“In the heart of Central Africa, so high up that you shiver more than you sweat,” wrote the eminent primatologist Dian Fossey, “are great, old volcanoes towering up almost 15,000 feet, and nearly covered with rich, green rainforest – the Virungas”. Situated in the Virunga mountains, the Volcanoes National Park Rwanda protects the steep slopes of this magnificent mountain range – home of the rare mountain gorilla – and the rich mosaic of montane ecosystems, which embrace evergreen and bamboo forest, open grassland, swamp and heath.
The Volcanoes National Park is the most visited of the 4 National Parks in Rwanda. Located in the Northern Rwanda, Volcanoes Park is home to the endangered mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, other primates, mammals, reptiles and 200 bird species. It is the most sought for primate safari destination in Rwanda, often visited by nature lovers who come to enjoy mountain gorilla trekking adventures.
The Volcanoes National park has been made famous because of the endangered mountain gorillas but the mountainous landscape, green forests, lakes, rivers and a sizeable population of other wildlife also makes the park stand out. Four major volcanoes can be found in the Volcanoes National Park. They include Bisoke, Karisimbi, Gahinga, Sabyinyo and Muhabura. Because of the high altitudes, volcanoes and low laying areas, the park has four types of vegetation cover consisting of Bamboo on the lower slopes, Hypericum / Hagenia on the higher altitudes below 3,300m, sub-alpine vegetation at altitudes above 3,300m and Afro alpine vegetation above 4,000m.
Apart from hosting 30% of the remaining population of mountain gorillas that feed on bamboo shoots and other lower altitude vegetation cover, another endangered species inhabiting the parks lower altitudes are the beautiful golden monkeys. There are also clans of wild chimpanzees and other small primates that call the park home. Larger mammals like forest Elephants and Buffaloes can be found but in small groups. The park has leopards, Duikers, Bush Pigs, Forest Hogs and the Spotted Hyena. Birding in the volcanoes national park is increasingly becoming popular in the park considering the numerous species found in the park, top of which are the beautiful Francolins and the Rwenzori Turaco.
Why Visit the Volcanoes National Park
Go for an exhilarating trek through the cultivated foothills of the Virungas offers stirring views in all directions. Then, abruptly, the trail enters the national park, immersing trekkers in the mysterious intimacy of the rainforest, alive with the calls of colourful birds and chattering of the rare golden monkey, and littered with fresh spoor of the mountains’ elusive populations of buffalo and elephant.
Through gaps in the forest canopy, the magnificent peaks are glimpsed, easily accessible and among the highest in Africa, beckoning an ascent.
The bustling market town of Ruhengeri has a memorable setting at the base of the Virungas. On the outskirts of town, the natural bridge at Musanze – a solidified lava flow – is a fascinating relic of the volcanic activity that shaped this scenic area.
Also within easy day tripping distance of Ruhengeri are the seldom visited but lovely Lakes Burera, Ruhondo and Karago.
Ruhengeri offers a good selection of reasonably-priced small hotels and guest houses, including the newly renovated hotel Gorilla’s Nest.
Visitors could also base themselves in Gisenyi or Kigali and – with an early start – head to the Parc des Volcans and Ruhengeri as a day trip.
Things to Do
There are lots of things to do in the Volcanoes National Park. From popular gorilla treks to hiking the Virunga Mountains, a lot awaits you during your holiday in the Volcanoes Park Rwanda. Here are the top things to do within the park;
Gorilla Trekking
Tracking the endangered mountain gorillas on the slopes of the Virunga volcanoes is a magical experience. Gorilla trekking is a must-do adventure when it comes to Rwanda safaris to Volcanoes N.P. Trekking with Rwanda gorillas is a lifetime opportunity to observe their daily behaviors and photography. Traveling to enjoy gorilla trekking requires trekkers to have valid gorilla permits and each USD1500 per person.
Golden monkey tracking
Hike through mountain forests to experience these gentle creatures or make your way through airy bamboo forests to find the charming Golden Monkey. Golden monkeys are endemic to the Virunga Area, and visiting Volcanoes N/Park is a remarkable chance to get up close with these charming creatures while in the wild. You will be visiting habituated troops/groups and along the way, other primates can be spotted including Dent’s monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys.
