What to see in Volcanoes National Park – Volcanoes National Park is a national park in Rwanda, the land of a thousand hills.
It is home to the world-renowned mountaineer trekking expedition and is part of the Great Virunga Conservation Area.
Volcanoes National Park is one of Rwanda’s most popular tourist destinations.
The park is also known as Parc National des Volcans in French and Pariki y’Igihugu y’Ibirunga in Kinyarwanda.
Spanning 160 square kilometers, this park offers a variety of attractions and activities for visitors.
Visit Mountain Gorillas
Rwanda is a country of picturesque hills, where the endangered mountain gorillas are found.
Volcanoes National Park is composed of 5 thickly forested volcanoes: Mount Karisimbi, Mount Bisoke, Mount Muhabura, Mount Gahinga, and Mount Sabyinyo, which provide breathtaking views and harbor the endangered mountain gorillas.
Visit Golden Monkeys
In contrast to mountain gorillas, the second fascinating primates live in the dense forests of Volcanoes National Park at the highest altitudes.
There is a large population of golden monkeys in the forests.
Although most of them have not been habituated and still live in their wild state, there are two habituated groups, each consisting of about 80-100 individuals.
One golden monkey group can be found and tracked at the foothills of Mount Sabyinyo.
Bird Watching
Birding is one of the most affordable safaris in Rwanda. Unlike gorilla trekking, where you need to get a gorilla permit, you just need to book and pay a nominal fee for bird watching.
Many birding tourists combine bird watching with gorilla trekking, golden monkey tracking, wildlife watching, cultural excursions, and chimp tracking.
Rwanda is home to over 700 bird species, with Volcanoes National Park accounting for 45% of these, making it one of the most popular birding destinations in Rwanda.
Visiting the Twin Lakes Ruhondo and Burera
After a long day of trekking with gorillas, one of the best ways to unwind is to take a boat ride through the waters of the Ruhondo and Burera Lakes.
You will be rewarded with beautiful birdlife and stunning views of the hilly landscape with its many waterfalls.
A visit to the islands of the lakes allows you to meet the locals and learn about their culture and heritage.
Visiting Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village (Now Called Gorilla Guardians Village)
The Iby’iwacu Cultural Village in Volcanoes National Park offers one of the best cultural experiences in Rwanda.
Be inspired by the stories of young people who have become leaders in conservation by finding new methods for former poachers to make a living.
A visit to the village is a must during your trip to the park.
Most people take a leisurely afternoon visit the day after their gorilla trekking to experience the lifestyle of local communities.
Visiting the Tomb of Dian Fossey
One of the world’s greatest primatologists, Dian Fossey, fought tirelessly to reduce poaching of animals, especially mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park.
Without Dian Fossey, mountain gorillas would most likely be extinct. She is known for inventing new ways to make gorillas more comfortable around humans by imitating their sounds and gaining the trust of the dominant male.
Hundreds of visitors come to visit Dian Fossey’s grave and former Karisoke Research Center, located between Mt. Karisimbi and Mt. Bisoke. The guided hike takes about 3 hours and costs $75.
Climbing the volcanoes to her former base allows visitors to experience her determination and passion for gorillas.
Climb Mount Karisimbi Volcano
The summit of Mount Karisimbi, an extinct volcano that reaches approximately 4,507 meters, is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Musanze and the fifth highest in Africa.
The hike is a two-day adventure, starting with a hike through thick forests to an altitude of 3,700 meters, where you will rest overnight.
The next morning, you will continue hiking the last steep section until you reach the summit.
Upon reaching the summit, you will be rewarded with spectacular views of Volcanoes National Park, the white-capped Rwenzori Mountains, Mount Nyiragongo, and all the volcanoes in the Virunga region.
Climb Mount Bisoke
Mount Bisoke is an extinct volcano that forms part of the Virunga Range. It takes about 3 hours of driving from the capital Kigali to reach the base of the mountain.
Hiking Mt. Bisoke takes one day and is relatively easy compared to hiking Mt. Karisimbi. Hikers must be reasonably fit for the activity.
The hiking permit costs $75. Like 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 rocky, requiring a 4×4 vehicle.
Hikers with heavy luggage can hire porters for about $15 at the starting point.
Visit Mount Muhabura
Volcanoes National Park is home to Mount Muhabura, the third highest mountain in the Virunga Range at 4,127 meters.
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 area.
In conclusion, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda offers a diverse range of activities for tourists, including gorilla trekking, bird watching, cultural experiences, and hiking various volcanoes.
The park is a must-visit destination for those seeking adventure and natural beauty in the heart of Africa.
