The Birunga massif in the north of Rwanda, with five magnificent volcanoes, including Karisimbi with the highest peak of 4,507 meters. The ‘ Volcano National Park’ is located on the common border of Rwanda, Congo and Uganda where Dian Fossey studied 600 gorillas in Rwanda for many years.
The Volcanoes National Park Rwanda is a primary forest lying on a chain of 5 volcanoes that encourage you do an excursion. The chain is extended to the Congo-Nile Crete separating two important large basins of Africa. Created in 1925 with the aim of protecting mountain gorillas, it was the first National Park in Africa and covers an area of 12,500 hectares.
Parc National Des Volcans is home to the endangered mountain Gorilla. The Parc is protected and managed by the Rwandan office fro tourism and National parks (ORTPN) and this conservation area has contributed to the main safaris to Rwanda.
Similar to chimpanzee tracking, tourists on a gorilla trekking activity are allowed to spend an hour watching these apes performing their daily activities, resting, playing, gathering food and feeding. It is your golden opportunity to shoot a picture of the amazing creatures in their natural habitat.
Getting There
When you travel to Rwanda, access to Parc National Des Volcans is via Ruhengeri town; a one and a half hours drive from Kigali city, the country’s capital. Gorilla trackers organize and hire cars for private transportation on their gorilla tour from Ruhengeri; the last stop over town adjacent to the park boundaries and proceed to the headquarters and follow the tracking trails on foot.
Following the well-maintained network of nature trails, we will take you through the forest, encountering creepers, hanging vines, colorful giant lobelia and misty bamboo. Regularly, golden monkeys among other mammals will be seen swinging from one branch to another whereas buffaloes and Duikers will cross your path at the time when you least expect it.
The Virunga Volcanoes
The five volcanoes situated in Rwanda are:
- Karisimbi : 4 507 m
- Muhabura : 4 127 m
- Bisoke : 3 711 m
- Sabyinyo : 3 634 m
- Gahinga : 3 474 m
- Mikeno : 4 437 m
- Nyiragongo : 3 470 m
- Nyamuragira : 3 058 m
Things to Do
A lot of other activities to offer: The Volcanoes is the ultimate destination for gorilla trekking in Rwanda because it not only offers gorilla watching but also other activities like;
Golden monkey Trekking
The fun of following the golden monkeys after gorilla trekking is only left to the Virunga area in the world. Volcanoes National Park is one of the habitats of this endangered monkey specie in the world and Mgahinga gorilla national park of Uganda. During the experience you follow the semi-habituated troupes of monkeys as you enjoy their lifestyles like swinging on different tree branches and others.
While trekking to see the golden monkeys you may get to spot other primates like black and white colobus, L’Hoest’s, vervet monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabey, red-tailed monkeys, blue monkeys, olive baboons the list is endless. Volcanoes National Park is a primate haven in Rwanda.
Mountain Climbing
Also, after gorilla trekking in Volcanoes national park, you can opt for a mountain hike for last a day on a return adventure. Volcanoes includes 5 volcanoes including Mountain Muhabura, Mountain Karisimbi, Mountain Bisoke, Mountain Gahinga, and Mountain Sabyinyo that offer different expeditions and adventures.
As you hike, go through different vegetation zones according to an altitude between 2400m to 2500m Neoboutania, 2500m to 3200m Arundinaria, and 3200m to 3600m Hagenia- Hypericum. These vegetations are also feeding grounds for the primates that live in this park.
Birding
During gorilla trekking, you have a double opportunity to spot a number of birds inclusive of Albertine endemics. Volcanoes National park gives safe haven to the abundant birdlife ranging from 90 to 100 in number. Among the birds to identify during the walk include; Shelley’s Crimson wings, handsome Francolin, Rwenzori Turaco, Arche’s Robin chat, and others. Volcanoes National park is the top Rwanda birding destination.
Hiking to the Dian Fossey trek
Dian Fossey was not only a famous primatologist but also a devoted conservationist the world today boasts about. She studied primates and most importantly, treasured animals since her childhood. Dian Fossey met Dr. Louis Seymour Bazett Leakey who got impressed by the passion for animals and it was from here that she was told of studying primates in Africa and specifically, she devoted herself to learn about mountain gorillas.