Dian Fossey Trail
Also available is the ‘Dian Fossey Tomb Trail’ – a beautiful yet challenging hike to 3,000 meters up the slopes of Mount Bisoke or a hike to the beautiful Ngezi Crater Lake at the top.
Because of her courage and determination, poaching of animals and particularly mountain gorillas was greatly reduced in the Volcanoes National Park. Without her efforts, mountain gorillas would probably be extinct by now. She is also credited for introducing new ways of making gorillas comfortable around human presence by imitating their sounds and gaining the acceptance/trust of the dominant male. Today hundreds of visitors go to pay homage to this great conservationist by visiting her grave and former Karisoke Research Center located between Mount Karisimbi and Mount Bisoke.
Dian Fossey hike
Dian Fossey tomb hike offers unforgettable hiking experience and a lifetime opportunity to explore Dian Fossey gorilla conservation legacy. Dian Fossey is remembered for many things and as a researcher, she spent over 18 years studying about gorillas in the Virunga region. Karisoke Research Centre was set up to aid her research work and to continue with her conservation work, Dian Fossey Fund was founded.
Birding
Birding in Volcanoes NP is all about identifying Albertine rift endemic birds and other species. The birds to encounter on birding expedition in Volcanoes NP include the Rwenzori turacos, Kivu ground thrush, long-crested eagle, double collared sunbird, common moorhen Rwenzori nightjar, dusky crimson wing, paradise flycatcher, red-faced woodland warbler, and many others.
Hiking Mount Karisimbi Volcano: Mount Karisimbi is an extinct Volcano that reaches a height of about 4,507m. Hiking Mount Karisimbi is one of the top tourist attractions in Musanze. It is the fifth highest in Africa and thus requires mental and physical preparation in order to ensure the 2 day hike. The hike involves navigating through thick forests before stopping at an altitude of 3700m for the first stop, rest and overnight. Hikers than continue hiking the last steep section early in the morning and up to the top of the summit. The summit rewards hikers with great views of the Volcanoes National Park, the whitened snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains, Mount Nyiragongo and all the volcanoes within the Virunga region.
Mount Bisoke Hike: Mount Bisoke is an extinct Volcano that forms part of the wider Virunga range of Mountains. It takes 3 hours of driving to reach the foot of the mountain from the capital Kigali. Hiking mount Bisoke takes one day and is relatively easier compared to Karisimbi. However, hikers still need to be reasonably fit to complete the activity. The hiking permit costs 75USD and like all activities in the park, everything starts with briefing at the park headquarters before heading out to the starting point. The roads from the park headquarters to the head trail can be muddy with stones and requires a four wheel drive car. For those with heavy luggage, porters are available for hire at a cost of about 15USD at the starting point.
Mount Muhabura Hike: Mount Muhabura is one of the most interesting and adventurous volcanoes to climb while visiting the Volcanoes National Park. At 4,127m, it is the third highest mountain within the Virunga ranges. The hike starts at a height of 1200m and by the time one reaches the summit, they would have passed through beautiful green forests and marveled at the other volcanoes within the wider Virunga region.
Visiting the Twin Lakes Ruhondo and Burera: After carrying out one of the major activities like gorilla trekking, one way to relax is to visit the twin Lakes of Ruhondo and Burera. A boat cruise through the deep waters of these two lakes will reward you with beautiful sights of birds and the vast hilly landscape with waterfalls. Visiting the lake islands gives you time to mingle with the locals to learn about their rich heritage and culture that defines them and makes them different from the other tribes in Rwanda.
Best time to visit the Volcanoes National Park
Regardless of which activity you choose to do in the Volcanoes National Park, you can be sure to find it arranged throughout the year. However, most visitors prefer visiting the park during the drier periods and months. The drier months fall between June to Mid-September and December to February. This is usually the best time to go for gorilla trekking in the park because the mountain slopes are easier to hike. The months of March through to May and October to November are characterized by heavy rainfall that makes the major hiking and trekking trails slippery and full of mud. Photographers and nature lovers should come to the park during the rainy season to marvel at the lush scenery. A safari in the park can be combined with activities in other top national parks in Rwanda.