Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda (Parc National de Volcans), is one of East Africa’s most vibrant destinations and is known for its breathtaking landscapes and unique tourist attractions. Volcanoes National Park is found in Northwestern Rwanda, Musanze area, inhabiting the steep slopes of the Virunga Mountain ranges, a popular spot for the mountain gorillas and a mosaic of montane ecosystems. This Park lies within the Virunga Area (Virunga Conservation Area) and was established in 1925, which makes it one of the oldest Protected Areas on the African continent.
Volcanoes National Park is Rwanda’s third biggest National Park with an area coverage of 160 sq. km. It is largely dominated by the scenic bamboo forest, a tropical rainforest, and the ancient volcanoes rising at an altitude of about 4507m. This Park also features open grassland, heath, and swamps.
The Diverse Tourist Attractions to Explore in Volcanoes National Park
The African Virunga Mountain ranges
Volcanoes National Park derives its name from the existing old volcanoes in its geographical location. Up to 5 of the 8 Virunga Massifs make up part of the spectacular landscape of this Protected Area, each rising at a specific altitude. They include Karisimbi (4507m) –the tallest of the 8 Virunga Volcanoes, Mt. Gahinga (3474m), Muhabura Mountain (4127m), Mount Sabyinyo (3669m), and Bisoke Volcano (3711m).
The Wildlife Present
The abundant wildlife species that make Volcanoes National Park a vibrant destination include golden monkeys and mountain gorillas these make up the list of prime attractions in this Protected Area. They co-exist with other interesting mammal species such as buffaloes, hyenas, black-fronted duikers, bushbucks, elephants, & giant forest hogs. Other mammals to encounter include the bush pigs, colobus monkeys (black and white)
The Birds
At least 200 bird species exist in the Volcanoes National Park including many Albertine Rift species. The bird checklist of Volcanoes includes the collared apalis, paradise flycatchers, red-faced woodland warblers, Rwenzori batis, cinnamon-chested bee-eaters, African goshawks, strange weaver birds, scarlet-tufted malachite sunbird, long-crested eagle, Nirana trogon, palm nut vultures, dusky crimson wings, and Grauer’s rush warblers.
Volcanoes National Park is also most famous for birds such as the Kivu ground thrush, Archer’s ground robin, Rwenzori double-collared sunbird, weird weavers, Rwenzori turacos, crested barbets, blue-spotted wood doves, brown-necked parrots, Bronzy sunbird, white-collared olive back, Doherty’s bush shrikes, brown-necked parrot, African swamphen, Lagden’s bush shrikes, African long-eared owls, and bat hawks.
The floral species
Volcanoes’ lush vegetation is characterized by marshes, grasslands, meadows, bamboo forests, hagenia-hypericum forest, secondary thickets, lobelia, and many others.
The Different Safari Activities to Enjoy
The amazing experiences awaiting you to enjoy in the Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda, include volcano hiking/climbing, golden monkey tracking, bird-watching or birding, cultural visits, gorilla trekking, and more.
Gorilla trekking
Gorilla trekking is the exceptional primate adventure for which Volcanoes National Park is most popular. The gorilla treks in Volcanoes mainly focus on exploring the present endangered mountain gorillas. The Park is blessed with a total of 13 habituated gorilla groups, including Hirwa family, Agashya (Group 13), Susa A gorilla group, Umubano gorilla family, and Karisimbi (Susa B). The additional gorilla groups to trek include the Bwenge group, the Amahoro gorilla family, Kwitonda, Sabyinyo, and more.
The normal gorilla trekking session in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park takes about 2-6 hours, although this often varies depending on the location of the gorillas, how fit the trekkers are, and the general nature of the park. Visitors are assured of an hour for up close and personal interaction with a family of the rare mountain gorillas as they are immersed in the wild.
Note, to track the Volcanoes mountain gorillas, you need a valid gorilla permit, which is also issued to persons above 15 years. To secure a valid Rwanda gorilla permit, you need USD 1500, and you can book it through Bujuku Eco Tours and Travel.
