Volcanoes National Park known in French as Parc National des Volcans is in the northwestern part of Rwanda. It shares borders with Mgahinga National Park in Uganda and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This park is the oldest national park in Africa and covers an area of 160 square kilometers.
Volcanoes National Park is famous for being home to endangered Mountain Gorillas. Visitors from all over the world come here for gorilla trekking which is the park’s most popular activity. Besides gorilla trekking, many people visit the Karisoke Research Center. This center is known for having the grave of Dian Fossey, a primatologist who was one of the first people to study and habituate the Mountain Gorillas in this park.
In addition to Mountain Gorillas, the park is also home to endangered Golden Monkeys. These monkeys live in the bamboo forests of the park. Visitors can go on Golden Monkey trekking tours to see these rare animals in their natural habitat.
The landscape of Volcanoes National Park
The park includes five of the eight volcanoes of the Virunga Mountains. These volcanoes are Mount Karisimbi, Mount Bisoke, Mount Muhabura, Mount Gahinga and Mount Sabyinyo. The other active volcanoes in the Virunga Mountains are located in Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Virunga National Park has two of the most active volcanoes in Africa. The forests in the park vary by elevation and there are grasslands, meadows, marshes and swamps in the lower areas.
Volcanoes National Park is also a great place for bird watchers. It is home to over 200 bird species with 10% of them being endemic to the Virunga Conservation Area. Many of these birds can be seen during gorilla trekking tours.
There are many other activities to enjoy in Volcanoes National Park. Visitors can hike the volcanoes, visit the twin lakes and see the tomb of Dian Fossey. Another popular activity is touring the Iby’iwacu cultural village which offers a glimpse into the local community and culture.
For an unforgettable experience, Volcanoes National Park is the best place for gorilla trekking and Golden Monkey trekking in Rwanda. The park offers a unique and incredible experience that will make any safari trip memorable.
History and Formation of Volcanoes National Park Rwanda
Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda has a rich history. It was extended into Rwanda by the Belgian from Congo in 1929 and was called Albert National Park. The park was managed by the Belgian Colonial Authorities.
In the 1960s, Rwanda and Congo gained independence, and the park was divided between the two countries. By the end of the decade, the park had become almost half its original size.
In 1967, an American primatologist named Dian Fossey fled from the Democratic Republic of Congo due to insecurity. She established her research center between the Visoke and Karisimbi volcanoes, the present day Karisoke Research Center. Fossey led a campaign to protect gorillas and fought against poaching until her murder in 1985. She was buried at the research center next to Digit, one of her favorite Mountain Gorillas.
Rwanda genocide
In the early 1990s, the park became a battlefield during Rwanda’s civil war which halted tourism activities until 1999. In 2005, Rwanda introduced an annual baby naming ceremony called Kwita Iziina for baby gorillas. This event has significantly boosted conservation efforts and gorilla tourism, leading to an increase in the gorilla population in Volcanoes National Park.
Why Visit Volcanoes National Park Rwanda
When you visit Volcanoes National Park on your Rwanda safari, there are many incredible things to see.
The Majestic Mountain Gorillas
The park is known for its rich ecosystem and unique wildlife especially the endangered Mountain Gorillas. These gorillas are a major attraction because the Virunga Mountains are the only place on earth where they can be found. Several Mountain Gorilla families are habituated allowing tourists to track and observe them during Mountain Gorilla trekking on the steep slopes.
Endemic Bird Species
In addition to the gorillas, the park is also home to a variety of bird species. With around 200 species, Volcanoes National Park is a paradise for bird watchers. The park’s located where the Virunga Mountains meet the East African Rift and close to Lake Kivu which attracts many birds. On a Rwanda birding safari, you can see many colorful birds including some endemic to the Albertine Rift. Notable birds in the park include the Rwenzori Batis, Handsome Francolin, Red-Faced Woodland Warbler, Rwenzori Turaco, Collared Apalis and Archer’s Ground Robin.
Common Wildlife
The park is not only about gorillas and birds. It also has other wildlife species that you can see during your visit. These include Bush buffaloes, Forest elephants, Hyenas, Bushbucks, black-fronted duikers and various monkey species. The Golden Monkeys found within the bamboo forest vegetation are another highlight of the park.
