What to do in Volcanoes National Park – Volcanoes National Park is one of the best safari destinations in the world. More and more people are coming to Rwanda for gorilla safaris and other wildlife tours.
There are many things to do in Volcanoes National Park, depending on travel interests and time. Volcanoes National Park is undoubtedly one of the most popular tour destinations in Rwanda and a top priority for most, if not all, tourists visiting the country.
Here are some of the popular activities at Volcanoes National Park:
Mountain Gorilla Tracking
For most travelers, this is the top priority when visiting Volcanoes National Park. This national park is home to 10 well-habituated gorilla families that can be trekked to.
It also includes part of Rwanda’s share of the Great Virunga Massif, which borders Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda’s Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
To see mountain gorillas in Rwanda, travelers must purchase gorilla permits, each of which costs $1,500 for an hour of interaction. The permits are issued by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB).
Golden Monkey Trekking
Trekking with golden monkeys in Volcanoes National Park is one of the most popular activities, attracting thousands of travelers each year.
Golden monkeys are amazing creatures and should definitely not be missed on your Rwanda safari.
They can be seen in their natural habitat only in Volcanoes National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Golden monkey trekking costs $100, which is much cheaper than gorilla trekking.
Volcano Climbing
In addition to the wildlife, Volcanoes National Park is home to three extinct volcanoes.
Visitors to this park can hike to the summit of each volcano, enjoying breathtaking views of the rolling hills, Kigali city, and the volcanoes of the Virunga range, as well as the local communities.
Mount Karisimbi is the highest of these volcanoes, and the hike itself is worth the reward.
Bird Watching
One of the cheapest safaris in Rwanda is bird watching in Volcanoes National Park. Unlike gorilla trekking, which requires a permit, bird watching only requires a simple booking and a small fee.
Many tourists combine bird watching in Volcanoes with other activities such as golden monkey trekking, wildlife viewing, cultural excursions, and chimp tracking.
Rwanda is home to more than 700 bird species, and Volcanoes National Park hosts 45% of them, making it the most popular birding destination in Rwanda.
The park is located in the northwest of the country and features tropical rainforests with stunning views of the five volcano ranges.
Visiting the Twin Lakes Ruhondo and Burera
One of the best ways to unwind after activities like gorilla trekking is to take a boat cruise on Lake Ruhondo and Lake Burera.
You will be rewarded with beautiful views of birds and the vast hilly landscape with waterfalls.
You will also have the opportunity to meet the locals and learn about their culture and heritage.
Visiting Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village (Now Gorilla Guardians Center)
The Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village in Volcanoes National Park offers an authentic village experience of the Rwandan people.
Get excited by the inspiring stories of how a young man became a leader in conservation by finding innovative ways for former poachers to make a living.
It is a must-visit destination, especially after gorilla trekking, to experience the lifestyle of local communities.
The Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village is an example of how young minds can change the world, and how education and innovative solutions can benefit both young and old.
Visiting the Tomb of Dian Fossey
One of the world’s greatest primatologists, Dian Fossey, fought tirelessly to reduce poaching, especially of mountain gorillas, in Volcanoes National Park.
Without her efforts, mountain gorillas might be extinct today.
She is credited with inventing ways to make gorillas more comfortable around humans by mimicking their sounds and gaining the trust of dominant males.
Hundreds of visitors pay tribute to Dian Fossey by visiting her grave and the former Karisoke Research Center, located between Mount Karisimbi and Mount Bisoke.
The guided hike takes about three hours and costs $75. Climbing to her former base allows visitors to experience her determination and passion for gorillas.
Hiking Mount Karisimbi Volcano
Mount Karisimbi is an extinct volcano that rises to approximately 4,507 meters. It is one of Musanze’s top tourist attractions.
Being the fifth highest peak in Africa, hiking Mount Karisimbi requires mental and physical preparation for a two-day hike.
The hike begins through thick forest, stopping at 3,700 meters for a rest and overnight stay. Hikers then continue in the early morning to ascend to the summit.
Upon reaching the summit, hikers are rewarded with spectacular views of Volcanoes National Park, the white-capped Rwenzori Mountains, Mount Nyiragongo, and all the volcanoes in the Virunga area.
Mount Bisoke Hike
Mount Bisoke is an extinct volcano that is part of the Virunga Range. It takes three hours to drive from Kigali to the base of the mountain.
Hiking Mount Bisoke takes one day and is relatively easier than hiking Mount Karisimbi. Hikers must be reasonably fit for this activity.
The hiking permit costs $75. As with all activities in the park, everything begins with a briefing at the park headquarters before heading to the starting point.
Roads from the park headquarters to the starting point can be muddy and require a 4×4 vehicle.
Hikers with heavy luggage can hire porters for about $15 at the starting point.
Mount Muhabura Hike
Mount Muhabura, standing at 4,127 meters, is the third highest mountain in the Virunga range and one of the most interesting and challenging volcanoes to climb while visiting Volcanoes National Park.
The hike begins at an altitude of 1,200 meters, and by the time you reach the summit, you will have passed through lush green forests and seen other volcanoes in the wider Virunga area.
In conclusion, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda offers a wide range of activities, including gorilla tracking, golden monkey trekking, volcano climbing, bird watching, cultural experiences, and hiking various mountains.
Visitors can enjoy these diverse activities and create unforgettable memories during their time in the park.
