Volcanoes National Park, Gorilla Trekking Tours in Rwanda
Volcanoes National Park is located in the North Western Part of Rwanda bordering Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Mgahinga National Park in Uganda.
The Park prominently inhabits the rare species of Mountain Gorillas and Golden Monkeys in Rwanda and comprises of five of the eight Virunga Volcanoes i.e Karisimbi, Bisoke, Muhabura, Gahinga and Sabyinyo covering an area of 160 kms2 of Rain Forest and Bamboo.
The Park also includes the Mountain Bisoke Volcano Hike which takes you adventuring the prominent Dian Fossey Tombs where you learn about the dedicated primatologist who sacrificed her life to save that of the Mountain Gorillas that were illegally poached and killed at the time.
How to Get To Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park is suitably located in Ruhengeri District and can be accessed by road transport and public means as well as Air by boarding a Flight. Form Kigali International Airport and Gisenyi, the journey takes you 2 hours to finish.
Activities to do in Volcanoes National Park
Gorilla Trekking
Gorilla Trekking is the most prominent Safari Activity carried out in Volcanoes National Park and it involves transferring to Park then into the forest to track the Mountain Gorillas for 3-5 hours.
Transfer in groups of 8 with a skilled ranger guide and when you meet them, only an hour is allowed to stay in their presence taking photos to keep for memories. You MUST carry your valid Gorilla Trekking Permit which costs US $1500 per person interested.
Golden Monkey Tracking
Golden Monkey tracking is another safari activity carried out in the park and just like the Mountain Gorillas, these also can be tracked for 2-4 hours in the forest and when you meet them enjoy watching them play, jump, communicate, within the tree branches. En-route, watch various birds, mammals and other primates. The Golden Monkey tracking Permit costs US $100 per person.
Bird Watching
Bird watching in Rwanda is another safari activity to carry out in the Park as you transfer through the forest watching the various species of birds flying around their natural habitat.
The birds that are seen here include; Archer’s ground robin, dusky crimson-wing, the francolins, red-faced woodland warbler, Rwenzori double collared sunbird, Rwenzori batis, Rwenzori turaco, collared apalis and strange weaver.
Hiking and Nature Walks
Volcanoes National park is a very ideal destination for travelers interested in hiking and nature adventures as they explore the green forest, birds and mammal species. The numerous Nature Walks that can be taken include; the walk to Musanze Market, another takes you to explore the Twin Lakes of Burera and Ruhondo as well as the Nyange Community Walk.
Volcano Climbing
Volcanoes National Park comprises of five of the eight Virunga Volcanoes and three are the most prominently hiked by all travelers from all over the world and these include; Mount Muhabura Volcano, Mount Karisimbi Volcano, Mount Visoke/ Bisoke Volcano. These can be hiked for 3-5 and 8 depending on the physical fitness of the hikers offering scenic views of the green vegetation terrain, mammals and numerous species of birds.