Monumental Dian Fossey Tombs and Research Centre
A significant historical site in the park is the tomb of Dian Fossey located at the Karisoke Research Center. Dian Fossey was a renowned conservationist who played a key role in protecting the Mountain Gorillas. She was murdered by poachers in 1985 but her work continues through the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund. Visitors can hike to her tomb to pay tribute to her contributions to gorilla conservation.
Historical Musanze caves
Another fascinating attraction in the park is the Musanze Caves. These underground caves were formed by volcanic eruptions and are large enough for people to enter. The caves are two kilometers long and feature walkways and stairs that lead visitors into their dark interiors.
Breathtaking Natural landscapes
The scenery in Volcanoes National Park is also breathtaking. The park is home to five of the eight mountains in the Virunga massif including Karisimbi Mountain (4507m), the highest of the mountain chain as well as Muhabura (4127m), Bisoke (3711m), Sabyinyo (3634m) and Gahinga (3474m). These volcanic mountains offer some of the most stunning scenic views in Africa with beautiful vegetation on their slopes and magical peaks. The crater lakes such as Lake Ngezi on the foot of mount Bisoke add to the park’s scenic beauty.
Volcanoes National Park offers a wealth of attractions from endangered Mountain Gorillas and colorful birds to historical sites and stunning scenery making it a must-visit destination on any Rwanda safari.
Activities to Do at Volcanoes National Park
Gorilla Trekking
Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park is among the most sought-after tourism activities in Rwanda. This thrilling adventure offers a unique opportunity to observe the majestic Mountain Gorillas in their natural habitat. Known as the world’s largest living primates, Mountain Gorillas share 98 percent of their DNA with humans, making this experience both fascinating and educational.
In Volcanoes National Park, there are 12 habituated Gorilla families available for trekking, each typically led by a dominant Silverback. The park is one of the four locations where the endangered Mountain Gorillas can be found, others being Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Where does the trek start from
The trek begins at the Volcanoes National Park headquarters where visitors receive a briefing on the day’s activities. After this, they are guided by experienced park rangers or national park guides into the dense forests of the park. The trek can be challenging involving hiking through rough terrain and thick vegetation but the reward of encountering a Gorilla family is well worth the effort.
Upon locating a Gorilla family, visitors are granted the extraordinary privilege of spending one full hour in their presence. During this time, they can observe these incredible creatures as they feed, care for their young and interact with each other. The experience is nothing short of remarkable, offering a rare glimpse into the daily lives of these gentle giants.
Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park is not just an adventure, it is a profound and unforgettable encounter with one of the world’s most endangered species. It emphasizes the importance of conservation and offers an educational perspective on the delicate balance of our natural world. For those seeking an exciting, fun and enlightening experience, a gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda is an unmatched opportunity.
Golden Monkey Tracking in Volcanoes National Park
Golden Monkey trekking is an exhilarating experience in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, paralleling the renowned Mountain Gorilla trekking. These rare and endangered primates known for their striking golden fur and playful nature inhabit the bamboo forests of the park. Volcanoes is home to habituated troops of Golden Monkeys making it one of the few places in East Africa where visitors can engage in this unique activity.
The trekking experience is akin to Gorilla trekking with a limit of eight people per troop to ensure minimal disturbance to the monkeys. Participants are permitted to spend one hour observing these fascinating creatures in their natural habitat. This hour provides ample time to witness their social behaviors such as feeding, grooming, and leaping between bamboo stalks.
To embark on a Golden Monkey trek visitor, need a permit costing $100 from the Rwanda Development Board (RDB). This permit includes park entrance fees and must be presented at the park headquarters.
Bird Watching
Volcanoes National Park along with the neighboring Buhanga Eco Park are the haven for bird enthusiasts, boasting over 200 recorded species. The park is especially notable for species endemic to the Albert Rift Valley. Some of the remarkable birds to spot include the Handsome Francolin, Grauer’s Rush Warbler, Red-faced Woodland Warbler, Strange Weaver, and Rwenzori Double-collared Crimson Wing. Bird watching in this region offers an incredible opportunity to observe rare and beautiful birds in their natural environment.
Best Hikes & Trails
Hiking in Volcanoes National Park is a must-do activity with numerous trails offering diverse experiences. Each route requires a hiking permit and the guidance of a knowledgeable local guide.
