeys as they feed, groom, and swing from one bamboo tree to another costs $100.
A group can include approximately 100 people and is usually led by a powerful male. Golden Monkey tracking can be done before or after a gorilla excursion. The Golden Monkeys are easier to track than gorillas since they do not travel to high altitudes in search of fresh food.
They prefer to eat bamboo shoots that grow at the base of volcanoes. Golden monkey permits do not need to be booked in advance like those for gorillas, however we propose make an early booking just in case.
Visiting Dian Fossey’s Tomb
Dian Fossey is regarded as one of history’s greatest primatologists because of her bravery and persistence, poaching of wildlife, particularly mountain gorillas, was significantly reduced in Volcanoes National Park.
Without her efforts, mountain gorillas would most likely be extinct by now. She is also credited with pioneering innovative methods for making gorillas comfortable near humans by emulating their sounds and winning the dominant male’s acceptance/trust.
Today, hundreds of visitors pay honor to this renowned conservationist by visiting her grave and the former Karisoke Research Center, which is located between Mount Karisimbi and Mount Bisoke. As one climbs the volcanoes to her previous base, they will understand what she went through, her determination, and her love for the gorillas.
Hiking Mount Karisimbi Volcano
Mount Karisimbi is an extinct volcano with a height of approximately 4,507 metres. Hiking Mount Karisimbi is a popular tourist activity in Musanze. It is Africa’s fifth tallest peak, thus mental and physical preparation is required to complete the two-day trip.
The journey takes you through dense forests before arriving at an elevation of 3700m for the first halt, rest, and overnight. Hikers then continue ascending the final steep portion early in the morning and up to the peak.
The summit’s rewards Hikers are rewarded with spectacular views of Volcanoes National Park, the whitened snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains, Mount Nyiragongo, and all of the Virunga volcanoes.
Mount Bisoke Hike
Mount Bisoke is an extinct volcano that is part of the Virunga Mountains. It takes three hours to drive from the city, Kigali, to the foot of the mountain. Mount Bisoke is a one-day hike that is easier than Karisimbi. However, hikers must be reasonably fit to accomplish the exercise.
The hiking permit costs $75, and like with all park activities, it begins with a briefing at the park headquarters before proceeding to the starting location. The road from the park headquarters to the head trail can be wet and rocky, requiring a four-wheel-drive vehicle
Mount Muhabura Hike
Mount Muhabura is one of the most fascinating and challenging mountains to climb while visiting mountains National Park. At 4,127m, it is the third highest peak in the Virunga range. The trek begins around 1200m and ends at the top, after passing through magnificent green woods and admiring the other volcanoes in the Virunga region.
Visit the Twin Lakes Ruhondo and Burera
After completing one of the primary activities, such as gorilla trekking, one way to unwind is to visit the twin lakes of Ruhondo and Burera.A boat journey across the deep waters of these two lakes will reward you with breathtaking views of wildlife and a large hilly landscape dotted with waterfalls.Visiting the lake islands allows you to interact with the residents and learn about their rich tradition and culture, which identifies and distinguishes them from the other tribes in Rwanda.
How to get to the Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park is easily accessible from Kigali. Musanze District, in Rwanda’s northern province, is only two hours’ drive from Kigali. This suggests that gorilla trekking can be completed in a single day if the expedition begins at 4 a.m. from Kigali.
A traveler can take public transportation from Kigali or Gisenyi to Musanze and then hire a private automobile to reach the park headquarters. The ideal option is to enlist the services of a tour operator from Naleyo tours and travels who will arrange to pick you up from the airport and transport you to the Park Headquarters in Kinigi, where briefings for the various activities are held.
Travelers from Uganda to Volcanoes National Park will have to suffer a 10-hour trip from Entebbe Airport through Mbarara and Kisoro before arriving at the border-crossing region.
Best time to visit Volcanoes National Park
Whatever activity you choose to do in Volcanoes National Park, it will be, available at all times of year. However, most visitors choose to visit the area during the dry seasons and months. The driest months are from June to mid-September, and December to February.
This is typically the greatest time to go gorilla trekking in the park because the steep slopes are simpler to navigate. The months of March to May and October to November are characterized by high rains, which makes the major hiking trekking paths are treacherous and muddy.
Photographers and environment lovers should visit the park during the rainy season to see the verdant scenery. A safari in the park can be paired with activities at Rwanda’s other renowned national parks.
Accommodation when visiting Volcanoes National Park.
The accommodations available near Volcanoes National Park are classified into three types: luxury, mid-range, and cheap. The choice of hotel is totally dependent on the traveler’s budget.
Regardless of the category, the hotels are of good quality. They often provide room service, a lounge, a restaurant, a bar, and other amenities. Let us have a look at some of the hotels/lodges worth contacting:
Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge
The Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge is located 3 kilometers from the Volcanoes National Park headquarters, at the base of one of the volcanoes.The lodge’s strategic location provides inhabitants with panoramic views of the picturesque farmlands and the majestic Virunga volcanoes in the distance.
The rooms are staffed by nice individuals who are available at all hours of the day. Other services and amenities available in the budget rooms include general sitting areas, restrooms, fireplaces, a general dining room, and a games room. There is also a souvenir, library, and awareness room.
The Virunga hotel
The Virunga hotel is located in the middle of Musanze, and it is only a 15-minute drive from the hotel to the park headquarters.
The hotel has 25 self-contained rooms equipped with en-suite bathrooms, free internet access, a fridge, telephone landlines, and satellite television.
La Palm Hotel
La Palm Hotel is a three-star hotel that provides a variety of quality services at an inexpensive price. The hotel serves both local and international dishes. Breakfast and all meals can be served in your room upon request.
The hotel bar is stocked with several types of wine, soft drinks, and beer. Other amenities include free airport pickup, free WiFi, a room phone, two conference rooms, and ample parking space.
Five Volcanoes Hotel
Situated along the main road that leads to Kinigi, the Five Volcanoes Hotel is a posh hotel situated in a serene and tranquil neighborhood of Musanze. Offering VIP Cottages, Deluxe Double rooms, Family Suites, and Standard rooms, the hotel is relatively new. Each self-contained accommodation has a mini bar, refrigerator, flat-screen TV, kettle, restaurant, laundry facilities, and private parking. There is assurance of security, and smoke detectors are in place.
Note
In addition to the hotels listed above, you can get in touch with many other excellent lodging establishments, such as the Mountain Gorilla View Hotel, Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge, Kinigi Guest House, Jack Hanna Cottages, and Villa Gorilla Lodge.