She conducted her research for about 18 years in the Virunga Mountain ranges and she gave birth to the current details of gorilla trekking in Africa through her research. After realizing how humans were heartless about the existence of the mountain gorillas that were on the verge of extinction by the 1980s, she started the habituation process. In 1967 she set up the Karisoke Research Center in Rwanda where she staged her work.
Not all went as she desired because by in 1985, Dian Fossey met her death by unknown people. Her love for the mountain gorillas followed her to the grave as she was buried amongst the gorillas which was her wish. Part of her work still exists and an institution was set up in her memory.
Whenever you choose a visit to the Dian Fossey grave contribute greatly to conserving the endangered mountain gorillas. As of now, the number of mountain gorillas are rising every census currently over 1000 gorillas from 250 mountain gorillas by the 1980s but more is still needed.
Kigali City tour
Before and after visiting Volcanoes national park, the activity you should not miss out before leaving Rwanda is the city tour. Taking a city tour in Kigali gives you a chance to go into the commercial life of Rwandese as you enjoy the incredible views of the green surroundings.
Kigali city is one of the cleanest and most organized cities in Africa with very strict rules especially concerning eco-city. Dumping garbage carelessly in the city is punishable by law which is a rare thing in most African cities.
To remind locals and visitors about where Rwanda is coming from, genocide memorials are in place as a representation of 100 days of ignorance in 1994. Some of the memorials include the Kigali genocide memorial, St Families church, and Gisozi Genocide Memorial. Some names of victims of the Rwanda genocide are scribed on the walls with horrific stories about what transpired.
Nature Walks
Following the well-maintained network of nature trails, we will take you through the forest, encountering creepers, hanging vines, colorful giant lobelia and misty bamboo. Regularly, golden monkeys among other mammals will be seen swinging from one branch to another whereas buffaloes and Duikers will cross your path at the time when you least expect it.
Tips for a Successful Gorilla Trek
- For any successful Rwanda vacation, you need to book a gorilla permit.
- Wear rightly for the trek, spend a Night close to the park-book accommodation located close to the park.
- Also chose whether to track gorillas during the rainy season or dry season.
Gorilla permits in Rwanda cost US$1500 per permit year round both during the low and high season. It is claimed to be the most conservative method used to keep different habituated mountain gorilla groups health without being stressed up by humans. The price may look high but the experience is precious. The gorilla park has ten habituated gorilla families all ready for gorilla trackers but only eight tourists are allowed to visit each gorilla family per day. Rwanda gorilla tours range from 1- 10 days & beyond depending on your convenience and budget. Tour prices vary according to activities and accommodations used, Luxury Gorilla tours appear more expensive compared to budget.
Spend your days thinking about the beauty that surrounds you, from the beautiful hills, lush jungle side by side, impressive mountain, lakes to the exclusive cultural setting of villages. The park call for visits to other Rwanda attractions like the chimpanzees at Nyungwe Forest located in 7 hour distance from Musanze, beach leisure fun at Lake Kivu and other wildlife discoveries at Akagera National Park.
Sometimes tourists to the Volcanoes National Park drive to other neighboring countries Uganda and Congo for other gorilla trek and live volcano hikes. The Virunga volcanoes appear stunning, impressive and too exclusive to most guests to Rwanda and Africa in general. With the hilly setting and green vegetation the endless hilly views of mountains and hills is a perfect retreat for every Africa safari to Rwanda bite for couples, sole or group travel.
Tour Companies
Several tour companies organizes tours to the Volcanoes National Park. The request for visit is generally simple. But visiting mountain gorillas depends on whether you have the authorization issued by ORTNP, which demand is very high. The booking is normally done in advance, and payment must be made at least six month earlier. For the tour, you need take the following items with you:
- shoes appropriate to a long excursion
- a rain coat, a hat and gloves.
- long-sleeved clothes and long trousers.
- enough drinking water
- a camera and films but a flash is not allowed
- a light bag