Activities in volcanoes national park (things to do & see)
Activities in volcanoes national park Rwanda: While gorilla trekking is the primary attraction, there are numerous other remarkable things to do in volcanoes national park available to prospective tourists. Visitors may find themselves overwhelmed with options and desire additional time to fully engage in all the activities available at the Volcanoes National Park. The main highlights comprise gorilla trekking, golden monkey trekking, paying a visit to Dian Fossey’s grave, mountain hiking, and touring the lakes Ruhondo & Burera. Now, let’s explore the activities further.
Activities at volcanoes national park
Gorilla trekking
Gorilla trekking is a prime activity in volcanoes national park, The Volcanoes National Park Rwanda is among the four national parks where one can trek and see mountain gorillas in their natural habitats. Other national parks in the region include Virunga Park in Congo, as well as Mgahinga and Bwindi impenetrable national parks in Uganda. The probability of encountering mountain gorillas in these parks is 99%. There are approximately 10 habituated gorilla groups in Rwanda that can be tracked with the assistance of skilled and passionate guides.
Before engaging in an activity in volcanoes national park that may vary in difficulty based on the gorilla group you are allocated to, it is essential to be physically fit. Trackers have the option to employ a porter for assistance with additional baggage, at an approximate expense of $15. The cost of a gorilla permit in Rwanda is $1500, with a portion of the proceeds allocated to local communities and infrastructure projects in the vicinity of the park. Permits can be acquired either directly from the Rwanda Development Board or more simply via the assistance of a travel operator. The dress code for gorilla trekking requires participants to wear long-sleeved shirts and pants, along with hand gloves, rain jackets, and hiking shoes.
Golden monkey trekking
The practice of tracking golden monkeys has grown in popularity over time and is currently ranked next only to tracking gorillas. Observing the endangered primates as they eat, groom, and move from one bamboo tree to the next requires a payment of $100. A group typically comprises approximately 100 persons and is commonly led by a dominating . Golden monkey tracking can be conducted either prior to or following gorilla trekking. Tracking the Golden Monkeys is less physically demanding than tracking gorillas since Golden Monkeys do not venture to high altitudes in search of fresh food, unlike gorillas. They have a preference for consuming bamboo shoots that thrive at the foot of the volcanoes. While it is not necessary to book golden monkey permits in advance like gorilla permits, we highly encourage making early reservations as a precautionary measure.
Hiking Mount Karisimbi
Mount Karisimbi is a dormant volcano with an elevation of approximately 4,507 meters. Mount Karisimbi is a highly popular tourist destination in Musanze, known for its excellent hiking opportunities. Being the fifth highest peak in Africa, climbing it necessitates both mental and physical readiness to successfully complete the two-day journey. The trip entails traversing dense forests before reaching an elevation of 3700m for the initial rest and overnight break. Hikers then proceeded to ascend the final steep portion in the early morning, reaching the summit’s peak. Hikers who reach the peak are treated to magnificent vistas of the Volcanoes National Park, the snow-covered Rwenzori Mountains, Mount Nyiragongo, and all the volcanoes in the Virunga region.
Hiking Mount Bisoke
Mount Bisoke is a dormant volcano that is a component of the huge Virunga mountain range. The distance between the capital city of Kigali and the base of the mountain can be covered by driving for a duration of 3 hours. The hike up Mount Bisoke may be completed in a single day and is significantly less challenging in comparison to Karisimbi. Nevertheless, hikers must possess a reasonable level of physical fitness in order to successfully complete the sport. The hiking permit is priced at $75 and, as with all activities within the park, it is mandatory to attend a briefing at the park headquarters before commencing the hike from the designated starting point. The roads leading from the park headquarters to the head trail might be characterized by muddy conditions and the presence of stones, necessitating the use of a 4X4 vehicle. Individuals with bulky baggage can opt to hire porters at the initial location for a fee of approximately $15.
Hiking Mount Muhabura
Mount Muhabura is a captivating and thrilling volcano to ascend when exploring the Volcanoes National Park. With an elevation of 4,127 meters, this peak ranks as the third tallest among the Virunga ranges. The journey commences at an elevation of 1200m and as one ascends to the summit, they will traverse through picturesque verdant forests and see the surrounding volcanoes in the expansive Virunga region.
Exploring the Twin Lakes Ruhondo and Burera
Following the completion of a significant endeavor such as gorilla trekking, a recommended method of unwinding is to pay a visit to the adjacent Ruhondo and Burera twin Lakes. Embarking on a boat excursion across the profound expanses of these two lakes will provide you with splendid views of avian creatures and the expansive undulating terrain adorned with cascading waterfalls. Exploring the lake islands provides an opportunity to interact with the local population and gain insights into their diverse heritage and culture, which distinguishes them from other tribes in Rwanda.
Ngezi nature trail trek
The Ngezi Trek in Volcanoes National Park leads you to the Ngezi Crater Lake located at the base of Bisoke Mountain within the park. The path typically requires a total of 4 hours, including the return trip, and is guided by a park ranger. Along the walk, you have the opportunity to observe a variety of monkeys and birds. This walk offers a glimpse of the Virunga Volcanoes in Volcanoes National Park, featuring captivating highlights such as a picturesque little lake located in a volcanic crater at the base of Mount Bisoke.