Volcanoes National park
Volcanoes National Park is African’s oldest national Park situated in the north-western parts of Rwanda protecting the mountain ranges steep slopes which harbours the endangered mountain gorillas hence a prime destination for gorilla trekking and it’s part of Virunga mountains, which are shared by Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo. Volcanoes National Park sits on 160 square Kilometres of area size characterised by lush rainforests and bamboo forests which encompasses five volcanoes of the Eight volcanoes in the Virunga mountains namely Karisimbi, Bisoke, Muhabura, Gahinga, and Sabyinyo offering a home to a variety of wildlife together with the mountain gorillas, Golden Monkeys and over 200 bird species. The Park was established in 1925 by the Belgian colonial government mainly to protect the endangered mountain gorillas and other wildlife from poacher. The Park is about 94Km away from Kigali town which is approximately 2 hours road drive depending on the traffic conditions.
LOCATION OF VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK:
Volcanoes National Park is situated in the north-western parts of Rwanda protecting the mountain ranges steep slopes which harbours the endangered mountain gorillas hence a prime destination for gorilla trekking and it’s part of Virunga mountains, which are shared by Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo. The Park is specifically located in Musanze district which was formerly known as Ruhengeri and it shares borders with Virunga Mountains in Democratic Republic of Congo, and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda. The Park is relatively accessible by both road transportation and air transportation since it’s strategically located approximately 2 hours road drive from Kigali, the Capital City of Rwanda or alternatively connect via the Cyanika border from Uganda.
ATTRACTIONS IN VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK:
Volcanoes National Park offers a variety of attractions such as the endangered mountain gorillas and golden monkeys that reside in it, the birds, twin lakes and Musanze caves amongst as detailed below;
- Mountain Gorillas
Volcanoes National Park is home to the famous endangered mountain gorillas hence a prime destination for gorilla trekking in Rwanda.
- Golden monkeys
Volcanoes National Park is also harbouring golden monkeys that can be tracked within the park’s bamboo forests in Rwanda.
- Birds
Volcanoes National Park boasts of over 200 bird species residing in the park including the Albertine rift endemics making it a perfect birder’s paradise.
- Volcanic Peaks
Volcanoes National Park encompasses five volcanoes of the Eight volcanoes in the Virunga mountains namely Karisimbi, Bisoke, Muhabura, Gahinga, and Sabyinyo offering a home to a variety of wildlife together with the mountain gorillas, Golden Monkeys and over 200 bird species. Mount Bisoke being the most popular one for its crater lake hence hiking.
- Volcanic Landscape
The Park boasts of a dramatic landscape dominated by volcanic peaks, lush forests, and bamboo forests with unique vegetation zones. The Park landscape transfers from rainforests at lower altitudes to bamboo forests, Hagenia-Hypericum forests and finally Afro-alpine vegetation at higher altitude.
- Musanze Cave
The Park contains the Musanze Cave that served as a former coronation site for Rwandan kings and can be explored.
- Twin Lakes (Ruhondo and Burera)
The Park contains these scenic lakes which offer experiences of boat cruise, and beautiful views of the surrounding landscapes.
Activities In volcanoes National park
ACTIVITIES IN VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK:
Volcanoes National Park is characterised with various activities offered from it’s attractions in the park as detailed below;
- Gorilla Trekking
Volcanoes National Park is home to the famous endangered mountain gorillas hence a prime destination for gorilla trekking in Rwanda.
- Golden Monkey Tracking
Volcanoes National Park is also harbouring golden monkeys that can be tracked within the park’s bamboo forests in Rwanda.
- Bird watching
Volcanoes National Park boasts of over 200 bird species residing in the park including the Albertine rift endemics making it a perfect birder’s paradise hence bird watching.
- Volcano Hiking
Volcanoes National Park encompasses five volcanoes of the Eight volcanoes in the Virunga mountains namely Karisimbi, Bisoke, Muhabura, Gahinga, and Sabyinyo offering a home to a variety of wildlife together with the mountain gorillas, Golden Monkeys and over 200 bird species. Mount Bisoke being the most popular one for its crater lake hence encouraging volcano hiking with different challenging trails.
- Twin Lake (Ruhondo and Burera) visit
The Park contains these scenic lakes that can be visited and they offer experiences of boat cruise, and beautiful views of the surrounding landscapes.
- Iby’Iwacu Cultural Encounter
The Park encourages visitors to visit the Iby’Iwacu Cultural village where they showcase Rwandan Culture through traditional dances, crafts, and way of life.
DIRECTIONS TO VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK;
Volcanoes National Park is relatively accessible by both road transportation and air transportation since it’s strategically located approximately 2 hours road drive from Kigali, the Capital City of Rwanda or alternatively connect via the Cyanika border from Uganda or take a chartered flight to Kigali International Airport then proceed to Volcanoes National Park.
BEST TIMES TO VISIT VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK:
Volcanoes National Park can be visited all year round in the different seasons of Wet and Dry in Rwanda. But best time can be in the dry season in Rwanda in the months of December, January, February, May, June, July and August where hiking into the forest to carry-out gorilla trekking or tracking the golden monkeys is easier since the trails are drier, the skies are clearer and the primates can be easily seen than the wet season. The Wet season in Rwanda happens in the months of March, April, October and November, this is the best season for bird watching in Rwanda.
ACCOMMODATIONS IN VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK:
Volcanoes National Park offers a wide range of accommodation options to choose from ranging from budget to mid-range to luxury as mentioned below;
- Budget accommodation options include Villa Gorilla and Kinigi Guesthouse
- Mid-range accommodations options such as Sambora Kinigi Lodge, La Palme Hotel and Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel
- Luxury Accommodation options like One and Only Gorilla’s Nest, Singita Kwitonda Lodge, and Virunga Lodge, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge.