Lake Ngezi
This is one of the park’s easiest hikes leading to a picturesque lake at the foot of Mount Bisoke. The three-hour trail provides stunning views across the border into the forests of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Mount Bisoke
Hiking Mount Bisoke can take anywhere from five hours to a full day, depending on the weather conditions. The summit offers breathtaking views of the Crater Lake and the surrounding landscapes.
Mount Karisimbi
Standing at 14,787 feet, Mount Karisimbi is the highest peak in Rwanda. The hike to the summit offers a chance to encounter Mountain Gorillas and other primates, along with views of the twin lakes.
Karisoke Research Centre
Established by Dian Fossey, the Karisoke Research Centre is reached via a 30-minute transfer from the park headquarters followed by a 1.5-hour hike. The center is situated in the saddle between Mount Karisimbi and Mount Bisoke and offers insights into Gorilla research and conservation.
Iby’iwacu Cultural Village Tour
The Iby’iwacu Cultural Village also known as the Mountain Gorilla Guardian Village is a community initiative that showcases the cultural heritage of the indigenous Rwandan people. The village highlights the importance of wildlife conservation and Gorilla protection through cultural tourism.
Visitors to the cultural village can immerse themselves in the traditional life of the local community. Activities include enjoying performances by the Intore dance group, listening to folk tales and songs, and participating in traditional cooking, beer brewing, cow milking, and milk product making. The tour also includes exploring the King’s hut and house guided by a local expert.
Kwita Izina (Gorilla-Naming Ceremony)
Kwita Izina, the Gorilla-naming ceremony is a significant cultural event in Rwanda. It celebrates the birth of new baby Gorillas in the endangered Mountain Gorilla families. The ceremony involves music, dance, storytelling, and a feast, attracting international celebrities and conservationists who participate in naming the baby Gorillas. This event highlights Rwanda’s commitment to Gorilla conservation and provides a unique cultural experience for attendees.
Best Time to Visit Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park is a year-round destination, but the dry season is often considered the best time to visit. The long dry seasons from December to early March and June to September offer optimal conditions for trekking, with more manageable hiking terrain in the rainforest.
Gorilla trekking during these months is particularly favorable due to the lower likelihood of rain, providing clearer trails and better visibility. However, primate tracking remains viable throughout the year with the rainforest’s lush beauty making the wet season visits uniquely rewarding.
For budget-conscious travelers, the wet season, spanning from March to May and October to November, presents an ideal opportunity. Hotels and lodges typically offer discounts due to lower occupancy rates and gorilla tracking permits are more readily available. This period of reduced demand ensures a more serene experience allowing visitors ample opportunity to witness the endangered Mountain Gorillas in a more tranquil setting.
Whether opting for the dry season’s comfort or the wet season’s affordability, Volcanoes National Park promises an unforgettable adventure.
How to Get to Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park is located in northeast Rwanda, near the borders with Uganda to the north and DR Congo to the west. It is a two-hour drive from Kigali, offering travelers a scenic journey through the Rwandan countryside.
The Cyanika International border post with Uganda is only a 30-minute drive from the park, facilitating easy cross-border safaris between the two countries.
For a more exclusive experience, Akagera Aviation provides helicopter flights to Kinigi, situated conveniently close to the park. This accessibility makes Volcanoes National Park an attractive destination for both overland and aerial travelers.
Our Top Gorilla Trekking Packages
3 day gorilla safari
The 3 days Rwanda gorilla Tour takes you through the Kigali, for the city tour to Volcanoes national park where you will have a lifetime experience, visiting the mountain gorillas and live you with a memorable experience from the unforgettable photos and videos you will take
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6 day Chimps & Gorilla
The 6 Days Rwanda Primate Tour Covers two National parks, Nyungwe and Volcanoes National Park. In the first place, the Visitor will enjoy the Chimpanzee tracking, canopy walk then Continue to enjoy the Gorilla tracking and visiting the Twin Lakes of Rubondo and Burera.
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7 Day Rwanda Wildlife Safari
This 7-day safari in Rwanda and Uganda offers a tonne of interesting tourisit activities. This package is perfect for anyone interested in golden monkey trekking, a genuine wildlife safari in Rwanda, a top tourist destination, and gorilla tracking in Uganda’s Bwindi impenetrable forest.
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