Volcanoes National Park is Rwanda’s popular and most travel destination located in the northwestern province of Rwanda. Home to over 400 mountain gorillas, Volcanoes National Park is a must visit on your Rwanda safari. The park spreads over 160 square kilometers and its vegetation comprise of bamboo forests, swamps, moorlands, meadows, mashes and thickets, which favor the habitation of numerous birds and wild animals. Tourism in Volcanoes National Park has disrupted by the civil wars in Rwanda between 1992 to 1999 and all visits t this park during this period were halted. In 1999, security was restored and the park reopened for tourism. Since then, tourist arrivals in this park have increased day by day which make Volcanoes Park among the top travel destinations in Africa and the world as a whole. Volcanoes National Park is home to the endangered mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, black fronted duikers, Bushbucks, Spotted hyenas, Buffalos, Forest elephants, black and white Colubus. African Apes Holidays offers you a guide to Volcanoes National Park, what to do, when to visit, what to carry, attractions and safety precautions to ensure a peaceful and enjoyable Rwanda gorillas safari to Volcanoes Park. The park is bordered by Virunga National Park in Congo and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda.
Activities/attractions in Volcanoes Park
For nature lovers, Volcanoes National Park offers and endless list of interesting attractions and activities to meet satisfy and even exceed travel expectations. A combination of mountain ranges, wild animals, birds and forests make a complete safari package in this forested park. The top things to see and do in Volcanoes National Park include:
Mountain Gorilla Trekking
Gorilla trekking is the number one travel activity, which bring most travelers to Volcanoes National Park. Rwanda travel statistics show that over 60% of travelers to Rwanda choose to trek gorillas as their first priority. The park is home to 10-habituated gorilla families which guarantee availability of 80 gorilla permits each day. The gorilla groups in Volcanoes National Park are Susa A, Sabinyo group, Karisimbi Gorilla family, Hirwa family, Kwitonda group, Agashya group, Amahoro family, Hirwa family, Umubano family, Bwenge gorilla group and Ugenda family. Each gorilla family is visited by 8 people a day who spend an hour with these endangered species. Travelers trekking gorillas in Volcanoes Park are required to have permits, which cost $1500 each. Gorilla permit booking in Rwanda can be done direct with Rwanda Development Board or through African Apes Tours, your trusted gorilla safari company in Africa. Volcanoes National Park is can be visited all year round but dry season in June, July, August, September, December, January and February are best for gorilla trekking. The things to pack for your gorilla trekking in Rwanda include hiking boots, gardening gloves, long pants, rain jackets, sun glasses, insect repellants, toiletries, energy giving snacks, drinking water and warm sweaters among others
Golden Monkey trekking
Take part in the enjoyable golden monkey trekking and have company with these playful and active primates. Volcanoes Park is the only place to see these endangered places in the whole of Rwanda. Two golden monkey communities have been habituated for trekking in Volcanoes Park. A permit to trek golden monkeys costs $100 inclusive of park entrance fees, conservation fee, rangers fee and other government taxes.
Mt Karisimbi hiking
Enjoy a hike to the summit of the tallest Mt Karisimbi, which stands at 4,507 meters above sea level. The 2 Days Mt Karisimbi hike with African Apes Holidays is a suitable package to conquer this iconic mountain. The slopes of Mt Karisimbi shelter the endangered karisimbi gorilla family, which travelers can meet on a good day. The cost of hiking Mt Karisimbi is $400 inclusive of the permit, ranger’s fee and park entrance fees. Travelers spend an overnight on the summit of the volcano, which make it more interesting.
Mt Bisoke Hike
Take part in a 1 Day Mt Bisoke hike for the adventurous volcano climbing in one day. The permit to hike Mt Bisoke costs $75 issued by Rwanda Development Board.
Bird watching
Sheltering over 180 bird species, Volcanoes National Park is best for bird watching experience. The notable birds in Volcanoes Park include Blue spotted wood dove, Cinnamon Chested bee eater, Baglafecht weaver, Bateleur, Red blacked Shrike, African Long eared owl, Brown necked parrot, Ruwenzori Apalis, Ruwenzori nightjar, Dusky turtle dove, Red faced woodland warbler, Handsome francolin, Strange weaver and Lagen’s bush shrike. Bird watching is best done from June to August when forest grounds are dry and easy to hike through. November to April is the best time to see migratory birds.
Nature walks
Explore Volcanoes National Park on foot in a nature walk experience. Forest walking is the best way to explore the hidden gem in the bamboo forest. A walk to the caves, water streams and other attractions in the park is an enjoyable experience. Enjoy the calm quite natural environment as you listen to the sweet melodies of birds above you in the trees. Remember to bring a walking stick when going for a forest walk in Volcanoes National park.
Dian Fossey Grave Yard Hike
Hike to the graveyard of the late Dian Fossey, an American primatologist who lost her life to save the endangered mountain gorillas, which were at the verge of extinction. You will learn the conservation programs of Dian Fossey and commemorate on her efforts to save the endangered gorillas. Much as the poachers killed Dian Fossey, her gospel of gorilla conservation has continued up to present and has seen gorilla population increase steadily over time.
The other attractions in Volcanoes Park include
Musanze caves
Bulera and Buhondo twin lakes
Where to stay in Volcanoes National Park
For those who want to spend an overnight in Volcanoes National Park, African Apes Tours & Travel brings you a full list of top lodges and hotels in the park. These serve you with excellent food and sleeping services at affordable rates. Lodge service ranges from budget, mid range and luxury basing on the travelers interests. The top places to stay in Volcanoes Park include:
• Bisate Lodge (Luxury)
• Mountain Gorilla View Lodge ( luxury)
• Sabinyo Gorilla Lodge (Luxury)
• Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge (Midrange)
• Kinigi Guest House (Budget)
• Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge (Mid range)
• Five Volcanoes Boutique Lodge
• Singita Kwitonda Lodge (Luxury)
• Villa Gorilla Lodge (Budget)
• Virunga Lodge 9Luxury)
• Amakoro Songa Lodge
• Best View Hotel
• Faraja Hotel
• Garden place Hotel
• Mountain Gorilla Solution Lodge
• Hotel Muhabura
These lodges have well trained staff that work hand in hand to ensure quick and quality service delivery
Conclusively therefore, Volcanoes National Park is your best destination to visit on your Rwanda safari. Travel with African Apes Tours to explore the beautiful Volcanoes Park for gorilla trekking, volcano climbing, bird watching and other wildlife experiences.