Facts about Volcanoes National Park
Facts about Volcanoes National Park: Volcanoes national park is located in the northwestern part of Rwanda bordering Virunga national park in Democratic republic of Congo and Mgahinga gorilla national park in Uganda. The national park was established in 1925 which makes it the oldest national park to be gazetted in Africa and it covers a total land area of 160 square kilometers which is comprised of different vegetation zones that harbor wildlife species including mammals like forest elephants, buffaloes, bush pigs, duikers, bushbucks, bush pigs, primates like the endangered mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, bird species like Ruwenzori turaco, handsome francolin, strange weaver, red faced woodland warbler, Ruwenzori batis, archers ground robin and volcanic mountains which are Karisimbi, Muhabura, Bisoke, Sabyinyo and Gahinga.
Top things to see and do in Volcanoes national park
Volcanoes national park is one of the four destinations in Africa which harbor the endangered mountain gorillas and other destinations include Virunga national park in Democratic Republic of Congo, Bwindi impenetrable national park and Mgahinga gorilla national park in Uganda. Gorilla trekking is one of the popular activities carried out in Volcanoes national park and it involves moving into the forest in search of the mountain gorillas and once found spend one hour with them in their environment. Volcanoes national park is a home of more than 11 habituated gorilla families which are visited on a daily basis. Trekking starts early in the morning with a briefing about the rules and regulations at the park headquarters where after visitors will be divided into groups of 8 people and each group allocated a gorilla family to trek. Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes national park takes about 30 minutes to 7 hours depending on where the gorillas are located because they like to move from one place to another in search of food. During trekking you will be able to view other primate species, birds, plant and tree species among others and once the gorillas are found you will be allowed to spend one hour with them in their natural habitat which gives you an opportunity to watch them carry out their daily activities like feeding, breastfeeding, playing, grooming young ones, take photos and record the moments with a flash less camera.
Golden monkey trekking
Golden monkey trekking is another activity in Volcanoes national park that shouldn’t be missed during your safari. The activity also starts with a briefing at the park headquarters at around 7:30 am and after the briefing visitors will be grouped and allocated an experienced park guide who is well conversant with trails in the jungle. Golden monkey trekking is less strenuous compared to gorilla trekking and it takes about 30 minutes to 4 hours depending on where the golden monkeys are located. Golden monkeys do not leave behind clear evidence of their previous location therefore trackers locate them by looking out for fresh leftover leaves of bamboo shoot. Once the golden monkeys are located you will be able to spend one hour with them which gives you a chance to take photos, watch them jump up in trees, feed, play among others.
Volcano climbing
The Virunga Mountains are a chain of 8 volcanoes where 5 out of the 8 volcanoes are found in Volcanoes national park and these are mount Bisoke which is a dormant volcano that is 3711meters above the sea level with a massive crater lake at the peak , mount Karisimbi which is the highest volcano in the Virunga ranges that rises at an altitude of 4507meters above the sea level, mount Gahinga which is the shortest mountain in Volcanoes national park that is 3474 meters above the sea level, mount Muhavura which is 4127 meters above the sea level with a beautiful crater lake at the peak and mount Sabyinyo. During volcano climbing you will follow various trails which pass through thick forests with great views of mammals, primates, bird species, different vegetation types among others.
Exploring the Musanze caves
The Musanze caves are believed to have been formed as a result of volcanic eruption that took place about 65 million years ago. Musanze caves are 2km long underneath the earth’s surface with improved trails, stairs, walkways that lead visitors into the dark interior of the caves. The caves were used as shelter and hiding places during wars in the past and they offer visitors great views of the Virunga ranges that is mount Karisimbi, Gahinga and Muhabura, views of water streams flowing out of the rock ceiling, views of bats hanging on the cave walls, water drips among others. There is complete silence inside the caves therefore all you will hear during the exploration is the whispers, flying bats and echoes from human voices. During the Musanze cave exploration visitors are provided with strong torches, helmet, gloves, boots and a mask to help you navigate through the tunnels
Ibyiwacu cultural tour
Volcanoes national park also offers Ibyiwacu cultural tour an interesting activity which gives you a chance to interact with the local people in the neighboring village. During the cultural tour you will be able to learn about the local people way of living, their culture, tradition, farming activities, learn how to make local beer from bananas, taste their traditional food, visit the Kings palace, enjoy traditional entertainment through music, dance and drama, buy craft items among others.
Best time to visit Volcanoes national park
Volcanoes national park can be visited anytime throughout the year though the best time is during the dry season in the months of June, July, August, September, October, December, January and February. During the dry season there is little rainfall in the park therefore vegetation will be thin which helps you to clearly view different wildlife species, hiking and walking trails will be passable compared to the wet season when they are muddy and slippery.
Accommodations in Volcanoes national park
There are many accommodation facilities in Volcanoes national park where you can stay during your safari which range from luxury, midrange and budget. The accommodations include Ruzizi Tented Camp, Kinigi Guesthouse, Karenge Bush Camp, Hotel Muhabura, Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge, Garr Hotel, Gorillas Volcanoes Hotel, Villa Gorilla, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Virunga Lodge, Best View Hotel, Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, Gorillas Nest Lodge, Le Bamboo Gorilla Lodge, La Palme Hotel, Bisate Lodge, Garden Place Hotel among others.
How to get to Volcanoes national park
Volcanoes national park is located in the north western part of Rwanda and it takes about 2 to 3 hours drive from Kigali city.
Do not hesitate to contact Achieve global safaris for more information about Volcanoes national park or safari bookings.