Golden Monkey trekking
Golden monkey trekking is one of the mesmerizing adventures Volcanoes is most famous for, and offers tourists a lifetime opportunity to interact with a troop of golden monkeys. About 2 troops have undergone the complete habituation process and are currently available for trekking with an expert from Volcanoes National Park. The guided treks with Volcanoes golden monkeys take about 2-4 hours, inclusive of an hour for you to spend with a troop of these shining primates. Golden monkeys can be spotted in their large troops, and each troop can consist of 80 to 100 individuals. Trekking with Rwanda’s golden monkeys in Volcanoes National Park is possible, but a valid permit is needed, each costing USD 100 per guest.
Birding tours
Volcanoes National Park Rwanda is one of the best places to visit to spot variety of Albertine Rift endemics and others. On a rewarding birding tour, expect to find birds such as the Archer’s ground robin, Rwenzori batis, red-faced woodland warblers, Handsome francolins, Grauer’s rush warblers, Kivu ground thrush, Doherty’s bush shrike, white-collared olive back, Scarlet tufted malachite sunbird, Narina trogon, blue-spotted wood dove, black cuckoos, and Bronzy sunbirds.
The Dian Fossey tomb site hiking experience
It is in the Volcanoes National Park that you can explore in depth about Dian Fossey and her remarkable journey as a conservationist and researcher. The hike to the Dian Fossey tomb/graveyard site takes about 2-4 hours and takes you through the lush green vegetation and high elevation. She is remembered for her pivotal role in saving today’s unique mountain gorillas and also set up a research center, “Karisoke,” primarily for research purposes.
Volcanoes Hiking/Climbing Adventures
If you love hiking or climbing adventures, then consider Volcanoes National Park a must-visit on your Rwanda safari. Volcano hikes in this Park are excellently enjoyed on Mount Bisoke and Karisimbi. A complete trekking adventure to the summits of Karisimbi requires about 2 days, and Bisoke can take a day. Other Volcanoes are best explored on the Ugandan part, specifically at the Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Musanze Caving
Musanze caving expeditions are perfect before/after you have had a successful trek with the Rwanda mountain gorillas. The caves are located near Volcanoes and feature a unique history that dates back about 65 million years. The Musanze caves are 2 km long, and as you walk through, you can come across amazing bird species, bats, reptiles, and other species.
Community Tours
Cultural or community interaction opportunities are available in the Iby’Iwacu Village, which is located adjacent to Volcanoes National Park. This is a local community project comprising mainly of the ex-poachers, who have turned into active advocates of wildlife conservation. Inspirational stories await, and great learning about Rwandan traditions, cultures, and other practices.
The Twin Lake Excursions
The Twin Lakes are located not far from Volcanoes National Park, Musanze. They include Lake Ruhondo and Burera, with boat excursions offering a perfect alternative to explore them.
What is the best time to visit Musanze’s Volcanoes National Park?
Volcanoes National Park safari experiences can be enjoyed at any time of the year. But the ideal period is around the dry seasons/months when rainfall is completely reduced. The dry seasons/months to consider for your holidays in Volcanoes are June, July, August, and September. The other phase of dry season extends from December to February, and these are also excellent months to explore gorillas or golden monkeys.
The wet/rainy season offers ideal conditions for bird watching. It is around this period that most birds begin breeding, and migratory species also come to the Volcanoes. The wet months in Volcanoes NP include March, April, May, October, and November.
Where to Stay –Accommodation Choices
The major places to book for visitors’ stay in Volcanoes National Park mainly comprise budget, midrange, and luxury accommodations. They include La Palme Hotel, Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Kinigi Guesthouse, Muhabura Hotel, Singita Kwitonda Lodge, Le Bambou, One & Only Gorilla Nest Lodge.
Getting to Volcanoes National Park, Musanze
Located in Musanze, the Northwestern Province of Rwanda, Volcanoes National Park can be reached in 2 to 3 hours’ drive starting from Kigali. Even from Uganda, it is possible to drive across the Katuna or Chanika border to Volcanoes. Or take a domestic flight from Kigali to Ruhengeri Airport and transfer to the Park in a 4WD Safari Vehicle.
Conclusively, the above ultimate guide to Volcanoes National Park provides deep insights into everything you wish to know when planning a successful Rwanda safari. Book your safari to Volcanoes with Bujuku Eco Tours and Travel to experience the unusual adventures.