Things to do in volcanoes national park Rwanda
Volcanoes National Park, or Parc National de Volcans (PNV), serves as a premier destination for tourist attractions in Rwanda. The volcano’s national park is situated in the Northern Province of Rwanda and spans an area of 160 square kilometers. Volcanoes National Park Rwanda was established as an essential reserve area for flora and fauna in the early 1920s, along with Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Maghinga National Park in Uganda. The three parks collectively constitute the Virunga conservation region, primarily aimed at safeguarding endangered mountain gorillas.
The most suitable time for exploring Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda The entrance of Dian Fossey in the park in 1967 and the construction of the Karisoke Research Center increased exposure for the park and contributed to a decline in severe poaching. Her endeavors garnered increased financial support for gorilla conservation initiatives and secured the survival of the colossal primates.
The Volcanoes National Park is renowned for its endangered mountain gorillas; however, its steep terrain, lush forests, lakes, rivers, and substantial wildlife population also contribute to the park’s distinction. Volcanoes National Park comprises four prominent volcanoes. The mountains comprise Bisoke (3,711m), Karisimbi (4,507m), Gahinga (3,474m), Sabyinyo (3,634m), and Muhabura (4,127m). The park features four types of vegetation cover due to its height, volcanic activity, and low-lying areas: Bamboo on the lower slopes, Hypericum/Hagenia at elevations below 3,300m, sub-alpine vegetation above 3,300m, and Afro-alpine vegetation above 4,000m.
Things to do in volcanoes national park
Expeditions to Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda In addition to holding 30% of the surviving mountain gorilla community that survives on bamboo shoots and other low-altitude plants, the park’s lower altitudes are also home to endangered golden monkeys. The park is also inhabited by tribes of wild chimpanzees and various small primates. Large creatures such as forest elephants and buffaloes are present, although in limited populations. The park is home to leopards, duikers, bush pigs, forest hogs and spotted hyenas. Birdwatching in Volcanoes National Park is gaining popularity due to the diverse species there, notably the exquisite Francolins and the Rwenzori Turaco.
While gorilla trekking is the primary attraction at Volcanoes National Park, various other spectacular things to do in volcanoes national park Rwanda are available for potential travelers. Tourists may feel overwhelmed by the plethora of options and desire additional time to engage in all the activities within Volcanoes National Park. The primary attractions encompass gorilla trekking, golden monkey trekking, seeing Dian Fossey’s grave, mountain hiking, and exploring Lakes Ruhondo and Burera. Let us examine the actions in greater depth.
Mountain gorilla trekking in volcanoes national park
Volcanoes National Park is one of the four national parks in Rwanda where mountain gorillas can be observed. The remaining locations are Virunga in the Congo, and Mgahinga gorilla national park and Bwindi impenetrable forest national park in Uganda. There is an excellent possibility of observing gorillas in Mgahinga. Ten habituated gorilla families in Rwanda are accessible for tracking with the assistance of skilled and dedicated rangers. A gorilla trekking tour in Volcanoes National Park is essential to be physically fit ahead of participating in gorilla trekking activities that may be challenging, depending upon the gorilla group to which you are allocated. Trackers may engage a porter for assistance with additional luggage at a fee of approximately $15. Consult our article on gorilla trekking for individuals with disabilities for additional information regarding porters. In Rwanda, gorilla licenses are priced at $1500, with a portion allocated to local people and infrastructure improvements surrounding the park. Permits may be acquired directly from the Rwanda Development Board or, more efficiently, through a tour operator’s services. The attire for gorilla trekking includes long-sleeved shirts, pants, gloves, rain coats, and hiking boots.
Golden monkey trekking in volcanoes national park
Golden monkey trekking has become more popular and is now the second most sought-after activity after gorilla trekking . Experiencing the endangered monkeys as they feed, groom, and travel between bamboo trees incurs a price of $100. Exploring Volcanoes National Park in a group may comprise almost 100 individuals and is often governed by a dominating guy. Golden Monkey tracking may occur before or after to gorilla trekking. Monitoring the Golden Monkeys is less arduous than tracking gorillas, as they do not ascend to high heights in pursuit of fresh sustenance like their gorilla counterparts. They favor consuming the bamboo shoots that develop at the base of the volcanoes. Golden monkey permits do not require advance booking as gorilla permits do; however, early booking is advised as a precaution.
Hiking dian fossey tombs
Visiting the tomb of Dian Fossey, a renowned primatologist in history. Her dedication and persistence greatly decreased poaching of wildlife, especially mountain gorillas, in Volcanoes National Park Rwanda. In the absence of her initiatives, mountain gorillas would likely be extinct at this point. Exploring Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. She is recognized for developing innovative methods to acclimate gorillas to human presence by emulating their vocalizations and earning the trust of the dominant male. Today, several visitors pay tribute to this esteemed conservationist by visiting her grave and the former Karisoke Research Center situated between Mount Karisimbi and Mount Bisoke. The guided hike has a duration of around 3 hours and is priced at $75. Ascending the volcanoes to her former base allows one to experience her struggles, determination, and enthusiasm for the gorillas.
Hiking mount karisimbi
Mount Karisimbi is an inactive volcano with an elevation of approximately 4,507 meters. Climbing Mount Karisimbi ranks among the major tourist destinations in Musanze. It ranks as the fifth highest peak in Africa, necessitating both mental and physical preparedness for the two-day trip. The trek entails traversing dense forests before reaching an elevation of 3700m for the initial halt, rest, and overnight stay. Hikers then proceeded to ascend the final difficult segment early in the morning before reaching the summit. The summit offers hikers spectacular vistas of Volcanoes National Park, the snow-covered Rwenzori Mountains, Mount Nyiragongo, and the volcanoes of the Virunga region.
Hiking Mount Bisoke
The Mount Bisoke hike is an ascent of Mount Bisoke, an extinct volcano that is part of the huge Virunga mountain range. The journey from the city, Kigali, to the base of the mountain requires three hours of driving. Ascending Mount Bisoke requires one day and is comparatively less challenging than Karisimbi. Nonetheless, hikers must possess a reasonable level of fitness to undertake the sport. The hiking permit is priced at $75, and, like with all park activities, it commences with a briefing at the park headquarters prior to proceeding to the starting location. The roads from the park headquarters to the main route may be muddy and rocky, necessitating a four-wheel drive vehicle. Porters can be hired for approximately $15 at the starting point for individuals with substantial luggage.
Hiking mount Muhabura
The Mount Muhabura hike is a captivating and adventurous ascent of one of the notable volcanoes inside Volcanoes National Park. At 4,127 meters, it ranks as the third tallest mountain in the Virunga range. The ascent commences at an elevation of 1200m, culminating at the peak after traversing picturesque green forests and observing the surrounding mountains of the Virunga range.
Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda After engaging in a significant activity such as gorilla trekking, a means of relaxation is to visit the twin lakes of Ruhondo and Burera. A boat journey across the expansive waters of these two lakes will offer stunning views of avian species and the extensive hilly terrain adorned with waterfalls. Visiting the lake islands provides an opportunity to engage with the residents and gain insight into their rich tradition and culture, which distinguishes them from other tribes in Rwanda.